When this applies
- You hold finished engineering documentation
- You are looking for a first or additional supplier
- Quotes you have received are hard to compare
- You need to know which type of shop to approach
Package the files properly
Send a neutral 3D format alongside your native file, plus a PDF drawing for tolerances and notes. The model drives programming; the drawing carries the requirements. Sending only one of the two is the most common cause of quoting delay.
- STEP file for geometry
- PDF drawing with tolerances, finish and notes
- Native CAD file if the supplier can use it
- A short covering note stating quantity and timing
Read the drawing before you send it
Check that the title block states material, finish and general tolerance; that the revision is current; and that no note references a document the supplier will not have. Ambiguity in those fields reliably produces a padded price.
Confidentiality
If the design is proprietary, put an NDA in place before distributing files widely. Ask up front rather than after sending — reputable shops handle this routinely.
RFQ checklist
Include these in your request and suppliers can quote without a round of questions.
- STEP plus PDF drawing at current revision
- Quantity and any price-break quantities
- Material, finish and certification requirements
- Need-by date
- Whether an NDA is required before file release