RFQ Checklist: What to Include for Faster Quotes

Why Does a Complete RFQ Matter?

An incomplete RFQ starts a back-and-forth email chain that delays your quote by 3–5 business days on average. A complete RFQ - with the right files, specs, and context - typically receives a quote within 24 hours. This checklist covers everything your supplier needs, organized by priority.

Step 1 of 6

Manufacturing Process & Material

Specify the manufacturing process and material upfront so the shop can route your job to the right equipment immediately.

Manufacturing process

CNC milling, CNC turning, 3D printing (SLA/SLS/FDM), sheet metal, injection molding, etc.

1.1

Material specification

Full callout, e.g., "Aluminum 6061-T6" or "Stainless Steel 316L." Avoid generic specs like "aluminum" or "steel."

1.2

Material grade & temper

Include temper (T6, T651), condition (annealed, cold-rolled), or UNS/AISI number when applicable.

1.3

Alternate materials acceptable?

State whether substitutions are allowed (e.g., "6061-T6 preferred, 7075-T6 acceptable"). This can speed quoting and reduce cost.

1.4

Pro Tip

If you are unsure about material, describe the application requirements (strength, corrosion resistance, temperature range) and ask the shop for recommendations.

Step 2 of 6

Quantity & Timeline

Quantity and lead time are the two biggest levers on unit price. Providing both upfront avoids a round of clarification.

Order quantity

Exact quantity or quantity tiers (e.g., "Quote for 10, 50, and 100 units").

2.1

Target lead time

Realistic delivery date. Typical standard lead time is 7–10 business days; expedited (3–5 days) typically adds 20–40% to cost.

2.2

Ongoing production?

If this is a recurring order, mention expected monthly or annual volume. Shops offer better pricing for blanket orders.

2.3

Prototype vs. production

Prototype runs may skip some QA steps and tolerate cosmetic imperfections, reducing cost. State your intent clearly.

2.4

Pro Tip

Requesting multiple quantity tiers in a single RFQ lets you see the cost curve and plan your production ramp without additional quote rounds.

Step 3 of 6

Tolerances & Surface Finish

Tolerances and surface finish are the top cost drivers after material. Over-specifying wastes money; under-specifying risks rework.

General tolerance

Specify a blanket tolerance for non-critical dimensions (e.g., "±0.005″ unless otherwise noted").

3.1

Critical tolerances called out

Highlight tight tolerances on the drawing with callouts. The fewer the tight callouts, the lower the cost.

3.2

Surface finish requirements

Specify Ra values (e.g., 63 Ra, 32 Ra) or descriptive finish (as-machined, bead-blasted, anodized, polished).

3.3

GD&T callouts (if applicable)

Include flatness, parallelism, position, and other geometric tolerances with proper datum references.

3.4

Post-processing / coatings

Anodizing (Type II/III), plating (nickel, zinc), powder coating, passivation, heat treatment, etc.

3.5

Pro Tip

Not sure what tolerance to specify? Check our CNC Tolerances Guide for standard values by feature type and material.

Step 4 of 6

CAD Files & Drawings

Providing the right file formats eliminates manual conversion and reduces the chance of dimensional errors in quoting.

3D model (STEP preferred)

STEP (.stp/.step) is the universal standard. IGES, Parasolid, and native formats (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Inventor) are also accepted.

4.1

2D drawing (PDF)

Include a dimensioned 2D drawing with tolerances, surface finish callouts, and notes. The 3D model alone is not sufficient for quoting precision parts.

4.2

File naming convention

Name files clearly: "PartName_RevA.step" and "PartName_RevA_Drawing.pdf". Avoid generic names like "Part1.step".

4.3

Revision tracking

Always include the revision level in the filename and on the drawing title block. This prevents quoting or machining the wrong revision.

4.4

Assembly context (if applicable)

If the part mates with other components, include an assembly drawing or sketch showing the fit relationship. This helps the shop understand critical features.

4.5

Pro Tip

A complete STEP file + dimensioned PDF drawing is the gold standard. Parts submitted with both typically receive quotes 40–60% faster.

Step 5 of 6

Inspection & Quality Requirements

Stating your quality requirements upfront prevents surprises. Different industries have different standards - make sure your shop knows which apply.

Inspection level

Standard visual inspection, dimensional inspection (calipers/micrometers), or full CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) report.

5.1

First Article Inspection (FAI)

Required for production runs. Specifies a detailed inspection of the first part(s) before the full batch runs.

5.2

Material certifications (MTRs)

Mill test reports certify material composition and mechanical properties. Required for medical, robotics, and regulated commercial applications.

5.3

Industry certifications

ISO 9001, ISO 13485 (medical), etc. These affect which shops can quote your job.

5.4

Certificate of Conformance (CoC)

A signed document stating parts meet all drawing specifications. Standard for production orders.

5.5

Pro Tip

For prototype parts, basic dimensional inspection is usually sufficient. Save full CMM, FAI, and MTR requirements for production to avoid unnecessary cost during prototyping.

Step 6 of 6

Special Requirements & Notes

Anything that does not fit neatly into the categories above. A good "special notes" section prevents the most expensive kind of mistake - assumptions.

Marking / engraving

Part numbers, logos, serial numbers, date codes. Specify method: laser engraving, ink stamp, electro-etch.

6.1

Packaging requirements

Individual bags, foam inserts, ESD-safe packaging, VCI (vapor corrosion inhibitor) wrapping for bare steel.

6.2

Shipping & handling

Domestic vs. international, required carrier, insurance, hazmat (if applicable).

6.3

NDA / IP protection

If the design is confidential, state your NDA requirement upfront. Most reputable shops sign NDAs routinely.

6.4

Known challenges

If you know a feature is tricky (deep pockets, thin walls, tight internal corners), flag it. Shops appreciate the transparency and can plan tooling accordingly.

6.5

Pro Tip

The more context you provide about the application - even informally - the better the shop can advise on DFM improvements that save you time and money.

Your checklist is ready — submit it all in one step

MakerStage's quoting form accepts STEP files, 2D drawings, and all the spec details from this checklist in a single upload. You get a quote with free DFM feedback — no back-and-forth on missing info.

Upload Your RFQ Package

Avoid These

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These are the top 5 issues we see in RFQ submissions that delay quotes or cause misquotes. Avoiding them puts you ahead of 90% of submissions.

Sending a 3D model with no drawing

The shop cannot determine tolerances, finish, or material from a model alone. This guarantees a round of questions and delays.

Over-tolerancing every dimension

Specifying ±0.001″ on non-critical features can increase machining cost by 40–80% with no functional benefit.

Missing material specification

Saying "aluminum" instead of "6061-T6" forces the shop to guess or ask - adding 1–3 days to the quoting cycle.

No quantity or lead time provided

Without these, the shop cannot provide a meaningful quote. You will get a "please clarify" email instead of a price.

Wrong revision sent

Quoting or manufacturing from an outdated revision causes costly rework. Always double-check revision levels before submission.

At a Glance

RFQ Essentials Summary

Item	Priority	Example
3D Model (STEP)	Required	PartName_RevA.step
2D Drawing (PDF)	Required	PartName_RevA_Drawing.pdf
Material spec	Required	Aluminum 6061-T6
Quantity	Required	10, 50, 100 units
Lead time	Required	7–10 business days
General tolerance	Required	±0.005″ unless noted
Surface finish	Recommended	As-machined / 63 Ra
Post-processing	If applicable	Anodize Type II, Black
Inspection level	Recommended	Standard dimensional
Certifications	If applicable	ISO 9001, ISO 13485

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What file format should I use for my RFQ?

STEP (.stp/.step) is the preferred 3D file format - it is universally compatible with all CAM software. Always include a 2D PDF drawing with dimensions, tolerances, and notes. If your part is for 3D printing only, STL or 3MF files are also accepted.

How quickly can I get a quote?

With a complete RFQ (STEP file + drawing + all details from this checklist), we typically return quotes within 24 hours for standard parts. Complex multi-part assemblies or special certifications may take 2–3 business days.

What if I do not have a 2D drawing?

We can quote from a 3D model alone for simple parts with standard tolerances (±0.005″). For parts with tight tolerances, specific surface finishes, or GD&T requirements, a 2D drawing is essential. We can help create one if needed - just ask.

Can I get quotes for multiple quantities?

Yes - and we recommend it. Request 2–3 quantity tiers (e.g., 10, 50, 100 units) in a single RFQ. This lets you see the volume discount curve and plan your production ramp without additional quote rounds.

Do I need to specify tolerances on every dimension?

No. Specify a blanket general tolerance (e.g., "±0.005″ unless otherwise noted") and only call out tighter tolerances on critical features. This saves significant machining cost while ensuring functional requirements are met.

What certifications do you hold?

Select MakerStage suppliers hold ISO 9001 or ISO 13485 (medical). Specific certification requirements should be stated in your RFQ so we can route to a qualified facility.

What does RFQ stand for in manufacturing?

RFQ stands for Request for Quote — a formal document a buyer sends to one or more manufacturers detailing exactly what they need built. A manufacturing RFQ includes the 3D model, 2D drawing, material specification, quantity, lead time, tolerance requirements, surface finish, and inspection level. The more complete your RFQ, the faster and more accurate the quote. Incomplete RFQs typically add 3–5 business days of back-and-forth clarification before a price is returned.

How do I compare quotes from different CNC machining suppliers?

Compare quotes on equal scope, not just unit price. Verify each quote includes the same material grade, tolerance level, surface finish, and inspection requirements. Check whether tooling, setup fees, and shipping are included or listed separately. Ask for a line-item breakdown: material cost, machining time, finishing, and inspection. A $12/part quote with free DFM review and CMM inspection included may be cheaper than a $9/part quote that excludes setup, finishing, and quality documentation.

What makes a manufacturing RFQ complete?

A complete RFQ has six elements: (1) a 3D STEP file, (2) a dimensioned 2D PDF drawing with tolerances and GD&T, (3) a full material specification (e.g., "6061-T6 aluminum" not "aluminum"), (4) quantity and quantity tiers, (5) target lead time, and (6) inspection and certification requirements. Parts submitted with all six elements typically receive quotes within 24 hours. Missing any one of these forces the shop to send a Request for Information (RFI), delaying your quote by days.