When a customer submits a request for quote (RFQ), they want to make sure the drawing contains all the necessary information. And while drawings are essential, providing a 3D model at the same time can significantly improve the speed and accuracy of the entire process.
At GPR Company, we strongly encourage customers to include a 3D model when one is available. Doing so helps our quoting, engineering, and quality teams work more efficiently. Additionally, it brings potential issues to light earlier in the project lifecycle, mitigating risk during production.
Why Customers Don’t Always Send 3D Models with Their RFQs
Legacy Parts Don’t Always Have Models
Many legacy components were designed years ago and only exist as PDFs, DXF files, or simple paper drawings. In these situations, customers may not have 3D models available to share.
Concerns Over Intellectual Property
3D models typically contain more information than traditional drawings. We understand that protecting intellectual property is important, and that’s why GPR Company takes customers’ confidential information extremely seriously.
As an ITAR-registered manufacturer, our team is accustomed to maintaining secure processes for handling customer data.
Model and Drawing Mismatches
In some cases, customers intentionally withhold models because they know discrepancies exist between the CAD file and the drawing. Interestingly enough, this is actually one of the most compelling arguments for providing both!
4 Reasons to Include a 3D Model with Your RFQ
1. 3D Models Help Identify Problems Earlier
Whenever we receive both a drawing and a model, our team compares the two to verify alignment. It’s surprisingly common for features or revisions to differ between the drawing and the CAD file.
Without access to a 3D model during the quoting stage, those discrepancies may not be uncovered until much later in the process. When we’re able to find and resolve issues early, our team can help eliminate delays and prevent costly rework.
2. Automation Accelerates the Quoting Process
When our estimators must manually interpret complex drawings without a model, the quoting process takes substantially longer. In fact, some customer quotes that arrive without 3D models can take three to four times longer to process than similar projects that include complete CAD data.
GPR Company uses advanced quoting software that analyzes geometry much faster when a 3D model is available. Leveraging this technology allows us to:
- Generate pricing faster
- Improve quoting accuracy
- Accelerate engineering reviews
- Reduce administrative back-and-forth
3. 3D Models Streamline Engineering
A drawing doesn’t always provide a complete picture. That’s why we ask our customers to pair drawings with 3D models, which our engineers can rotate to view complex features from multiple angles. This offers them a deeper understanding of the component, so they can:
- Identify manufacturing challenges earlier
- Evaluate manufacturability
- Suggest improvements when applicable
- Review how features fit and interact with one another
In short, having access to a 3D model from the start helps us think more strategically before production begins.
4. Quality Planning Can Start Immediately
Many of GPR Company’s inspection systems rely on model-based programming. Our Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) use CAD models to develop inspection routines and verification programs.
When a model accompanies the RFQ, our quality team can begin preparing inspection plans immediately, moving the entire project forward more efficiently.
This Small Step Delivers Significant Benefits
Providing a 3D model may seem like a minor detail, but it has a major impact on a project’s success.
At GPR Company, we encourage customers to send both the drawing and the model whenever possible. The combination gives our team the information needed to deliver faster quotes, improve engineering reviews, accelerate inspection planning, identify potential issues before they develop into costly downstream problems, and ensure a smoother overall experience from RFQ to final delivery.
Are you preparing an upcoming project? Request a quote from GPR Company with both a drawing and a 3D model to set our partnership up for success!