Fictiv: The High-Touch Digital Manufacturer
The Fictiv Advantage
Fictiv takes a hybrid approach; digital platform meets white-glove service. They don't own all their manufacturing facilities but instead work with carefully vetted partners while providing much more hands-on project management than Xometry.
What sets them apart is their focus on collaboration. When I ordered a complex assembly with both machined and molded parts, they assigned a dedicated program manager who coordinated between different manufacturing partners and kept everything on schedule.
Their platform offers some genuinely useful features:
- Shared DFM feedback that you can comment on directly
- Detailed inspection reports for critical parts
- Real-time order tracking across multiple processes
Realistic Timelines
Lead times with Fictiv typically run 7-12 days in my experience, though they're getting faster for standard processes. What I appreciate is that their estimates are reliable. If they say 8 days, it's delivered in 8 days, not 7 or 9.
For teams that need significant engineering support or have complex multi-process projects, Fictiv's higher-touch approach can actually save money in the long run by preventing expensive mistakes and coordination problems.
The main drawback? Like Protolabs, you'll pay more for this service level. Simple sheet metal parts cost significantly more through Fictiv than through SendCutSend in my experience, though the gap narrows for complex assemblies where their project management adds real value.
Why SendCutSend Has Become My Default Choice
After years of ordering parts from all five services, SendCutSend has become my go-to for most sheet metal needs. Here's why:
1
No-Nonsense Quoting
Upload your STEP or DXF file, choose materials and options, and get a real-time price that doesn't change at checkout. No hidden fees, no surprises.
2
Complete Solutions
From laser, CNC machining, and waterjet cutting to bending, hardware insertion, and finishing—everything happens under one roof, eliminating coordination headaches and ensuring consistent quality.
3
Ready-to-Use Parts
Parts consistently arrive with minimal burrs or defects, allowing them to go straight into assembly without additional work. The time savings here is substantial across multiple projects.
4
Clear Pricing Structure
Ultra-competitive pricing with volume discounts makes budgeting straightforward. What you see is what you pay, a refreshing change from services with complex pricing algorithms.
5
Dependable Delivery
With typical lead times of 2 - 4 days and rush options when needed, scheduling becomes predictable. I've rarely experienced delays, even during busy periods.
6
Helpful Support Team
From catching design issues to suggesting more cost-effective approaches, their support team feels like an extension of your own engineering department rather than just order processors.
The Bottom Line
While each service has strengths for specific use cases, SendCutSend offers the best overall experience for most sheet metal fabrication needs. Their combination of quality, speed, and value consistently delivers results that keep projects on track and within budget.
That said, I maintain accounts with all five services because each has its place in my fabrication toolkit. Protolabs for ultra-urgent machined parts, Fictiv for complex assemblies requiring project management, Xometry for certain high-volume work, and occasionally OSH Cut for extremely thick materials (when I have time for cleanup).
The key is understanding each service's real-world performance—not just their marketing claims—so you can choose the right tool for each specific job. Hopefully, my experiences help you avoid the costly learning curve I went through.