Aluminum Parts RFQ Checklist: Drawings, Materials, Tolerances and Quality Requirements

An aluminum parts RFQ should include a controlled drawing revision, available 3D model, material requirements, order quantities, critical features, finish, inspection expectations and delivery assumptions. A useful RFQ also labels unanswered questions so that suppliers do not price different interpretations of the same component.

Use the following checklist for an initial request, then update it when engineering and commercial requirements are agreed.

The core RFQ checklist

Item	Information to provide	If it is not yet decided
Part identity	Part number, name and drawing revision	Assign a temporary identifier
Geometry	2D drawing and available 3D model	Identify missing views or features
Material	Alloy, temper or other required condition	Ask for a proposal subject to approval
Quantity	Sample quantity, order batch and demand estimate	Label each estimate as provisional
Dimensions	Units, datum references and critical tolerances	Identify features needing review
Finish	Specification, appearance and masking requirements	Request finish options for evaluation
Quality	Required reports, tests and acceptance criteria	Separate mandatory from optional items
Delivery	Destination, target timing and packing needs	Ask suppliers to state assumptions

Do not silently treat a demand forecast as a purchase commitment. State whether it is a planning estimate, a quote scenario or an order quantity.

Make drawings and models agree

Place the revision identifier in the RFQ and on the drawing package. If a model and drawing differ, explain which governs each requirement rather than leaving the supplier to infer it. Include units and the relevant drawing standard.

Identify critical features by number or a marked drawing. A note such as “high precision required” is less useful than specifying the assembly interface, the required dimension and how it will be evaluated. The Aluminum Extruders Council's tolerance guidance also emphasizes discussing profile requirements with the extruder rather than relying on an unspecified general expectation.

Define the state of the finished part

Say whether dimensions apply before or after finishing. Identify threads, sealing surfaces, bonding areas and electrical contacts that may need special handling or masking. If appearance matters, distinguish visible surfaces from hidden ones and describe the proposed method of approval.

An inspection report should refer to the correct part and revision. Specify which records must accompany samples and which are expected with production shipments. Ask for a proposal if the sampling approach has not been agreed.

Request a quotation that can be compared

Ask each supplier to separate tooling, sample work, production parts, finishing, additional inspection and packaging. Request explicit exclusions and any minimum batch assumptions.

For tooling, ask how ownership, storage, maintenance, modification and end-of-project transfer would be handled. For delivery, ask what starts the quoted lead time: drawing approval, tooling release, deposit, material availability or another agreed event.

A reusable RFQ outline

Copy these fields into your inquiry and replace the brackets:

• Project and part: [name / number / revision]

• Files supplied: [drawing / model / specification]

• Intended application: [assembly and operating context]

• Material and finish: [requirements or items needing review]

• Quantities: [samples / order batch / estimated annual demand]

• Critical features: [drawing references]

• Inspection and records: [required evidence]

• Delivery and packing: [destination / target / protection]

• Requested reply: [feasibility, exceptions, itemized quote and assumptions]

Send proprietary drawings through the channel your organization approves. If a confidentiality agreement is required, arrange it before sharing restricted information.

Frequently asked questions

Can I request a quote with only a 3D model?

You can request an initial discussion, but a model may not communicate tolerances, finish, material or inspection requirements. Ask what is needed for a firm quotation.

Must every dimension have the tightest available tolerance?

Specify tolerances according to function and assembly needs. Ask for a review of requirements that materially affect the manufacturing route or inspection effort.

What if I do not know the alloy or finish?

Describe the application and label these selections as open. Request options for engineering review before treating the specification as final.

Send an RFQ to ONTOPS

Use the checklist to contact ONTOPS. You can also review the available aluminum manufacturing services and OEM project support when describing the scope you need.