RFQ CHECKLIST
A useful sheet metal enclosure RFQ lets every supplier quote the same scope. Send the geometry, material, finish, hardware, quantity, inspection and delivery requirements together; otherwise the lowest number may simply contain the most missing assumptions.
The 10 Inputs an Accurate Enclosure RFQ Needs
| Input | What to provide | What it prevents |
|---|---|---|
| 1. STEP model | Current assembly and part geometry | Missed structure, collisions and unclear part relationships |
| 2. 2D drawings | Dimensions, tolerances, datums, notes and revision | Guessing which features control acceptance |
| 3. Material | Grade, thickness, product form and substitution rules | Unlike raw material in competing quotes |
| 4. Finish | System, color, texture, masking and appearance criteria | A color name standing in for a coating specification |
| 5. Hardware | BOM, manufacturer, part number and installation scope | Missing hinges, latches, inserts or gaskets |
| 6. Quantity | Prototype, first order and expected repeat volume | Setup and fixture costs being spread differently |
| 7. Environment | Indoor or outdoor exposure, cleaning, corrosion and temperature context | Material and finish assumptions |
| 8. Inspection | CTQs, FAI, reports, samples and sampling rules | Different quality evidence behind similar prices |
| 9. Packing | Surface protection, labels, pallet or crate and shipment mode | Freight damage and unquoted packaging |
| 10. Delivery basis | Destination, Incoterm and requested schedule | Comparing factory-gate and delivered prices |
Send STEP and PDF Together
The model helps the fabricator understand the enclosure body, doors, panels, brackets and assembly relationships. The drawing should define the requirements that cannot be trusted to geometry alone: material, finish, tolerances, threads, weld symbols, hardware, inspection and revision authority.
State which document governs when files conflict. A supplier should raise the conflict before quotation rather than quietly choosing the easier answer.
Material and Finish Need More Than a Family Name
“Steel, powder coated” leaves grade, thickness, pretreatment, color, texture, masking and appearance open. For stainless steel, add grade and surface finish. For aluminum, include alloy and temper where they matter. If substitutions are permitted, define who approves them and what evidence is required.
Hardware Changes Geometry and Cost
Hinges, latches, inserts, studs, handles, gasket systems and gland plates affect cutouts, clearances, tooling access and assembly labor. Provide part numbers or controlled interface drawings. Mark buyer-supplied items clearly and identify whether the quote includes sourcing, installation and functional checks.
Separate RFQ Completeness From Quote Comparison
This checklist is for preparing the information suppliers need. After quotations arrive, use the sheet metal enclosure quote comparison guide to normalize exclusions, setup, tooling, finish, inspection, packing and delivery.
Buyer Trust Table
| RFQ phrase | Better instruction | Buyer value |
|---|---|---|
| “Best material” | Named grade, thickness and approved alternatives | Comparable material scope |
| “Standard tolerance” | Drawing limits for functional features | Inspection has an agreed basis |
| “Outdoor use” | Exposure, protection target and verification owner | Separates context from an unsupported claim |
| “Quote complete” | Required line items, exclusions and Incoterm | Reduces scope gaps |
Copy This RFQ Checklist
- STEP model and 2D PDF use the same revision
- Material grade and thickness are explicit
- Finish and masking notes are complete
- Hardware BOM identifies supply and installation
- Prototype and repeat quantities are listed
- Critical dimensions and tolerances are marked
- Environment and installed interfaces are described
- FAI and production inspection needs are stated
- Packing and labeling requirements are included
- Destination, Incoterm and schedule are named
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a supplier quote from a STEP file only?
A budgetary estimate may be possible, but a production quote usually needs controlled drawing notes for material, tolerances, finish, hardware and inspection.
Should the target price be included?
It can help frame commercial expectations, but it should not replace a complete technical scope. Ask suppliers to state assumptions and exclusions.
What if the design is not final?
Label the quotation revision and open items clearly. Separate budget pricing from production release and require a new review when the controlled files change.
Send One Controlled RFQ Package
Share the current files, specifications, quantity, inspection needs and destination. MSTFAB will review the drawing-defined fabrication scope and identify open questions before production pricing.
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