Metal buying guides / Ordering
Cut-to-Size Blank or Finished Part: Which Should You Order?
Order a blank when you want the starting material for your own work. Request a finished part when you want features such as holes, bends, threads, or welds supplied as part of the job. The distinction determines what information the supplier needs and what the price covers.
Updated
Quick answer
A blank is starting material for work you will do afterward. A finished-part request includes the holes, bends, threads, welds or finish you want supplied. Tell the shop what you expect to receive so the quote includes that work.
The name of the project doesn't define the processing. “Mounting plate” could mean a plain rectangle or a finished component with a specific hole pattern and surface finish.
Describe what will arrive
Consider a hypothetical 1/4-inch steel piece measuring 6 by 8 inches. Each of these requests has a different scope:
On a small screen, scroll the table sideways to see every column.
| Request | Expected supplied item |
|---|---|
| Rectangular cut blank | Material cut to width and length |
| Plate with four drilled holes | Blank plus specified hole sizes and locations |
| Plate with tapped holes | Blank plus specified internal threads |
| Bent plate | Material formed to an agreed finished shape |
| Coated finished part | Agreed geometry plus a defined finishing operation |
The material, dimensions, and quantity still matter in every row. Additional operations need their own descriptions.
If you want to do the remaining work
Decide what starting size your process needs. If you're machining the edges, that may include extra material. If you're forming the piece, confirm the flat shape and size with the shop or person doing the bend.
Order the supplied blank dimensions, not an unexplained mixture of final-part dimensions and allowances. Label the drawing if it shows a finished part but the request is for blanks only.
Shops buying material from Rapid Metals can keep their machining, welding, and customer work in-house. There is no need to request fabrication simply because the blank will eventually become a more complicated part.
If you want more processing supplied
Provide a drawing, sketch, or clear notes that define the result. For holes, include sizes and locations. For bends, show direction and finished geometry. For appearance, identify the visible face and the required finish.
A list of operations helps, but it isn't always a complete specification. “Drill and bend” still leaves the hole pattern, bend direction, and finished dimensions unanswered.
Use our guides to request holes and threads or describe a bent part.
Keep specialist processes in the quote
Rapid Metals' processing page explains the standard cutting offer and reviewed additional work. Some specialist processes may be coordinated through outside partners when the job fits. Their availability, timing, and scope need confirmation.
Do not assume that selecting an operation automatically makes it part of a priced standard blank. Review the accepted quote for the exact work, material, quantity, and finish.
For straight cut-only material, configure the standard pieces online. For a completed component or extra work, send the finished-part requirements. State clearly where you want our work to stop and yours to begin.