A useful custom-machine quotation depends on more than the name of the process. The clearer the part, production and acceptance requirements are, the more accurately a supplier can define the equipment concept, tooling, controls, cycle time and project scope.
1. Part drawings and sample information
Provide 3D data when available, together with critical 2D dimensions, tolerances and the latest revision level. STEP, STP, IGES and native CAD formats are commonly useful. Photos and physical samples help engineers understand visible surfaces, locating points and handling conditions.
2. Material details
Identify the resin grade for every component, including glass or mineral filling, color, coating and recycled content where applicable. For laser welding, optical transmission and absorber information is especially important. For lamination, include skin, adhesive, foam and substrate specifications.
3. Joint and process requirements
Mark the weld path, staking points, assembly sequence or lamination area. If the process has already been nominated, provide the customer specification. If it has not, explain the required result so the supplier can evaluate several processes.
4. Quality and acceptance criteria
- Required weld strength or pull force
- Leak rate or pressure test requirement
- Allowed weld depth, flash, gap and deformation
- Visible-surface and particle requirements
- Traceability, data storage and inspection records
- FAT sample quantity and acceptance standard
5. Cycle time and production volume
State the required total cycle time, annual production volume, number of shifts, working days and expected equipment availability. Clarify whether cycle time includes manual loading, automatic handling, inspection and unloading.
6. Automation and operator scope
Define which operations should be manual, assisted or fully automatic. Include the required number of operators, part presentation method, robot or conveyor interfaces, reject handling and changeover expectations.
7. Factory and control standards
Provide the installation country, available voltage and air supply, preferred PLC/HMI brands, communication protocols, plant safety standards, language requirements and available floor space. Customer-specific component and documentation standards should be included with the RFQ.
8. Tooling and product variants
List every part variant and forecast changeover frequency. Explain whether common tooling is acceptable, whether recipes are required and whether future products should be considered in the base machine design.
Minimum information for an initial evaluation
If the project is still early, begin with a drawing, material, required cycle time, annual volume and project country. Jfortune can first recommend a process and identify the missing data needed for a firm technical quotation.