Make Mechanical Parts with Flux
Flux is an AI hardware engineer. It prepares mechanical parts for manufacturing and helps you get quotes and place orders.
Prepare a part for manufacturing
Start with the model and describe how you want to make the part. Flux supports 3D printing, CNC machining, sheet metal, laser cutting, injection molding, and casting. The right process depends on the part's shape, material, quantity, and product requirements.
Select the part or assembly in the project.
Tell Flux the intended process and material.
Describe the dimensions, finish, and product requirements that matter.
Ask Flux to prepare the model for that process.
Export a model or drawing file for a quote.
3D printing processes include FDM, SLA/DLP, SLS, MJF, material and binder jetting, and metal powder-bed fusion. CNC machining works with machined parts. Sheet metal and laser cutting use flat-part geometry. Injection molding and casting support molded or cast parts.
Use plain material names in your requests. For example, ask for PA12 nylon, black resin, or aluminum 6061. Name the part and process with the material so the request is clear. A motor bracket may need a metal part. A display enclosure may need a printed prototype before you prepare the production design.
Get a quote
You can get quotes from Craftcloud, JLC 3D printing, PCBWay 3D printing, SendCutSend, and OSH Cut. Craftcloud offers 3D printing and CNC machining from many shops. SendCutSend offers flat parts from DXF, DWG, AI, EPS, or STEP files, including sheet metal, laser cutting, and CNC routing. OSH Cut offers sheet metal and laser cutting from DXF, DWG, SVG, or STEP files.
Ask Flux to get a quote for the mechanical part.
State the process and material, such as 3D printing in PA12 nylon or CNC machining in aluminum 6061.
Review the available quote details, such as process, material, price, shipping, and lead time.
Compare the options for the part and product requirements.
You can save your Craftcloud login to get your own prices. Ask for a new quote when you change the model, material, or process so the quote matches the design.
Place a Craftcloud order
Use the Craftcloud quote flow when you want to place an order from Flux.
Ask Flux for a Craftcloud quote for the selected part.
Review the process, material, price, shipping, and lead time for the offers.
Choose the offer that fits your part and schedule.
Ask Flux to place the order.
Pay the vendor directly to complete the order.
The order uses the model and offer you select. Keep the part name and project files clear so you can connect the order to the right design.
Match the file to the process
Use a 3D model file for a part that needs its solid geometry. Use DXF or another drawing format for flat-part work. Prepare the output that matches the vendor's workflow.
Choose STEP, STL, OBJ, 3MF, or BREP for the part model.
Choose DXF or SVG for a flat outline or artwork.
Include the material and process in the quote request.
Keep the exported file with the design files for the product.
Flux can prepare model assets and drawing files from the project. A 3D-printed bracket may use an STL file. A machined housing may use STEP. A laser-cut cover may use a DXF outline. Name the file for the part and its purpose.