How It Works

Start with a technical review — not a checkout.

Relay Manufacturing doesn’t begin with instant pricing. We begin by understanding your part, your constraints, and your intent — so the quote you receive reflects reality, not assumptions.

Why our process is intentionally different

Most manufacturing services optimize for speed at the expense of outcomes. Relay optimizes for outcomes without sacrificing speed.

We combine a lightweight intake process with real engineering review so you get fewer revisions, clear scope, predictable timelines, and one accountable point of contact.

North star
Automation supports the workflow — human judgment protects the result.
  • Engineering judgment before quoting
  • Clear scope and assumptions
  • Transparent, defensible pricing
  • Accountability through delivery

The process

Simple on purpose — with the right checkpoints to prevent surprises.

Submitting CAD files for review
1

Submit your files

Upload your CAD files and answer a short set of practical questions: intended use, critical dimensions, tolerances (if applicable), and timeline expectations. No configuration maze — just enough context to evaluate properly.

Engineer reviewing a CAD model
2

Technical review

Every submission is reviewed by an engineer. We check manufacturability, scale/material fit, risk areas (warp, support strategy, post-processing), and whether additive is actually the right solution.

Aligning project scope and deliverables
3

Scope alignment

Before pricing, we align on scope: confirm assumptions, clarify deliverables, and identify tradeoffs (cost vs strength vs speed). This step prevents surprises later — for both sides.

4

Quoting & scheduling

Once scope is locked, we issue a clear, defensible quote with real lead times based on real capacity. If revisions are needed, they happen before production starts — not after.

Clear line items • No hidden fees • Real timelines
5

Production & oversight

We coordinate production through trusted manufacturing resources and maintain oversight throughout the build. You get a single point of contact, clear status updates, and accountability from start to finish.

Status updates • One owner • Outcome-focused
6

Delivery & follow-up

Parts are delivered as scoped. If iteration is needed, we already understand the context — no reset. Many customers come back for iteration rounds, related tooling, or follow-on work.

Continuity matters • Faster second round • Less friction

This process is a feature — not friction

Relay may not be the right fit if you only want the lowest possible price, already know exactly what machine you want, or want instant checkout without review. We’re optimized for reliability, clear communication, and engineering judgment — with fewer unknowns.

Good fit if you value:
clarity, predictability, and accountable execution
  • Clear scope and assumptions
  • Defensible pricing
  • Engineering-first decisions
  • One accountable owner
Large printed part being handled in a shop

The result

A manufacturing experience that feels calm, predictable, and competent — even for complex or oversized parts. You get honest feedback, clear scope, defensible pricing, and accountable execution. No hype. No guessing. No surprises.

Ready to get started?

If you have a part that matters, start with a technical review. We’ll tell you quickly whether it’s a fit.

Submit Your Files
Prefer email? Send files to rfq@relaymfg.com (or update this line to your preferred intake).