Prototype or early design
Mark open design questions, expected changes, target function, sample quantity, and the DFM feedback needed before the next revision.
Buyer RFQ guide
Sheet metal RFQ checklist for OEM buyers.
Use this checklist to prepare the drawings, material, finish, inspection, application, and packing details that make a fabrication quote faster and more reliable.
Start with a complete drawing package
Quotation quality depends on whether engineering, purchasing, and the supplier are reviewing the same revision and the same assumptions.
- 2D PDF drawing with part number, revision, units, dimensions, tolerances, material, finish, and notes.
- STEP or STP files for formed parts, welded assemblies, enclosures, and parts with mating features.
- DXF or DWG files for laser cut blanks, flat panels, slots, vents, and nested profile review.
- Reference photos or approved sample notes when the project is a supplier transfer or repeat order.
RFQ checklist table
These inputs help separate normal fabrication work from details that affect risk, inspection, or export readiness.
| RFQ area | What to define | Why it affects quotation |
|---|---|---|
| Part identity | Part number, active revision, drawing date, units, and sample status. | Prevents obsolete drawings, duplicate versions, and unclear acceptance baselines. |
| Material | Grade, thickness, temper when relevant, substitute rules, and visible surface side. | Changes cutting, bending, welding, finish planning, availability, and cost. |
| Process scope | Laser cutting, CNC bending, welding, hardware, assembly, finishing, and packing steps. | Clarifies whether the quote is for a blank, a formed part, or a finished assembly. |
| Critical features | Datum points, hole positions, mating edges, flatness needs, bend angles, and fit checks. | Guides inspection effort and identifies features that may need process control. |
| Finish | Color code, gloss, texture, masking, burr limits, weld cleanup, and protected faces. | Finish requirements often drive handling, sequence, inspection, and packing choices. |
| Commercial plan | Prototype quantity, pilot quantity, annual demand, target schedule, and destination country. | Helps choose the quoting route and separate sample assumptions from repeat production needs. |
| Packing | Carton limits, pallet rules, labels, part separation, surface protection, and shipment mode. | Protects visible parts and helps avoid export packing changes after production. |
Match the checklist to your project stage
A prototype, supplier transfer, and repeat production order should not be quoted from the same assumptions.
Pilot run
Define inspection priorities, visible surfaces, assembly fit, finish acceptance, packing trial needs, and sample approval criteria.
Repeat or transfer order
Share approved sample notes, current supplier issues, inspection history, active revision, annual demand, and existing packing method.
Common omissions that slow quotation
These missing details often create follow-up emails before a supplier can quote responsibly.
No material grade
Terms like steel, stainless, or aluminum are too broad. Add grade, thickness, and any acceptable alternatives.
No finish baseline
For visible parts, define color, texture, gloss, burr limit, cosmetic face, masking, and handling expectations.
No inspection focus
Mark critical dimensions, holes, mating edges, hardware positions, flatness, and assembly checks.
No application context
Explain where the part is installed, whether it is visible, and whether it has weather, vibration, heat, or fit constraints.
No quantity path
Separate prototype quantity from pilot quantity and annual demand so pricing assumptions are clear.
No packing rules
Large panels, coated parts, and export assemblies need part separation, label, carton, and pallet expectations.
Use the right service path
Choose a more specific page when your quote depends on a process, material, or application requirement.
Complete fabrication
Cutting, bending, welding, hardware, finishing, inspection, assembly, and export packing.
Laser cutting
DXF or DWG profiles, cut edges, critical holes, flatness, burr direction, and downstream forming.
CNC bending
Bend radius, flange length, hole-to-bend distance, cosmetic side, and forming inspection.
Sheet metal welding
Weld location, fixture fit, distortion control, visible weld appearance, cleanup, and packing.
Powder coating
Substrate, color, texture, masking, hardware sequence, coated-face inspection, and export packing.
Assembly and packing
Hardware, labels, subassemblies, kit contents, fit checks, carton limits, and export packing.
Custom metal parts
OEM supplier transfer, confidentiality needs, revision control, repeat orders, and quality history.
Sheet metal RFQ FAQ
What files should an OEM buyer send for a sheet metal RFQ?
Send 2D drawings, STEP or STP files when available, DXF or DWG files for flat profiles, active revision details, material, thickness, finish, quantity, inspection priorities, packing rules, and destination country.
Can I request a quote before the design is final?
Yes. Mark the design as preliminary, explain which dimensions or features may change, and identify the decisions that need manufacturability feedback before sampling.
Why should the application be included in the RFQ?
Application context helps the supplier identify visible surfaces, mating features, load or fit risks, hardware sequence, outdoor exposure, label areas, and packing requirements before quotation.
Ready to send a quote package?
Send drawings, material, quantity, finish, inspection points, packing notes, and destination country. The RFQ form keeps email fallback available if online submission is unavailable.