Answers before you ask.

The more detail you provide, the faster and more accurate your quote will be. At minimum, we need your part geometry (DXF, DWG, STEP, or IGES files preferred), material type and thickness, quantity required, and any critical dimensions or tolerances. If you have a drawing with GD&T, include it. If you're early in development and have only a rough idea, reach out anyway — we can help identify what's needed.

We accept DXF, DWG, STEP, IGES, and SolidWorks files (.sldprt, .sldasm). PDF drawings with dimensions are acceptable for quoting but we'll need CAD files before production. If you only have a sketch or idea, we can discuss your requirements and help develop the geometry.

Standard quotes are typically returned within 1–3 business days. Complex assemblies, multi-process projects, or programs requiring material review may take longer. If you have a deadline, tell us — we can often expedite the quoting process for time-sensitive programs.

No. We work on single prototype pieces through high-volume production runs. Pricing naturally scales with volume — one piece costs more per unit than a production run — but we don't turn away small orders. Many of our best ongoing production relationships started with a single prototype.

Yes. We regularly work under non-disclosure agreements for customers with proprietary designs or sensitive programs. We understand that your designs are your IP. If you need an NDA in place before sharing design details, let us know at the beginning of the conversation and we'll accommodate.

Our core materials are mild steel (hot-rolled and cold-rolled), stainless steel (304, 316), aluminum (5052, 6061), galvanized steel, and high-strength structural steels. We can discuss specialty alloys and customer-supplied materials on a per-project basis.

Our core capabilities include CNC laser cutting, press brake forming and bending, MIG and TIG welding, structural fabrication, PEM hardware and assembly insertion, deburring and secondary operations, and coordination of finishing operations. We also offer complementary machining for features that appear on fabricated components.

Yes — and we treat them the same way in terms of quality. Our prototype work includes full dimensional verification and first article inspection, and our production processes are documented to ensure consistency lot-to-lot. Many customers start with a prototype and transition directly to production runs with us.

Yes. We review designs for fabrication feasibility and will flag issues that could affect cost, lead time, or part quality before we quote. Common DFM items include bend radii that exceed tooling capability, tolerances that require special processes, and geometry that can be simplified without affecting function. We'd rather flag a problem early than quote and build something wrong.

We coordinate finishing operations including powder coating and painting through trusted partner shops, and can manage this as part of a complete fabrication program. We don't apply finishes in-house, but we have established relationships to handle this efficiently for customers who need it.

Quality checkpoints are built into our process, not added at the end. We verify material, review setups, and inspect in-process at critical stages. First articles receive full dimensional verification. We use calibrated inspection tooling and document results for programs that require it.

Yes. We can provide mill certifications for material traceability on programs that require it. Let us know your documentation requirements at quoting so we can factor them into the program.

Yes. First article inspection is part of our standard process for new part programs. We verify critical dimensions, document results, and can provide formal FAI reports for programs that require them.

Lead times depend on complexity, volume, material availability, and our current production schedule. Simple laser-cut parts often ship within a few days. Complex multi-process assemblies typically run 2–4 weeks. We provide realistic lead time estimates with every quote. If your schedule is tight, talk to us — we accommodate expedited orders when possible.

Yes, we ship orders. Packaging is appropriate for the part type and shipping method. We work with standard freight carriers for larger orders and parcel services for smaller shipments. Freight cost is factored into your quote when applicable.

Artec Metal Works is based in Utah. We serve customers nationally and have worked with partners across the United States. Physical location is rarely a limitation for B2B fabrication programs with proper shipping in place.