RFQ Checklist for Sheet Metal Parts: Get Accurate Quotes Faster
An incomplete RFQ leads to back-and-forth questions, quotations full of assumptions, and price surprises later. A complete one gets you accurate, comparable quotes in days. Here is what a toolmaker or stamping supplier needs from you.
The essentials
- Drawing: a 2D drawing with all dimensions and tolerances (PDF, DWG or DXF). Add a 3D model (STEP or IGES) if you have one, which helps with formed parts.
- Material: grade, thickness and temper or condition, for example CRCA 1.2 mm, brass CuZn30 0.5 mm half-hard, or SS 304 0.8 mm.
- Quantity: monthly or annual volume, and the expected life of the programme in years. This decides the right type of tool.
- Scope: tool only, tool plus production of parts, or parts only from an existing tool.
Details that change the price
- Critical features: mark the dimensions that really matter for fit and function, so the rest can follow standard tolerances.
- Burr height and direction: especially for electrical parts. See Controlling Burrs in High Speed Stamping.
- Finish: plating (zinc, tin, nickel), heat treatment, or other surface treatment, and whether it is done before or after stamping.
- Flatness: if the part must sit flat, say so. It can change the tooling route.
- Secondary operations: tapping, assembly, spot welding or riveting.
Commercial and quality requirements
- Samples and inspection: how many samples you need, and the inspection report format you expect.
- Packaging: loose, in layers, or in trays, and quantity per box.
- Delivery: batch sizes, frequency and delivery location.
- Timeline: when you need samples and when production must start.
A ready-to-copy template
| Item | Your details |
|---|---|
| Part name / number | |
| Material & thickness | |
| Annual volume / programme life | |
| Scope | Tool only / Tool + parts / Parts only |
| Critical features & tolerances | |
| Finish / plating | |
| Secondary operations | |
| Samples required by | |
| Production start | |
| Delivery location |
What a good supplier sends back
A useful quotation includes more than a price. Look for the proposed tooling route, the number of stations, tool steel, expected tool life, lead time with milestones, and suggestions that could lower your cost. Our guide to what decides progressive die cost explains what to compare.
Ready to send yours? Use our Request a Quote form to upload your drawing. You can also send it on WhatsApp or by email. We reply within 24 hours.