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Frequently Asked Questions

SmartQuote is a specialized online quoting platform that provides users with quick and easy access to 3D printing and advanced manufacturing services for prototyping and production. Fathom utilizes the most advanced technologies and materials to help companies innovate new products faster and more efficiently. To help you use SmartQuote effectively, we have created a set of frequently-asked questions (FAQs) about it.

How Do I Get Started?

1. Create an account or log in
2. Select technology​
3. Upload file(s)​
4. Submit quote request​
5. Configure materials and finishing​
6. Choose shipping and enter billing information​
7. Place order

Which Technologies are Available on SmartQuote?

SmartQuote offers fast quotes for additive manufacturing (PolyJet, SLA, FDM, MJF, SLS and DMLS), urethane casting, CNC machining and injection molding and tooling. Learn more about Fathom’s digital manufacturing solutions.

Which Materials are Available via SmartQuote?

Additional materials for all listed technologies are available per special request. Choose “Other” to indicate a specific material in the comments section of your quote request.

FDM Standard Engineering-Grade Plastics—ABS, ASA, PC (polycarbonate), Nylon
Advanced Materials—Nylon 12CF (carbon-fiber filled), ULTEM 9085, ULTEM 1010, ABS-ESD7 (static-dissipative), PC/ABS blend, PC-ISO, PEKK, TPU92A
PolyJet Rigid Materials—VeroWhitePlus, Digital ABS (ivory)
Flexible Materials—Agilus30 (translucent), Digital ABS/TangoBlackPlus, Digital ABS/Agilus 30
SLA Rigid Prototyping Resin—Accura 25, ClearVue (clear)
MJF + SLS SLS—Nylon 12 (white or dyed), Nylon 11, Nylon GF, TPU88A (white)
MJF—Nylon 12 & 11 (gray or black)
DMLS Aluminum—AlSi10Mg, 6061-RAM2C
Steel—Maraging, Stainless, 316L, 17-4, 15-5, Inconel 625
CNC Machining Plastics—ABS, PC (Polycarbonate), Delrin (Acetal), Acrylic, HDPE, Nylon 6/6, Ultem
Metals—Steel, Aluminum, Brass
Urethane Casting Rigid Resins & Simulating Standard Engineering Plastics—ABS, PP (Polypropylene), Acrylic, UL94V0-Rated Flame Retardant, High Temp/Clear High Temp
Flexible Materials—Silicone, Rubber-Like/Clear Rubber-Like
Injection Molding Rigid Materials—ABS, PP (polypropylene), Nylon, PC (polycarbonate), Delrin (acetal)
Flexible Materials—TPE (thermoplastic elastomer material family), TPU (thermoplastic urethane material family), Silicone

What If I Can’t Find the Material I’m Looking For?

The Fathom production team offers the widest range of additive manufacturing and advanced manufacturing materials. The most commonly used materials are available through SmartQuote. To learn more about Fathom’s services and material options, talk to a Fathom expert.

What File Types Can I Upload?

Fathom accepts numerous file types based on technology:

Additive Manufacturing (FDM, SLS, SLA, PolyJet, MJF, DMLS) // File types include: STP, STEP, IGES, SLDPRT, 3DM, SAT, X_T, STL, OBJ

CNC Machining, Urethane Casting & Injection Molding // File types include: STP, STEP, IGES, SLDPRT, 3DM, SAT, X_T

For files greater than 100 MB, please use the manual quote option in the SmartQuote Dashboard.

Can I Order Prototype Parts Using SmartQuote?

Yes, prototyping and rapid prototyping are two of our specialties. You also get the advantage of talking to an engineer, who can help you optimize your part design for the process and material you’ve selected.

Why Isn’t It Possible to Get Automatic Quotes for Sheet Metal Fabrication from SmartQuote?

Fathom provides sheet metal fabrication quotes manually because of the number of processes, materials, services and the diversity of part geometries involved. Our sheet metal experts will provide you with a manual quote within one business day.

How Do I Submit an ITAR Quote?

Is your project subject to export control regulations including, but not limited to, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. 120-130? If you need to submit an ITAR quote, please fill out the form on this webpage and an account manager will contact you to provide guidance on how to submit your ITAR files to us.

What Other Services Does Fathom Offer?

Fathom offers a wide variety of prototype and production services to accelerate your product development and production processes. Our experts help companies go from concept to manufacturing quickly and efficiently.

Fathom’s manufacturing solutions include 3D printing, CNC machining, urethane casting, injection molding and tooling, sheet metal fabrication, and engineering and design.

What Post-Processing Services Does Fathom Offer?

Many manufacturers don’t offer post-processing services for the parts they produce – or severely limit your finishing and assembly options. We offer a comprehensive set of finishing services that can be customized to meet your needs and the capacity to get it done quickly and efficiently.

In addition to post-processing for additive manufacturing, we also offer value-added services for our other key technologies, including CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication and injection molding. Please visit those pages for details.

Here’s a breakdown of the post-processing and finishing services we provide for each of the seven additive technologies we offer:

PolyJet
FDM
SLS
MJF
SLA
STEP
DMLS
Sanded
Tumbled      
Media Blasting
Options // Glass bead, AL Oxide 100g, steel shot (shot peen)
 
Vapor Smoothed      
Polished with Optional Clearcoat          
Electrochemical Polished            
Painted (EMI-Shield) 
Painted (Sand & Paint - Non Cosmetic)
Painted (Sand & Paint - Cosmetic) 
Painted (Customer Spec Paint)
Specialty Coating*
Dyed          
Plated  
Decals  
Pad Printed  
Screen Printed
Inserts
Press-fit only for PolyJet and SLA; no heat inserts for PolyJet
Post Machined     
Assembly
Abrasive Flow Machining (Extrude Hone)            
Heat Treated            
Passivation            
HIP (Hot Isostatic Pressing)            
*Fathom supports a wide range of customer specifications, ranging from epoxy coating to specialized paint. Contact your sales representative to discuss the details of your project.

How Can I Talk to an Expert?

Fathom account managers are very knowledgeable about applying our prototype fabrication and manufacturing services to a variety of industries, from electronics and consumer products to automotive and aerospace.

If this FAQ list didn’t answer your question, contact a Fathom expert now.

Across National
Time Zones

Precision manufacturing
from coast to coast.

HEADQUARTERS //
1050 Walnut Ridge Drive
Hartland, WI 53029
877-328-4668

ARIZONA
444 W. 21st St. Ste. 101
Tempe, AZ 85282
480-966-2300

CALIFORNIA
46758 Lakeview Blvd
Fremont, CA 94538

COLORADO
7770 Washington St.
Denver, CO 80229
303-288-6855

ILLINOIS
1207 Adams Drive
McHenry, IL 60051
815-385-7500

1401 Brummel Ave
Elk Grove, IL 60007
847-952-8088

MINNESOTA
13758 Johnson Street NE
Ham Lake, MN 55304
763-755-7575

NEW YORK
1920 Slaterville Rd.
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-277-7070

401 W. Shore Blvd.
Newark, NY 14513
315-331-7680

TEXAS
1513 Sam Bass Rd.
Round Rock, TX 78660
512-255-1477

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