A weak contract manufacturing RFQ produces weak quotes: suppliers fill gaps with assumptions — cheapest resin, minimal inspection, tooling scope that collapses at T1. Procurement teams that attach a structured package get comparable bids and fewer post-award surprises.
RFQ document checklist
| Section | Include |
|---|---|
| Drawings / CAD | STEP with revision block; 2D PDF with CTQ dimensions |
| Material | Grade, color, flame rating, filler, environmental exposure |
| Volume | Year 1 / steady state; ramp schedule if known |
| Quality | Cosmetic class, AQL, FAI requirements, PPAP level if applicable |
| Tooling | Cavity count preference, mold ownership, maintenance expectations |
| Commercial | Incoterms, payment milestones, NDA status |
| Assembly | Secondary ops, inserts, kitting, packaging ship state |
Critical-to-quality dimensions buyers forget
- Flatness on enclosure lids mated to gaskets
- Hole pattern relative to external cosmetic face
- Snap fit engagement length and release force band
- Thread location after insert install (if secondary op)
- Color and texture match to existing SKU family
Mark CTQs on the drawing — do not rely on “standard molding tolerance.”
Tooling line items to normalize across quotes
- Steel grade and cavitation
- Hot runner vs cold runner
- Included engineering hours and T1 iteration allowance
- Mold maintenance and spare component policy
- Who pays engineering changes after approved DFM
Compare our TCO guide when evaluating returned pricing.
Sample RFQ email structure
- Program name and target SOP date
- Attached CAD + BOM for inserts/hardware
- Annual volume and shipment destination
- Requested quote breakdown: tooling, piece price, tooling warranty
- Ask for written DFM summary within X business days
After quotes return
Score suppliers on engineering comments, not price alone. The best RFQ response identifies at least one manufacturability risk with a proposed countermeasure — that is the behavior you want through production ramp.
FAQ
Can we RFQ before design is frozen?
Yes for budgetary tooling — but label it preliminary and re-quote after DFM sign-off.
Should we send STL instead of STEP?
STEP preferred for DFM on wall thickness, drafts, and undercuts. STL is for visual only.
What if we need NDA first?
Execute NDA before detailed CAD; still send enough geometry class for capability fit.
Next step: Submit your RFQ package to Deuchi Plastic.