Prototech, Inc.: File Transfers, Data Formats and Protocol

General:We can take SDRC and CadKey files in any format. Others will need to be as IGS or DXF translations. For quoting purposes only, we prefer stl files.

RTV MOLDS/CAST URETHANE PART QUOTES: We prefer to receive an .stl file when quoting molding. If this is not available, any other file format, or drawings, faxes, sketches or existing parts will usually be sufficient to allow us to quote work.

CNC MACHINING QUOTES: We can quote from .igs, .stl, .dxf, and some .dwg files, or drawing prints and faxes. We can accept SDRC and CadKey in any format. When sending Pro E .igs files for a machining quote, output surface data per the settings below. Please send a separate surface and wireframe file for each part. We use Smartcam and Artisan CAM software. Call for a list of settings for other 3D CAD systems such as Catia or Unigraphics.

ELECTRONIC DATA TRANSFER*
1) E-mail attachments: Attach a data file as an E-mail attachment and send it to glyn@protousa.com This method is preferable for the transfer of files not exceeding 3 MB in size.
2) FTP Posting: Call for instructions/passwords. We can also retrieve data from your Ftp site if you supply us with the necessary password and log-on information.
3) Modem data transfer: We must be notified if you wish us to download or upload. Our modem software is ProComm Plus.
4) When the above are not possible, send us data copied to a CD or 3.5" floppy disc. *Please zip large files wherever possible.

Request for Quotation Guidelines

We at Prototech want to deliver the best service to our clients. In an effort to provide accurate and timely quotations, we provide this review list. We frequently ask these questions or end up discussing many of these issues during the course of preparing a quotation. Initially providing accurate and detailed information, allows us to quickly prepare a more accurate bid, based on the most appropriate materials and the most effective processes that will give the desired results. This information is particularly important when you request a quick response or non-budgetary quotation. We would appreciate your input regarding these items where applicable to facilitate the process.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

General Considerations:
· Intended application/use of the parts: Functional or concept mockup? Appearance models for marketing or a trade show? Working engineering confirmation prototypes? Pre-production or production parts?
· Will these parts be exposed to an unusual environment? I.E.: High or low temperatures, chemicals, severe use, constant UV exposure, etc.
· What type of data will you supply? 3D IGS, wireframe, solid or surface files, STL, 2-D drawings, sketches? (We like to bid molding from STL files/machining from IGS, whenever possible)
· What are the current and possibly future quantities required? Quantities often dictate the choice of process, pattern build style or part material selection.
· Time and quantity requirements: Give the most realistic delivery date you can! What are the time constraints? Is data finalized? When will this project actually be released to us to start? Are there "drop dead dates" or absolutes associated with the project? Might you want more later? Are staged or partial deliveries wanted or possible? How will you want it shipped?

Machined and fabricated parts:
· Material type/color: Are any alternate materials acceptable or what physical properties are critical?
· Finish levels/quality: Is there a machined finish callout? Are machining marks acceptable? Where (are some areas cosmetic)? Will parts be sanded, primered, painted, plated or polished? Critical tolerances/fit?
· Are there areas on the part where allowances or deviations are acceptable that would save time or reduce difficulty and cost? I.E., leaving inside corner tool radii or not coring in some places.

Molded parts:
· What material is specified for production? If a material is specified in the data, is it relevant? Which of the properties of that material need to be emulated (physical, weight, density, color)?
· Physical characteristics the part(s) must have: impact strength, flexibility, heat resistance, UV stability, chemical resistance, UL fire retardancy rating (94 V-O, 94 HB, etc.)?
· Special or unusual features in the parts: Are there critical features or fits? Molded-in threaded inserts, shafts, color, texture, undercuts? Are self-tapping screws used? Is welding, staking or bonding of plastic required? Springs, latches or hinges that are molded-in? "Clear" parts: Are they translucent, tinted or optically clear? How clear and perfect must parts be and where on the part? Perfection=$$

Painting and finishing:
· Paint type: Polane? Lacquer? Shielding paint? What are the finish durability requirements?
· Paint finish details: Texture per a Mold Tech/Rawal specification or similar? Painted inside and out? Masking or two-tone painting required? Is there an unusual level of finish quality required and where?
· Part color: Do we match a Federal Standard 595, PMS or similar paint specification? Match existing samples or another manufacturer’s existing product color? Must we match the color of parts that will be mating to ours? Are other people painting parts of the same color/texture that will be near ours?
· Is the application of artwork, IE, silk-screening, rubdowns or hot stamping required? What kind of art will be provided: Camera-ready positive transparencies, CAD files, EPS, rubdowns, etc.?
Note: Prototech went out of business in 2001 after 18 years of service. This page and related, linked pages, are for historical and reference purposes only.
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