Working with Xometry: A Comprehensive Guide for Partners & Manufacturers

The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Xometry Partner

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For machine shops, fabricators, and manufacturers, finding a consistent stream of high-quality work is the key to growth. In today’s digital landscape, online manufacturing marketplaces have revolutionized how shops fill their capacity and connect with customers. At the forefront of this revolution is Xometry, a global platform that offers immense opportunities for skilled suppliers. But what is xometry, and how can you join its ranks as a trusted xometry partner?

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll explore the benefits of the Xometry Partner Network, detail the application and onboarding process, and provide actionable tips for thriving on the platform. Whether you run a CNC machine shop, a 3D printing lab, or a sheet metal fabrication facility, this guide will serve as your roadmap to success.

Table of Contents

What Is Xometry and How Does It Work?

At its core, Xometry is an on-demand manufacturing marketplace that connects customers needing custom parts with a vetted network of manufacturers who have the capacity and capability to produce them. The platform leverages proprietary AI technology to instantly provide quotes to customers, simplifying a traditionally complex and time-consuming process.

So, how does xometry work for a manufacturing partner?

  1. Customer Uploads a Design: A customer, ranging from a startup to a Fortune 500 company, uploads a 3D CAD file and specifies their requirements (material, quantity, finish, etc.).
  2. AI Provides an Instant Quote: The Xometry Instant Quoting Engine® analyzes the part’s geometry and requirements to generate an immediate price and lead time.
  3. Job is Placed on the Partner Job Board: Once the customer places an order, the job is made available to qualified partners within the network whose capabilities match the job’s needs.
  4. Partner Accepts and Manufactures: A partner accepts the job, manufactures the parts to specification, and ships them.
  5. Xometry Handles the Rest: Xometry manages the customer relationship, payment processing, and logistics, allowing you to focus on what you do best: making high-quality parts.

This streamlined model removes the need for partners to spend time and resources on quoting, sales, and marketing, allowing them to focus purely on production.

The Xometry Partner Network: Unlocking Growth and Opportunity

Joining the xometry partner network is more than just getting access to jobs; it’s about becoming part of a manufacturing ecosystem designed for mutual success. The platform is particularly powerful for machine shops and other manufacturers looking to diversify their client base and stabilize their revenue.

Here are some of the core xometry partner benefits:

  • Access to a Massive Customer Base: Gain immediate access to work from thousands of customers across diverse industries like aerospace, automotive, medical, and consumer electronics, without any marketing spend.
  • Fill Your Shop’s Capacity: Take on as much or as little work as you want. The platform provides the ultimate flexibility to fill idle machine time and keep your operations running efficiently.
  • No More Quoting: The AI-driven pricing model means you don’t have to spend hours preparing quotes. You see the job and the price upfront, and you can decide instantly if it’s right for you.
  • Guaranteed, Fast Payments: Xometry handles all payment processing, ensuring you get paid quickly and reliably for the work you complete. This eliminates the hassle of chasing invoices and managing accounts receivable.
  • Grow Your Business: Many partners use Xometry to supplement their existing work, while others have built their entire business around the platform, scaling their operations and even investing in new equipment based on the consistent workflow.

How to Join Xometry: A Step-by-Step Application Guide

If you’re ready to become a xometry partner, the process is straightforward but thorough. Xometry is committed to maintaining a high-quality network, so they have specific standards that all applicants must meet. This section outlines how to join xometry from start to finish.

Step 1: Understand the Requirements and Qualifications

Before you begin the application, it’s crucial to ensure your shop meets the basic xometry partner qualifications. While specific needs vary by manufacturing process, the general xometry supplier requirements include:

  • Registered Business: You must operate a legally registered business in your country.
  • Proper Equipment: You need to own and operate the necessary CNC machines, 3D printers, or other manufacturing equipment.
  • Quality Control: A documented quality control process is essential. Certifications like ISO 9001 or AS9100 are highly valued but not always mandatory for all types of work.
  • Experience: Demonstrated experience in your specific manufacturing field is required.

Step 2: Complete the Xometry Partner Application

The xometry partner application is an online form where you’ll provide detailed information about your business and capabilities. Be prepared to submit:

  • Company details (name, address, tax information).
  • A comprehensive list of your equipment and machinery.
  • Information about your quality control processes and any certifications you hold.
  • Details about your team’s experience and expertise.

Take your time and be as detailed and accurate as possible. This information is used to match you with the right types of jobs.

Step 3: The Xometry Onboarding Process

Once your application is reviewed and provisionally accepted, you will begin the xometry onboarding process. This is designed to verify your capabilities and ensure you’re ready to take on work. The process typically involves:

  • A Test Part: You will be required to manufacture a sample part to demonstrate your ability to meet Xometry’s standards for quality and precision.
  • Portal Training: You will receive training on how to use the Xometry Supplier Portal, accept jobs, and manage your account.
  • Final Approval: Upon successful completion of the test part and training, your account will be fully activated, and you’ll gain access to the live job board.

Navigating the Platform: Your Guide to the Supplier Portal and Job Board

After becoming an approved partner, the xometry supplier portal will be your command center. This is where you’ll manage every aspect of your work with Xometry. After your initial xometry partner login, you’ll find several key features.

The most important of these is the xometry job board. This is a real-time listing of all available jobs that match your shop’s capabilities. Each listing provides all the necessary details, including:

  • Part files (CAD and technical drawings)
  • Material and quantity
  • Required tolerances and finishes
  • The price Xometry will pay for the job
  • The required delivery date

The process for getting jobs on xometry is simple: you review the available jobs and accept the ones that are a good fit for your schedule and expertise. It’s a first-come, first-served system for most jobs, rewarding partners who are active and responsive on the platform.

It’s also important to understand the xometry rfq process. Unlike a traditional request-for-quote system where you bid against other shops, Xometry’s AI sets the price. This eliminates the "race to the bottom" on pricing and allows you to evaluate jobs based on a clear, upfront payment.

Meeting Standards and Maximizing Success as a Partner

Your long-term success on the platform depends on your performance. Consistently delivering high-quality parts on time is the best way to build a strong reputation within the network.

Central to this is adhering to the strict xometry quality standards. Every job comes with clear specifications and inspection requirements. Partners are expected to perform thorough quality checks before shipping any parts. Failure to meet these standards can impact your partner score and access to future work.

Your performance is also reflected in internal xometry partner reviews and a partner rating system. This score is determined by factors like on-time delivery rate, quality conformance, and responsiveness. A higher score can lead to better opportunities, including access to more complex and higher-value jobs. Maintaining a positive track record is essential for maximizing your earnings and growing with the platform.

Specialized Opportunities: CNC, 3D Printing, and More

The Xometry network supports a vast range of manufacturing processes, creating specialized opportunities for shops with specific expertise. As a general xometry manufacturing partner, you can take on work across multiple disciplines if you have the equipment.

For machine shops, becoming a xometry cnc partner opens the door to a constant flow of jobs for milling and turning in a wide variety of metals and plastics. The platform’s algorithm can analyze complex geometries, ensuring you are matched with parts that are a perfect fit for your 3-axis, 5-axis, or lathe capabilities.

Similarly, businesses with additive manufacturing capabilities can thrive as a xometry 3d printing partner. Xometry offers customers a wide array of 3D printing technologies, including FDM, SLA, SLS, and DMLS. Partners with this equipment can tap into a rapidly growing market for prototyping and end-use production parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main requirements to become a Xometry partner?
The primary requirements include being a registered business, owning the necessary manufacturing equipment (e.g., CNC machines, 3D printers), having a documented quality control system in place, and demonstrating experience in your field. Specific certifications like ISO 9001 can be beneficial.

How long does the Xometry partner application process take?
The timeline can vary depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of your shop’s capabilities. Generally, from submitting the application to completing the onboarding test part, the process can take a few weeks. Providing accurate and complete information on your application can help expedite the review.

Can I choose which jobs I take on the Xometry Job Board?
Yes, absolutely. One of the main benefits of the platform is flexibility. You have full control to review all available jobs that match your capabilities and only accept the ones that fit your schedule, capacity, and expertise.

How does Xometry handle payments to its partners?
Xometry streamlines the payment process. After you have completed a job and it has passed the quality check, Xometry processes your payment directly. They offer several payment options and schedules, ensuring partners are paid reliably and promptly without the need to manage individual invoices with customers. This makes becoming a xometry supplier a financially stable decision for many shops.