FastCAM QE Training Guide
Here we will link all the guides to help you get up to speed on QE's functions to get a quote out quickly and reliably to your customer. It is broken down into functions to better explain the role of each function, with worked examples to show end-to-end workflows.
1. Quote Operations
In this guide we will walk through some of the standard quote operations you can utilize in QE.
Open a Quote
To search for a quote you can use the Open button on the toolbar:
In here you can search using different options:
- Select a quote — Where you can select a quote from the drop-down list
- Input a Quote Number — Pick a quote when you know the Quote Number
- Filter based on Customer — If selected, you can pick a Customer to filter for, to see recent quotes for that specific customer
- Filter based on Estimator — So you can see your or another estimator's recent quotes
- Select from Recent Quotes — If Extended View is turned on, you will be able to access this. Here you can see a summary of recent quotes, which you can use to select from.
Browse for a Quote
Browse allows you to open an old quote as Read Only. You will not be able to adjust anything in the quote, but you will be able to inspect it in QE. For this you will need the Quote Number:
Search for Quote
There is also an option to Search for a quote. You can use this if you cannot find the quote, but know some details about it:
For instance you can search for quotes that have used Section group ST, and the specific section 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 X 1/8
Then click Search
If any are found they will show in the table below and you can then double click to open them
Open Quote as Copy
You can open an old quote to act as a base for a new quote. Click the down arrow under the OPEN button, and select Open Quote "as Copy"
This will then start a new quote, where you can select a new customer, but when you load it, it will have all the previous line items filled in
Re-Price
Repricing allows you to open an old quote and simply run the repricing on it, as a new quote:
Bulk Quote Status Update
If you need to update the status on a lot of quotes, then you can do so from the Edit > Edit Status menu (you must have no active quote at the time, for this option to be available):
2. Plate
This section goes through the different options you have when quoting Plate
Profiles & Single CAD / CAM
When you need to quote parts individually, e.g. if they are rather large, awkward, or have a very high quantity.
The Profiles option is functionally the same as this, however it asks you to fill in parametric shape details.
Multi CAD / CAM
This option helps with data entry of parts. You can load multiple CAD / CAM files quickly and assign Material / Thickness / Quantity. You can then process them as single files or as grouped files.
Grouped CAD / CAM
Option for when you want to group-nest parts of the same material & thickness. Great when parts are similar in size for better nesting results.
Worked Example 1: QE Using DXFs
Using DXF files directly in QE. Ideal for a small number of DXF files that can be easily categorized.
Pre-Nested CAD / CAM
For importing a CAD / CAM file that is already a nest (created in another package and exported as a drawing file). Behaves like Single CAD / CAM but assumes the file is a nest.
Rectangular Optimizer
When parts are rectangular (or close to it), use this for quick data entry and quoting. Typical when data is supplied in a spreadsheet (e.g. Excel).
Worked Example 2: Rectangular Optimizer
Best when you have a list of parts of the same (or easily categorized) materials to optimize. NOTE: If parts have many different materials and thicknesses, use MTO first.
3. Long Product (Beams)
This section goes through the options for quoting either processed Linear (Beams) or selling stock Linear.
Processed Linear
For long product parts that require processing (or processing time calculation).
Worked Example 3: Processed & Stock Linear Quoting
Entering data for processed and stock linear directly into QE to produce a customer quote.
4. MTO
MTO is used when you have many parts and want to enter all data first (rather than via the options above), or when using NC1s (DSTVs).
Loading Parts
How to load parts and data into MTO. Mandatory for NC1/DSTV files.
Worked Example 4: Bulk DXF files
Processing bulk DXF files through MTO before quoting in QE to assign materials and thicknesses.
Adding an Alias
Adding a Alias allows you to match what a customer calls a material, to what you have stored in your MTO.
Loading an MTO file into QE
To be used after you process the MTO file and now want to quote it
Worked Example 5: Quoting NC1s / DSTVs using MTO & QE
5. Other Considerations
Other guides that assist with how to deal with Delivery, Discounts, and so on.
Extra Processes
How to add extra processing to a line item in QE.
