Guides
Straight-talking answers to the questions we get asked most — no jargon, UK prices, written by people who actually machine parts. When you're ready, upload a model for an instant quote.
Typical hourly rates, what actually drives the price, quantity breaks, and a worked example you can sanity-check your quotes against.
Read the guide → Save moneyDesign and ordering changes that cut the price of your parts — usually more than shopping around ever will.
Read the guide → CAD filesWhy STEP is almost always the right choice for machining, when IGES still shows up, and why you should never quote from an STL.
Read the guide → MaterialsAluminium, steel, stainless, brass and plastics compared on cost, machinability and where each one makes sense.
Read the guide → Tolerances & finishesWhat "standard" tolerance really means, when to pay for tighter, and how anodising, bead-blasting and plating change the price.
Read the guide → South WalesLocal to Cardiff, Newport, Caerphilly, Bridgend or Swansea? What we make, who we serve, and how to get a price in seconds.
Read more →Where subcontract work actually comes from, what buyers look for when picking a shop, and how to quote to win without giving away margin.
Read the guide → Too busyBooked solid and another order lands? How to subcontract it out safely — keeping the margin, the quality and the customer.
Read the guide →Upload a STEP file and our engine prices it instantly against real UK machine and material rates — no sales calls, no waiting.
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