Sending a drawing for machined parts: an RFQ checklist

A complete request gets a firm quotation. An incomplete one gets questions, or a quotation full of assumptions. Use the checklist below, and paste the template at the end into your email if it helps.

1. Drawing and model at the same revision

Send the drawing as a PDF and, if you have it, the 3D model. Both should carry the same revision letter or number. State the units and the projection method, and say which governs if the model and the drawing ever disagree.

2. Material and condition

Name the material by grade and standard, and the condition it is supplied in: heat treatment, hardness if it matters. For plastics, give the grade and colour. If you need test results for the material actually used, ask for an EN 10204 type 3.1 inspection certificate, and agree the type at the time of the order.

3. General tolerances, and the features that need more

ISO 2768-1 sets general tolerances for linear and angular dimensions that have no individual tolerance, in four classes: fine (f), medium (m), coarse (c) and very coarse (v). It applies to parts made by metal removal or formed from sheet metal. Features that need a tighter tolerance must carry their own tolerance on the drawing.

Two points on status, as of November 2026:

• ISO 2768-1:1989 is current, but ISO states that it is expected to be replaced by a new ISO 2768 within the coming months.
• ISO 2768-2:1989, the general geometrical tolerances, was withdrawn in February 2021 and replaced by ISO 22081:2021. If your title block still calls up ISO 2768-2, tell us whether those general geometrical tolerances are meant to apply.

Mark the critical dimensions, for example by ballooning them, so they are inspected and reported.

4. Surface finish and coating

Give the surface texture requirement for each surface that matters. ISO 21920-1:2021 now covers the indication of surface texture on drawings, replacing ISO 1302:2002. For coatings, name the coating, the standard and the thickness, and say whether the dimensions apply before or after coating.

5. Inspection and documents

Say what you want to receive: a dimensional report on how many pieces, the material certificate type, and any first-article requirement. We inspect visually before dispatch; you can watch the inspection live on a video call, or appoint a third-party inspection agency, on request.

6. Quantities

Give the quantity for this order, any prototype or sample quantity, the expected annual usage and the delivery schedule. Annual usage affects the quotation as much as the order quantity does.

Paste-in template

• Part number and revision:
• Drawing and model files attached (same revision):
• Material, standard and condition:
• General tolerance standard and class:
• Critical features (ballooned):
• Surface finish and coating:
• Inspection report and material certificate type:
• Quantity now, sample quantity, annual usage:
• Delivery address and Incoterm:
• Confidentiality or NDA requirement: