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.
- Which technologies are available?
- Which materials are available?
- What if I can’t find the material I’m looking for?
- What file types can I upload?
- Can I order prototype parts?
- Why isn’t it possible to get automatic quotes for sheet metal fabrication from SmartQuote?
- How do I submit an ITAR quote?
- What other services does Fathom offer?
- What post-processing services does Fathom offer?
- How can I talk to an expert?
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:
| 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) | ✔ |
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.
