A useful casting RFQ combines a controlled drawing, material and finished-part requirements, demand and approval plan. Mark unresolved specifications explicitly so suppliers quote the same scope.
Make the drawing package unambiguous
Provide a revision-controlled 2D drawing and a 3D model where available. Identify units, datums, critical dimensions and the features that need final machining. A model communicates geometry; the drawing communicates acceptance.
Include these six essentials
- Part drawing, model and revision.
- Material standard and required heat-treatment condition.
- Initial order and expected annual quantity.
- Critical mechanical, dimensional and sealing requirements.
- Surface finish, masking and cosmetic criteria.
- Inspection, packaging and target timing.
Uncertain about the process? Say so.
Select “Help me choose” when sending an inquiry. Describe what the part does, including loads, media, temperatures and interfaces. Mark open specifications as questions rather than leaving them implicit.
Agree what happens after quotation
Clarify sample approval, tooling ownership, change control, inspection records and production release. Keep the same drawing revision attached to the quotation and any subsequent order.
A quotation-ready specification checklist
| RFQ item | Useful detail | If it is not decided |
|---|---|---|
| Drawing package | 2D drawing, 3D model, units, part number and revision | Identify the design stage and features open to change |
| Material | Alloy, standard and heat-treatment condition | Describe service conditions and request a review |
| Demand | First order, annual volume and forecast pattern | Provide a realistic range with the costing basis |
| Critical features | Fits, datums, threads, seals and property limits | Explain the mating function or failure concern |
| Finish | Treatment, cosmetic zones, masking and inspection state | Request representative samples for evaluation |
| Verification | Reports, test methods, sampling and approval gates | Ask for a proposed inspection scope |
| Commercial scope | Tooling ownership, packing and delivery basis | Ask suppliers to list exclusions explicitly |
Separate one-time and recurring costs
Ask the quotation to identify tooling, sample development and validation separately from finished-part pricing. Check which machining, heat treatment, surface treatment, inspection and packaging operations are included. State whether the comparison assumes one shipment or scheduled releases, and align the delivery basis before comparing totals.
Handle drawings and revisions carefully
Use consistent part numbers and revisions across the model, drawing and specification. Remove superseded files from the active RFQ package. Discuss confidentiality before sending restricted material. The website form accepts one supported drawing file; if you have several files, mention the package and arrange an agreed transfer method.
Copy this project brief
Part / revision: …
Application and service conditions: …
Material / condition: …
First order / annual quantity: …
Critical requirements and tests: …
Finish and masking: …
Sample approval / target timing: …
Open questions: …
Before you compare supplier responses
Check drawing revision, inclusions, exclusions, acceptance scope and quote validity. Resolve ambiguous assumptions in writing. A cheaper quotation is not comparable if it omits the inspection or finishing required for the delivered component.