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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about our services, process, and pricing.

All FAQ categories

Services

What services does AGX Engineering provide?
AGX Engineering provides 3D CAD modelling, manufacturing and fabrication drawings, DXF and laser/waterjet files, reverse engineering, and drawing revisions and production documentation. We focus exclusively on these disciplines to ensure careful, direct project handling on every engagement.
Can you produce DXF files for laser or waterjet cutting?
Yes. Producing accurate DXF flat pattern files for laser, waterjet, and plasma cutting is a core service. We export from our CAD models in DXF format, verify open polylines, layer structure, and scale before delivery, and include PDF check prints so your operator can confirm geometry before cutting.
Can you work with our existing drawings or designs?
Yes. We regularly take on projects where design work has already been started. Send us whatever you have — sketches, existing CAD files, photos, or a plain description — and we will confirm how best to build on it.
Do you work with clients interstate?
Yes. AGX Engineering is a remote CAD and drafting practice and delivers projects for clients across all states and territories. Nearly all work is completed and delivered electronically. For projects requiring a site visit, we can arrange attendance at an additional cost.
Do you produce assembly drawings and exploded views?
Yes. Assembly drawings showing component relationships, fit, and assembly sequence are a standard deliverable. We can also produce exploded-view illustrations from the 3D assembly model — useful for installation guides, maintenance manuals, and parts catalogues.
Can you reverse engineer a part from a physical sample?
Yes. Reverse engineering from physical parts is a service we offer. You provide the physical sample (or detailed measurements, photos, and a calliper survey), and we produce a complete 3D model and dimensioned drawing suitable for fabrication or replacement manufacture. For complex parts, we can advise on the most efficient measurement approach.
What is the difference between a fabrication drawing and a structural engineering drawing?
A fabrication drawing (what AGX produces) specifies the geometry, dimensions, materials, and weld or assembly requirements needed for a fabricator to manufacture a component. A structural engineering drawing involves load analysis, member sizing calculations, and design sign-off by a chartered structural engineer — a regulated professional service we do not provide. If your project requires certification or engineering sign-off, we can produce the drafting documentation to support a structural engineer's review.
What industries do you typically work in?
We work across a range of industries that rely on custom fabrication and precision documentation: general manufacturing, steel fabrication, sheet metal, mining and resources, agriculture, marine, food processing, architectural metalwork, and OEM product development. If your project involves custom-fabricated components, we can almost certainly help with the documentation.

Process

How do I start a project with AGX Engineering?
Submit an enquiry via our online form or email us at enquiries@agxengineering.com. Describe what you need, share any relevant drawings or information, and we will respond with an obligation-free fee proposal within one business day. There is no commitment required to receive a quote.
What information do I need to provide to get a quote?
The more detail you can provide, the more accurate our proposal will be. Useful information includes: a description of the project and what documentation you need, any existing drawings, sketches, or photos, the intended fabrication method or material, any applicable standards or format requirements, and your target completion date. You do not need all of this — we will ask follow-up questions if needed.
How many revision rounds are included in the project fee?
Our standard project fee includes two rounds of revisions after the initial draft is issued. Additional revisions arising from changes to project scope or client-requested design modifications beyond the original brief are quoted separately. Most projects are completed within the standard revision allowance.
How do you handle confidential or proprietary designs?
We treat all client design information as confidential. We are happy to execute a mutual non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before the brief stage if required. All project files are stored securely and are not shared with third parties without your consent.
What happens if I need to make changes mid-project?
Minor clarifications and scope adjustments during the drafting phase are handled as part of normal project communication — we will let you know if a change has a meaningful impact on the timeline or fee. Significant changes to the original brief (such as redesign requests, material changes, or additions) are assessed against the original scope and, where necessary, a variation proposal is issued before work continues.
Do you work directly with fabricators, or only with clients?
We work primarily with the person or business commissioning the documentation — typically the business owner, engineer, project manager, or designer. If you would like us to liaise directly with your fabricator to answer drawing queries or issue updated files, we are happy to do that as part of the project.

Pricing

How do you charge for your services?
We offer fixed-fee project pricing for all standard engagements. You receive a detailed proposal outlining the scope, deliverables, revision allowance, and total fee before any work begins. We do not charge by the hour for CAD and drafting projects — this eliminates billing surprises and allows you to budget with certainty.
What is the minimum project fee?
Our minimum engagement is $500 AUD (excluding GST). Simple drawing revisions or DXF file production often fall in the $500 – $1,500 range. More involved 3D CAD modelling or reverse engineering projects typically range from $2,000 – $10,000 or more depending on complexity. We provide a fixed quote for every project before proceeding.
Do you offer ongoing retainer or priority access arrangements?
Yes. For clients with regular or recurring documentation requirements, we offer priority access arrangements and monthly retainer packages. Contact us to discuss your needs and we will propose a suitable structure.

Timeline

How long does a typical project take?
Turnaround depends on scope and complexity. Simple drawing revisions or DXF file production can be completed in one to three business days. A full 3D CAD modelling and fabrication drawing package for a custom component typically takes one to two weeks. Reverse engineering projects are scoped and scheduled individually. We confirm a realistic timeline in every project proposal.
Can you accommodate urgent or expedited requests?
Yes, subject to current workload. If you have a hard deadline, let us know when you submit your enquiry. We maintain capacity for expedited projects and can often accommodate tight timelines — sometimes at an additional fee for after-hours or weekend work. Contact us early to discuss your requirements.
What is your standard response time for project enquiries?
We respond to all project enquiries with an obligation-free fee proposal within one business day. For straightforward projects, we often respond the same day. If we need additional information before quoting, we will reach out promptly.

Documentation

What file formats do you deliver drawings in?
We deliver drawings in PDF as standard, suitable for direct issue to fabricators and manufacturers. DWG (AutoCAD) files are provided on request at no additional charge. DXF flat pattern files are included for sheet metal and plate components. Native SolidWorks files (.SLDPRT, .SLDASM, .SLDDRW) can be provided for an additional file-handover fee if required for in-house modifications.
Do your drawings reference Australian Standards?
All drawings are prepared with reference to recognised technical drawing conventions where applicable, covering projection, dimensioning, and general arrangement presentation. Material grades and specifications are noted on drawings as supplied by the client or as standard practice for the material and fabrication method. AGX Engineering produces fabrication documentation — we do not provide engineering certification, structural sign-off, or compliance approval.
Can you produce documentation in a format required by my fabricator or client?
Yes. We are flexible with title block formats, drawing numbering conventions, and document structure. If your fabricator or client has a specific drawing template or document standard, provide it with the brief and we will align our deliverables to it.
Can you provide native SolidWorks files?
Yes. Native SolidWorks part files (.SLDPRT), assembly files (.SLDASM), and drawing files (.SLDDRW) can be provided when parametric model access is required. Native file handover is available for an additional fee above the standard drawing deliverable, reflecting the additional intellectual property and model preparation involved. This is confirmed in the project proposal.
What tolerances and surface finish callouts do you include?
Standard fabrication drawings include general tolerance blocks appropriate to the fabrication method (welded fabrications, machined components, sheet metal parts). Specific tolerances for critical dimensions, fits, and mating interfaces are called out individually. Surface finish requirements and weld symbols are included where specified by the client or required for the application. If your project has specific tolerance requirements, include them in the brief.