Do I Need a 2D Drawing for an Instant Quote?
What Is a 2D Drawing Doing on an Instant Quote?
Teams ask do i need a 2d drawing for an instant quote when the solid is ready and the balloons are not. The 3D solid drives geometry for the instant estimate. A 2D drawing carries tolerances, inserts, threads, finish, and inspection notes the solid does not hold. 3D says what the part is. 2D says what it must hold.
You can quote with 3D only. Add 2D when those notes will change the steel or the inspection plan. For the upload package, read what to upload for an injection molding quote. For the solid format, read STEP vs STL for molding quotes.
Key Facts
- 3D CAD is enough to start an instant quote.
- A 2D is required for review when critical dimensions are not modeled.
- Inserts, threads, and keep-outs belong on the 2D or in RFQ notes.
- Finish and cosmetic faces belong on the 2D or in notes, not only in a filename.
- Commercial tolerance bands live on commercial injection molding tolerance bands.
- No new tolerance numbers appear on this page.
- Upload the solid on the injection molding instant quote platform.
Quote Now With 3D Only
What the solid can answer: walls, draft, undercuts, shutoffs
A planning estimate and early DFM can start from the solid. Walls, draft, undercuts, and shutoffs are geometry questions. Mark 2D pending in notes so reviewers do not invent balloons.
What the solid cannot answer: which dimension is CTQ
The solid does not say which dimension is CTQ. A commercial band versus a tight face lives on the sheet or in RFQ notes. Do not leave that choice in a filename.
2D pending is a note, not a blocker
Waiting for a fully ballooned sheet delays DFM on faces that can still move. If the only open item is a title block, upload the solid today. A title block is paperwork. A seal balloon is engineering. See quote before design is final.
Add 2D Before Tooling Release
Tolerances and datums: commercial band vs CTQ
Fits, seals, and datums change steel and inspection. Write commercial band versus CTQ on each named face. Point to commercial injection molding tolerance bands when the field is still commercial.
Threads, inserts, keep-outs: hardware the model should not hide
Hardware and threads belong on the 2D or in RFQ notes that point to that sheet. Do not hide a tight band in a screenshot that never gets attached.
Cosmetic class: show face, hidden face, paint or print zone
Cosmetic versus functional faces belong on the 2D or in notes. Name show faces, hidden faces, and paint or print zones before tooling release.
Inspection plan: CMM, FAI, cosmetic accept limit
If inspection will need a CMM list, an FAI package, or a cosmetic accept limit, write that on the sheet or in notes. Do not invent a capability index or a PPAP level on this page.
RFQ Checklist
Numbered steps:
- Upload the current solid.
- If 2D exists, attach the same revision.
- If 2D is pending, list the notes the drawing will carry.
- Point to what to upload for an injection molding quote when fields are still empty.
- Upload CAD through the injection molding instant quote platform.
If the 2D revision and the 3D revision differ, write both IDs. Silent mismatch is a review delay, not a small paperwork issue.
A Worked Example
A cover is ready as a solid. The 2D will carry tight balloons on a seal and a heat-stake insert. The title block is not signed. The team can upload the solid today, mark 2D pending: seal balloons and insert, and get DFM on the walls and the hinge.
When the 2D lands, attach the same revision and re-quote if the balloons change steel or inspection. If the balloons only confirm commercial bands already on the RFQ, say so. Do not hold the first upload for a stamp on the title block.
If the 2D later disagrees with the solid on the seal, write which document wins before the next review. A silent mismatch is a delay.
Common Mistakes
Waiting for every balloon before sending any CAD. Early DFM does not need the title block.
Attaching a screenshot and calling it the 2D. A screenshot is a note. A controlled sheet is the source of truth.
Sending a 2D from revision B with a solid from revision D and no comment.
Hiding a tight band only on the 2D and leaving the RFQ tolerance field on commercial. Reviewers will price the field you typed.
What to Tell Sourcing
You can start without a 2D. The solid is enough for a planning estimate and for early DFM. The 2D is required before tooling release when balloons, inserts, threads, or cosmetic faces are not in the solid.
If they want to wait for the stamp on the title block, ask which balloon blocks DFM. Most title-block delays do not.
When the 2D arrives, attach the matching revision. If the 2D and the 3D disagree, write which document wins. A silent mismatch will look like a quote error later.
Do not call a screenshot the drawing. Call it a note.