Model and drawing disagree
A STEP file from one revision and a PDF from another means the estimator has to stop and ask which one is right.
RFQ checklist · parts quotes
What to send for a CNC machining quote
A shop can only quote what it can see. The fastest quotes come back on RFQs that answer the estimator's questions up front: which revision, what material, how many, which features matter, and when you really need the parts. Here is the list, and why each item matters.
- A person reads every RFQ
- Approved shops only
- The shop quotes you directly
The RFQ checklist, item by item
- Drawing (PDF) with revision. A dimensioned drawing with the revision letter and date. The shop quotes the revision you send.
- 3D model (STEP preferred). A STEP file opens in nearly every CAM system. Make sure the model and drawing are the same revision.
- Material. Alloy and condition or temper, for example 6061-T6 or 17-4 H900, and whether you supply the material or the shop buys it.
- Quantity. Order quantity now, plus repeat or annual volume if there is any.
- Critical features and tolerances. Mark the features that drive fit or function so the shop can plan the setup and the inspection around them.
- Finish, plating and heat treat. Anodize type and color, plating spec, passivation, heat treat or hardness callouts, and any masking.
- Inspection and paperwork. First article report, material certs, certificate of conformance, or a specific report format if the job requires it.
- Real need-by date and ship-to. The date you actually need parts, and the city and state they ship to.
What slows a quote down
"Material: steel"
Grade and condition change the tooling, the cycle time and the material cost. Name the exact alloy and temper.
Paperwork found late
A first article report or material certs add inspection time. If the job needs them, say so in the RFQ, not after the PO.
"ASAP"
Give a real date. A shop can tell you yes or no to a date; it cannot plan around "as soon as possible."
Matching the RFQ to the job
Prototype runs: say it is a prototype and whether the design may change. See prototype CNC parts. Small, slender turned parts in volume: see Swiss turning quotes. Your usual shop is full: see overflow machining RFQs. Need a first article report priced too: what drives first article inspection cost.
FAQ
Do I need both a drawing and a 3D model?
Send both if you have them. The STEP model lets the shop program and estimate cycle time; the drawing carries tolerances, finish, material and notes that a model usually does not. If you only have one, say so in the RFQ so nobody waits for a file that does not exist.
Why does quantity change the price per part so much?
Setup, programming, fixturing and first-article checks are paid once per run whether you order 5 parts or 500. Give the quantity you need now plus any realistic repeat or annual volume, and ask for price breaks if you are not sure.
What if my drawing has no tolerances on some features?
Most shops apply the title-block tolerance to anything not called out. If a feature matters to fit or function, call it out. Tight tolerances on features that do not need them add machining and inspection time.
Should I tell the shop my target price?
It is your call. A target or budget helps a shop tell you early whether the job fits, but leave it out if you want blind quotes to compare.
Can I send an RFQ before the design is final?
Yes, if you label it as a preliminary revision. Expect the quote to be re-done when the revision changes, and say whether you need prototype quantities now and production later.
Ready to send it?
One RFQ, routed by a person to shops that fit. Call or text 508-343-1219.