← Back to projects
Manufacturing TechnologyAutomated Machining Cost Estimation

Estimate.ae

A custom estimation platform with built-in logic that calculates machining costs automatically from .STP files.

●Project case study

Manufacturing cost estimation platform

PROJECT SHOWCASE

Estimate.ae

⬆

.STP

CAD File Input

⌘

Rule-based

Cost Estimation

✓

Consistent

Quote Workflow

Project overview

Understanding the bigger picture

A specialized estimation workflow that uses geometry information from .STP files and configured pricing rules to help generate machining cost estimates.

The challenge

What needed to change

Manual machining estimates can require repeated geometry review and calculations, making quote preparation time-consuming and inconsistent.

Our approach

A practical solution

Combine file upload, geometry extraction, configurable costing rules, and quote generation in one workflow. Final estimates should be validated by manufacturing specialists.

Key highlights

Designed around what matters

Explore the core capabilities behind the project.

📁01

CAD File Upload

Accept supported .STP files as the starting point for estimation.

📐02

Geometry Extraction

Read geometry details required by configured costing logic.

🧮03

Cost Calculation

Apply material, process, and pricing rules to estimate costs.

🧾04

Quote Generation

Present calculated estimates in a clear quote workflow.

Capabilities

Features built for real workflows

Explore the functionality and capabilities that power this solution.

01

Estimation Features

  • ✓Upload supported .STP files
  • ✓Extract relevant geometry information
  • ✓Apply configurable machining cost logic
  • ✓Support material and process pricing rules
  • ✓Generate consistent estimate outputs
02

Workflow Management

  • ✓Review uploaded file details
  • ✓Configure estimation parameters
  • ✓Track estimate status
  • ✓Review generated quote information
  • ✓Reduce repeated manual calculation steps

Problem solving

From challenges to solutions

Discover how the solution addresses practical challenges.

Challenge 01

Manual Geometry Review

Cost estimators repeatedly inspect CAD files to identify relevant details.

Our solution

Geometry Extraction

Extract supported geometry information from uploaded files.

✓ More structured estimation input

Challenge 02

Inconsistent Calculations

Different manual approaches can produce varying estimates.

Our solution

Configured Cost Rules

Apply defined pricing and process rules consistently.

✓ More repeatable calculations

Challenge 03

Slow Quote Preparation

Preparing estimates can involve several disconnected steps.

Our solution

Unified Estimate Workflow

Connect file input, calculation, and quote output.

✓ A more streamlined quoting process

Engineering workflow

Technology Stack

Replace generic stack categories with the confirmed implementation details.

File Processing

CAD input and geometry information

1 components
box

STEP / STP Processing

Read supported CAD geometry data

CADGeometry

Costing Engine

Configured rules and estimate output

2 components
calculator

Costing Logic

Apply material, process, and pricing rules

RulesEstimation
database

Estimate Records

Store and review quote information

QuotesHistory

Delivery process

Project Timeline

A sample delivery sequence for a custom estimation platform.

01Phase 1

Costing Discovery

Understand supported files and estimation rules.

  • •Review STP samples
  • •Map costing parameters
  • •Define expected outputs
02Phase 2

File Processing

Build upload and geometry extraction workflows.

  • •File validation
  • •Geometry extraction
  • •Parameter mapping
03Phase 3

Cost Engine & QA

Implement costing rules and verify sample estimates.

  • •Cost calculations
  • •Quote generation
  • •Expert validation
04Phase 4

Deployment

Prepare the workflow for operational use.

  • •User acceptance testing
  • •Deployment checks
  • •Documentation

Project Demo

See the Project in Action

Watch the project preview below. Login to access the complete video.

Want to Watch the Full Video?

Login to explore the complete project walkthrough.

Watch Full Video

Project outcomes

Built to make work clearer

Key outcomes and improvements delivered through the project.

  • ✓More structured CAD-to-estimate workflow
  • ✓Repeatable application of configured costing rules
  • ✓Clearer estimate review and quote preparation

Have a similar challenge?

Let's build something meaningful.

Talk to the Smik Systems team about your next digital product or platform.

Start a conversation ↗