Build-to-print manufacturing in Canada
You own the drawings. We get them made. If you have a complete part package, a dimensioned drawing or 3D model with the material, tolerances and finish, build to print is the fastest path to a part. Send it once and we match it to vetted Canadian machining, fabrication, sheet metal and finishing shops, then bring back quotes. It is the literal meaning of made to spec.
No drawing yet? Start with design help →
What build-to-print means
Build to print (also called build to spec, make to print, or manufacturing to specification) is when you supply the complete design and the shop makes exactly that. You are not asking for design input or engineering changes: the drawing is the contract, and the shop manufactures to it. It is a form of contract manufacturing where the buyer owns the intellectual property and the print.
That is different from design and engineering help, where you start from a concept or sample and need someone to produce the drawing first. If you already have the print, you are ready to quote.
What to send for a build-to-print quote
A complete package quotes faster and more accurately. Include:
- A dimensioned drawing or a 3D model (STEP or IGES is ideal), with a 2D drawing for anything with tolerances.
- The material and grade, and any substitutions you will accept.
- Tolerances and critical features. See our tolerances and surface finish reference and GD&T explained.
- The finish and any coating or plating spec.
- Quantity and schedule, and whether this is a prototype or production run.
- Any certification or traceability requirement (mill certs, country of origin, ISO 9001 or AS9100, Controlled Goods).
Early in design and not sure a feature is manufacturable? Our design for manufacturing guide covers the choices that keep a print quotable and cheap to make.
How it works
- Send your drawing package. It is free to start and no account is needed.
- We match your part to capable Canadian shops with the right process, materials, tolerances and certifications for the job.
- You get quotes back from shops that can actually run the work.
Processes we cover
Build-to-print work spans the whole custom-parts supply chain. Common routes include CNC machining, metal fabrication, sheet metal fabrication, and the finishing that follows. For regulated parts we match aerospace and defence build-to-print work to shops with the quality systems and compliance those sectors require.
Build to print vs the alternatives
If you have the print, choose build to print: it is the fastest, most predictable route, and you keep full control of the design. If you have an idea but no drawing, start with design help so the print gets made first. If you are not sure which you are, send what you have and we will tell you which step you are at.
FAQ
What is build-to-print manufacturing?
Build to print means you supply a complete drawing package (geometry, materials, tolerances and finish) and the shop makes exactly that, with no design changes. It is also called build to spec, make to print, or manufacturing to specification.
What is the difference between build-to-print and contract manufacturing?
Build to print is a form of contract manufacturing where you own the design and supply the full drawings. The shop manufactures to your print rather than contributing design or engineering work.
What do I need to provide for a build-to-print quote?
A dimensioned drawing or 3D model with the material, tolerances, finish and quantity. The more complete the package, the faster and more accurate the quote comes back.
What if I do not have a drawing yet?
Then you need design help first. Our design and engineering route turns a concept, sketch or sample part into a quotable drawing, then into a finished part.
Can you handle build-to-print for aerospace or defence?
Yes. We match regulated build-to-print work to shops with the right quality system (AS9100) and compliance (Controlled Goods Program), with material traceability where the drawing requires it.