How to quote weldments and assemblies

How do you quote a weldment from its drawing?

1. List the parts. Read the bill of materials: each item's material, size and quantity per assembly.
2. Cost each part. Material and cutting for plate, sawing for tube and structural, forming where needed.
3. Add fit-up and welding. Fit-up time per part, weld time from the weld symbols and lengths, and the process (MIG, TIG, stick).
4. Add clean-up and finish. Grinding and blending, then paint, powder coat or galvanizing, in-house or sent out.
5. Add outside services and handling, then markup and the price at each quantity.

What makes fabrication quotes slow?

Assemblies multiply the reading: one drawing can call out a dozen parts, each with its own material and cutting, and the weld notes are easy to miss. Quantities are small, so setup and fit-up dominate, and a missed item costs real margin. Most shops keep this knowledge in one estimator's head.

How does OneThou draft a fabrication quote?

• Reads the drawing's bill of materials as written, so your estimator can compare it with the print.
• Prices the materials from your price list and the operations at your rates, including welding, grinding and coating.
• Lists outside services such as plating, galvanizing or heat treat separately, with your markup on each.
• Shows similar assemblies from your history, and gives a price at every quantity the customer asked for.