Getting started with SendCutSend using our instant pricing tool is simple and fast. We’ve got four ways you can easily order custom laser cut and waterjet cut parts, so watch the video guide and follow along with the article below to learn how to order SendCutSend parts!
Video guide to ordering custom parts from SendCutSend
Option 1: Upload a CAD Design
We work with 2D vector files (.dxf, .dwg, .ai, or .eps format) and 3D files (.step and .stp format). These files need to be in 1:1 scale. There should only be one part per file, and only the cut lines and bend location lines for the part you wish us to produce.
Step 1: Get instant pricing
Head to www.sendcutsend.com and select “Get Started.”
Step 2: Upload your file
Drag and drop or select your part files. We accept DXF, DWG, EPS, STEP and .AI Adobe Illustrator files.
Step 4: Choose your materials
Select Next, and choose your material category, such as Metals. If you’re not sure what material to choose, you can learn more about all the materials we offer and get a better understanding of which material is best for your project on our Materials Page. Define the quantity of the current part. Note the price changes based on quantities. If you’re looking for a different price, go back a step and define a different material or thickness. Compare prices and quantities to find the quote that matches your budget.
Step 5: Select any add-on services
SendCutSend has a variety of post-processing and finishing services to choose from. If an operation or finishing services is available on your part (based on material and thickness) it will be a selectable option. The app will walk you through the steps of configuring your add-on services.
Our linear deburring and tumbling services are available to help clean up metal parts after laser cutting. Before selecting an add-on please reference our guidelines for the service.
Step 6: Log in and complete your order!
Once complete, select “Add to Cart” to complete your purchase. Log in if you’re not already, or sign up and create your free SendCutSend account. Remember, increasing your quantity per each part will help you receive quantity discounts. You can update the quantity and watch the “Unit Price” change in real-time. If you’d like to add additional parts to this order, select “Add more drawings” and repeat the same process. Otherwise, continue to checkout by completing your Billing and Shipping information.
Option 2: Start with a Free Template
Sometimes you need a quick bracket or shaped part and don’t want to jump on your CAD machine. The SendCutSend Parts Builder is our lightweight, web-based CAD system. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned CAD expert, Parts Builder makes it easy to design and create custom sheet metal parts without the need for heavy software like Autodesk Fusion or SolidWorks. With more than 60 free laser cutting templates built right into the platform, it’s fast, efficient, and perfect for your next project!
Step 1: Get instant pricing
Head to www.sendcutsend.com and select “Get Started.”
Step 2: Select the Parts Builder
Access the Parts Builder in the lower left-hand corner of the upload screen.
Step 4: Browse the templates
We have more than 60 free templates for you to choose from. Categorized by brackets, gears, basic, decorative, and extras these templates are fully customizable to meet your needs. Once you’ve found a template that will fit your project, select it to add customizations.
Step 5: Customize your part
Depending on the part you select you’ll be able to adjust hole sizes, flange diameters, overall size, ring width, radiuses, feature spacing and more. When you’re happy with your part, click Save & Continue.
Step 6: Select your material and add-on services
Just like when you upload your CAD file, you’re not ready to select your material and thickness as well as any secondary services that are offered by SendCutSend.
Option 3: Start with a Sketch
If you’re new to CAD or do not have the skillset to create the part you want, we have you covered. Our in-house Design Services allows you to send a sketch of your part to our team and we’ll create a CAD file for you. Here’s how to get started with Design Services.
Step 1: Create a sketch of your part
Start with a sketch of your part, preferable on graph paper. Download graph paper here. Be as specific as possible in your sketch including dimensions, indicated any bends or hold operations and sizes.
Step 2: Take a picture of your sketch to upload to our site
Take a clear photo of your sketch and navigate to our Design Services page on our website. From here you’ll be able to upload your sketch for our team. You can also access Design Services from the Upload Files page.
When uploading your sketch, select “Convert Sketch.” We’ll discuss the “Convert Template” option next.
Step 4: Make sure your sketch meets our requirements
In order to meet our design services requirements sketches will need to be clearly sketched, with lines and dimensions visible and easy to read and include any callouts and dimensions for features. We’ll ask you to confirm this information when uploading your sketch.
Step 5: Our CAD experts get to work
Once your sketch is received and reviewed by our CAD experts they’ll be in touch with your options for design services. If your sketch meets our requirements we’ll create your CAD file and send you a Cart for Purchase.
Option 4: Start with a Cardboard Template
The second option for Design Services is to start from a cardboard template. Similar to starting with a sketch, you’d create a template version of your part that you’d send to SendCutSend to turn into a CAD file, here’s how.
Step 1: Create a cardboard template of your part
Using paper, cardboard, or gasket material, create a template of your part. It’s best to be as specific as possible with your dimensions as we will be making an exact replica of this part. Take a picture of the part to upload to our site.
Step 2: Upload the template image on our site
Navigate to our Design Services page on our website. From here you’ll be able to upload your template for our team. You can also access Design Services from the Upload Files page.
When uploading your template, select “Convert Template.”
Step 4: Make sure your template meets our requirements
In order to meet our design services requirements templates need to be flat, two dimensional and on paper or cardboard. Seeing as you will be mailing us your template, it cannot be an object or item of value as we don’t promise it will be returned. You also must include any callouts and dimensions for any holes.
Step 5: Send us your template with a pre-paid label
Once your template file is evaluated by our team, if it meets our requirements we’ll send you a pre-paid label for you to ship your template to us. Once we receive the template, our design team will get to work creating a CAD file. We’ll configure your part to your specific requests and send you a cart for purchase.
Ready, set, SendCutSend!
For additional resources, check out our getting started guide. Most parts will ship within 2-4 business days, with free 1-3 day shipping for orders over $39 to everywhere in the U.S. We also offer shipping to Canada!
Should you need any help along the way, reach out to our U.S.-based customer support team.
