# How It Works: CAD to Metal Part in Days > See how Mesh2Metal turns browser-analyzed CAD into a quoted, inspected metal part in under a day, with delivery from next day to five days. Canonical: https://mesh2metal.com/how-it-works Mesh2Metal takes you from CAD to a metal part in five clear steps: drop your CAD for local browser analysis, receive a manufacturability verdict in under 60 seconds and an instant quote, get the part made in under 1 day, review inspection records and a quality certificate, then receive delivery the next day up to 5 days depending on part size. ## What are the five steps from CAD to a metal part? The five-step path keeps the decision clear from first geometry check to delivery. | Step | What happens | Typical timing | | ------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------- | | 1\. Drop your CAD | STL, STEP/STP, 3MF, and OBJ files are analyzed locally in your browser and never leave your device. | Seconds | | 2\. Verdict and quote | The system returns a manufacturability verdict in under 60 seconds and an instant quote. If not makeable, the result states the exact reason and a design fix. | Under 60 s | | 3\. Made in under 1 day | Additive manufacturing builds a near-net shape, followed by precision machining of critical features. | Under 1 day | | 4\. Inspection and certificate | Inspection covers the finished part, and every shipment includes a quality certificate with the records needed for review. | Before delivery | | 5\. Delivered by size | Delivery is next day up to 5 days, depending on part size. The exact date appears with the instant quote. | Next day–5 days | ## What happens when I drop my CAD? CAD analysis starts when you drop an STL, STEP/STP, 3MF, or OBJ file into the browser. The geometry is analyzed locally and never leaves your device. The first check looks at model dimensions, bodies, surfaces, and required details without asking you to send the design to a remote service. That keeps the source model with you while giving you a fast first answer. Read the [manufacturability details](https://mesh2metal.com/manufacturability) for more on the verdict. ## How quickly do I get a manufacturability verdict and quote? The manufacturability verdict arrives in under 60 seconds, and an instant quote is available. A makeable design gets a concrete price and timing based on the selected alloy, quantity, finish, and requirements. A design that is not makeable gets the exact reason and a clear way to fix it, rather than a vague rejection. Use the result to adjust the model, change a requirement, or proceed to a quote at [/quote](https://mesh2metal.com/quote). ## How is the part made in under 1 day? Additive manufacturing builds the part near-net shape first. Precision machining then brings critical features to their specified dimensions. The requested finish can be as-built, machined, polished, or media-blasted. No tooling is needed, so a single part or a small run can follow the same digital path. For a part with more than one alloy, identify the alloy per body; up to three alloys can be included in one part. See [multi-material options](https://mesh2metal.com/multi-material) and [available materials](https://mesh2metal.com/materials/aluminum). ## What inspection and documentation do I receive? Inspection checks the finished part against the CAD and stated requirements. Every part ships with a quality certificate covering chemical composition, porosity and defect map, 3D deviation from your CAD, mechanical properties, thermal properties, traceability, and certificate of conformance. The documentation gives engineering, quality, and procurement teams a common record for acceptance. See the [quality documentation](https://mesh2metal.com/quality) page for the certificate scope. ## When will my part arrive? The delivery date is part of the instant quote. A part is made in under 1 day, then delivered the next day up to 5 days depending on part size. The exact date appears before you commit, so you can plan a test, pilot, or assembly milestone. Review [lead times](https://mesh2metal.com/lead-times), or read about work from [El Segundo, Los Angeles](https://mesh2metal.com/los-angeles). ## What do I need to provide? Part details make the instant answer more useful. Provide: - **Part description:** Intended use, critical features, and any acceptance notes. - **Alloy per body:** One alloy for each body, with up to three alloys when a single part needs more than one. Review [aluminum](https://mesh2metal.com/materials/aluminum), [copper](https://mesh2metal.com/materials/copper), [stainless steel](https://mesh2metal.com/materials/stainless-steel), [titanium](https://mesh2metal.com/materials/titanium), [nickel alloys](https://mesh2metal.com/materials/nickel-alloys), and [tool steel](https://mesh2metal.com/materials/tool-steel). - **Quantity:** Requested quantity from 1 to 200. - **Tolerances:** Identify critical dimensions. Machined features are ±0.1 mm standard or ±0.05 mm precision; as-built surfaces are ±0.5 mm. - **Finish:** Choose as-built, machined, polished, or media-blasted. Machined surfaces are Ra 3.2 µm standard or 1.6 µm optional; as-built surfaces are Ra 12–25 µm. ## Can I automate manufacturability checks? API and MCP access is planned for teams that need automated checks during design iteration. Accounts open soon, with free access up to approximately 100 checks per day per user; join the waitlist through the [API page](https://mesh2metal.com/api) or [MCP page](https://mesh2metal.com/mcp). Automated checks make repeated geometry review easier before a person chooses the final requirements. ## Where should I go next? Start with the [instant quote](https://mesh2metal.com/quote) if you have a model ready. Read the [FAQ](https://mesh2metal.com/faq) for common questions, or [contact us](https://mesh2metal.com/contact) when your requirements need a conversation. Teams evaluating fit can compare [CNC machining](https://mesh2metal.com/compare/cnc-machining), [powder-bed metal 3D printing](https://mesh2metal.com/compare/powder-bed-metal-3d-printing), and [investment casting](https://mesh2metal.com/compare/investment-casting). Mesh2Metal supports work across [aerospace](https://mesh2metal.com/industries/aerospace), [space](https://mesh2metal.com/industries/space), [defense](https://mesh2metal.com/industries/defense), and [energy](https://mesh2metal.com/industries/energy). ## Questions What is the largest part size? The maximum standard part size is 800 × 800 × 600 mm; larger parts can be requested for review. What quantity can I request? Quantities from 1 to 200 are supported, with no tooling required. Can one part use multiple alloys? Yes. Up to three alloys can be specified in one part, with an alloy assigned to each body. How should export-controlled data be handled? Please don't send us export-controlled (ITAR/EAR) technical data until we have set up a compliant path with you — contact us first. Sources (3) 1. \[1\] [ Additive manufacturing ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D%5Fprinting) , Wikipedia 2. \[2\] [ Machining ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machining) , Wikipedia 3. \[3\] [ Certificate of conformance ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Certificate%5Fof%5Fconformity) , Wikipedia ## Check your part now. Analyzed in your browser — your file never leaves your device. [ Set up API ](https://mesh2metal.com/api#setup) [ Set up MCP ](https://mesh2metal.com/mcp#setup) [ Drop your CAD STL · STEP · 3MF · OBJ ](https://mesh2metal.com/quote)