What Information Is Needed for a Custom Metal Parts Quote?
A useful Request for Quotation (RFQ) for custom metal parts typically includes a technical drawing or physical sample, specified material grade, material thickness, critical dimensions and tolerances, estimated order quantity, surface finish requirements, and the intended functional application.
Providing clear and structured specifications during the initial RFQ stage allows our tooling and cost engineering team to evaluate part manufacturability (DFM), recommend optimal die structures (single-stage vs. progressive die), and provide an accurate tooling lead time and unit cost quotation without delays.
1. Technical Drawing or Physical Sample
The foundation of any custom metal stamping or deep drawing quotation is an engineering definition:
- 2D Technical Drawings (PDF / DWG / DXF): Outlining all geometric dimensions, critical tolerances, bend radii, hole center distances, and datum references.
- 3D CAD Models (STEP / STP / IGES / XT): Essential for evaluating deep drawn contours, compound curvature, and complex progressive tooling layouts.
- Physical Samples: If digital drawings are unavailable, physical sample parts can be sent to our Dongguan facility for reverse measurement, optical scanning, and tooling evaluation.
2. Material Specification
Specify the required metal alloy or general material category:
- Stainless Steel: SUS304 (1.4301), SUS316, SUS420 (hardened cutting blades), SUS430, SUS301.
- Carbon & Mild Steel: Cold rolled steel (SPCC), galvannealed steel (SECC), spring steel (SK5 / 65Mn).
- Non-Ferrous Metals: Brass (H62 / H65), phosphor bronze, copper, and aluminum alloys.
If you are uncertain about the specific grade, indicate the operating environment (e.g., food contact, outdoor exposure, corrosive cleaning agents, or high-speed rotation).
3. Dimensions and Material Thickness
State the exact nominal thickness and key dimensions of the part:
- Sheet Thickness: e.g., 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.2 mm, 2.0 mm (with acceptable thickness tolerance).
- Overall Part Dimensions: Length, width, height, outer diameter, and draw depth.
4. Tolerances & Critical Fit Dimensions
Highlight functional interfaces and tight tolerance areas:
- General stamping tolerances typically follow ISO 2768-m or DIN 6930 unless specified otherwise.
- Identify critical mounting hole centers, shaft bore diameters, and edge sharpness requirements so tooling engineers can incorporate precision sizing stations.
5. Order Quantity & Production Batch Size
Volume directly determines the recommended tooling strategy and amortized cost:
- Initial Prototype / Pilot Run: e.g., 500 – 2,000 pcs (laser cut or soft tooling).
- Annual Forecast & Batch Quantity: e.g., 50,000 – 500,000 pcs/year (automated multi-station progressive die tooling for high-speed continuous output).
6. Surface Finish & Post-Processing Requirements
Define secondary surface requirements:
- Deburring (vibratory tumbling / centrifugal disc finishing).
- Electropolishing, passivation, or ultrasonic degreasing for food-contact parts.
- Heat treatment (quenching and tempering for SUS420 blades).
- Plating, powder coating, or anodizing where applicable.
7. Application and Functional Requirements
Explaining how and where the component will be used helps our engineering team assess potential stresses, wear factors, and regulatory requirements (such as food hygiene in kitchen appliances or weather resistance in robotic mower parts).
8. Packaging and Assembly Requirements
Specify special packing requirements such as bulk packaging, vacuum blister trays to protect sharpened blade edges, anti-rust VCI paper wrapping, or sub-assembly integration (e.g. hub riveting, spot welding, or insert overmolding).
What If You Do Not Have a Complete CAD Drawing?
If you only have a physical reference part, a broken component sample, or a preliminary 2D sketch:
- Provide photos, general outer dimensions, and material description.
- Send a physical sample to our factory in Dongguan for dimensional analysis and feasibility review.
- Our team will evaluate the feasibility, discuss production tolerances, and quote tooling parameters.
How to Send an RFQ to Shengyue Stamping
Submit your project details through any of our direct B2B communication channels:
- Online Contact Form: Use our RFQ submission page to send project requirements and file links.
- Direct Engineering Email: Send your CAD files and PDF drawings directly to info@shengyue-stamping.com.
- Instant WhatsApp Review: Connect directly with our sales engineering team via WhatsApp at +86 159 1388 1634.
Send Your Drawing or Sample for a Quotation
We review 2D/3D drawings and physical samples to provide detailed DFM analysis, tooling costs, and piece-part pricing.
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