Sheet Metal RFQ Checklist: Flat Pattern, Bends, Hardware and Finish

A clean RFQ prevents the supplier from guessing the flat pattern, bend table and cosmetic standard. The useful outcome is a controlled specification that lets engineering, purchasing, manufacturing and quality make the same decision.

Decision table

Control the formed part

Unless the buyer owns the exact bend data, the formed geometry and critical dimensions should control. Let the fabricator produce the flat pattern from validated tooling data, then approve any deviation.

Buyer action: Add the related requirement, acceptance method and responsible party to the RFQ or drawing clarification log. Do not leave it as an unwritten assumption.

Mark critical bend relationships

Identify flange lengths, hole-to-bend relationships, angles and mounting datums tied to assembly. Avoid applying the same tight tolerance to every nonfunctional edge.

Buyer action: Add the related requirement, acceptance method and responsible party to the RFQ or drawing clarification log. Do not leave it as an unwritten assumption.

Specify installed hardware

List fastener manufacturer/part number or performance requirement, installation side, protrusion and torque/push-out criteria when applicable. Include weld symbols and finishing sequence.

Buyer action: Add the related requirement, acceptance method and responsible party to the RFQ or drawing clarification log. Do not leave it as an unwritten assumption.

Package the commercial requirements

State prototype and production quantities, tooling expectation, packing protection, destination and desired first-article evidence so the quote covers the complete route.

Buyer action: Add the related requirement, acceptance method and responsible party to the RFQ or drawing clarification log. Do not leave it as an unwritten assumption.

How to compare supplier responses

Do not score a supplier by how quickly it returns a price. Score the response by how many technical and commercial assumptions it closes. A strong quotation identifies the released inputs, exclusions, substitutions, one-time charges, recurring price and first-shipment evidence.

Use the same comparison sheet for every bidder: price basis, quantity, material, route, finish, inspection, documentation, packaging, delivery term, lead-time start and quotation validity. Resolve scope differences before negotiating price.

Model: ask for objective evidence

The quotation should state formed step plus drawing; dxf only by agreement. If it does not, ask how the supplier will prevent flat pattern uses the wrong bend rule, which document records acceptance, and what happens when the result is outside the requirement. A useful answer names the process owner, inspection or review method, frequency and record—not only a quality promise.

Material: ask for objective evidence

The quotation should state grade, temper/coating and actual thickness. If it does not, ask how the supplier will prevent bend response and finish differ, which document records acceptance, and what happens when the result is outside the requirement. A useful answer names the process owner, inspection or review method, frequency and record—not only a quality promise.

Features: ask for objective evidence

The quotation should state bends, hems, inserts, welds and critical datums. If it does not, ask how the supplier will prevent secondary operations are omitted, which document records acceptance, and what happens when the result is outside the requirement. A useful answer names the process owner, inspection or review method, frequency and record—not only a quality promise.

Appearance: ask for objective evidence

The quotation should state a/b surfaces, grain direction and color sample. If it does not, ask how the supplier will prevent cosmetic expectations appear after production, which document records acceptance, and what happens when the result is outside the requirement. A useful answer names the process owner, inspection or review method, frequency and record—not only a quality promise.

RFQ checklist

• Controlled part number, drawing revision, units and 3D model
• Exact material grade/condition and certificate requirement
• Critical dimensions, threads, sealing faces and datums
• Surface treatment and post-finish acceptance
• Prototype/batch quantities, destination and delivery term
• Inspection, test, traceability and reporting
• Packaging and repeat-order expectations

Practical buyer scenario

A buyer receives two quotes for the same nominal part. One is cheaper but lists only material and unit price. The second states the drawing revision, manufacturing route, treatment, critical inspection, sample approval and delivery basis. Normalize scope, close technical questions and compare cost per accepted part—not a headline price built on missing assumptions.

Frequently asked questions

Sources and standards references

• KEC Tour — custom metal parts and non-standard hardware
• ASME Y14.5 — Dimensioning and Tolerancing
• ISO 286-1 — ISO code system for tolerances on linear sizes

Engineering note: confirm the standard edition, customer specification and regulatory obligations for the actual part. KEC Tour provides manufacturing and DFM input; the buyer retains product-design and application-validation responsibility.

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