A useful CNC machine request for quotation (RFQ) starts with the workpiece, the required process and the production target. A machine name alone does not tell a supplier how the part will be located, which operations must share a setup or how output will be measured. For valve, sanitary-ware and hardware manufacturers, a complete brief helps suppliers compare a standard machine, a multi-spindle configuration and a custom solution against the same requirement. Use the checklist below to prepare that brief and identify the points that still need technical review.
1. Identify the workpiece and drawing revision
Attach the latest controlled drawing and identify its revision. Include a 3D model where available, along with clear photographs of the blank and finished part. Mark features that are difficult to understand from a single view, including cross holes, internal passages, threads and areas with restricted tool access.
If you supply several similar parts, show the complete part family. A machine that suits one reference part may need different fixtures, tools or travel for another. Label each file with the part number and revision so that suppliers do not base their proposals on different versions.
- Part number, drawing revision and units.
- Overall dimensions, weight and loading orientation.
- Blank and finished-part photographs.
- Available locating surfaces and clamping restrictions.
- Related parts and the differences between them.
2. Specify material and blank condition
State the material grade rather than only writing “brass,” “steel” or “aluminum.” Explain whether the incoming part is a casting, forging, bar-stock blank or partially machined component. Where relevant, include hardness, surface condition, machining allowance and the variation expected between blanks.
These details influence cutting tools, workholding and the proposed process. If the material or allowance is not yet fixed, record the alternatives and ask the supplier to state which one the quotation assumes.
3. List the complete process, not just the main operation
Break the job into drilling, tapping, milling, boring, chamfering, turning, deburring and inspection steps as applicable. Identify the faces that require machining, which operations must share a datum and which features are already finished before the part reaches the machine.
For an illustrative brass angle-valve body inquiry, the brief might include the blank drawing, hole locations, thread standards, sealing surfaces and the permitted clamping areas. It should also say whether burr removal, washing or leak testing belongs in the equipment scope. This example describes the information to provide; it does not establish a machine configuration or guaranteed result.
A product such as Yueli’s dual-spindle drilling, tapping and milling compound machine is one route to evaluate when several operations can be combined. Its suitability still depends on the drawing, fixture, tooling and required process.
4. Define tolerances and inspection methods
Highlight the dimensions that determine acceptance. Include hole diameter, thread type and effective depth, positional requirements, surface finish and any relationship between features machined in different orientations.
State how each critical feature will be inspected. A dimensional tolerance, a thread-gauge requirement and a functional leak test are different acceptance conditions. For threads, specify the standard, size, pitch, tolerance class and gauge requirement rather than only the nominal diameter.
Ask suppliers to explain the proposed machine, fixture and inspection approach for the critical features. Do not treat an advertised machine accuracy as a guarantee for every finished workpiece.
5. Separate cycle time from required production output
Provide the required good parts per hour or shift, working hours, expected batch size and frequency of model changes. If you already have a cycle-time target, explain what it includes.
A useful cycle definition accounts for loading, locating, clamping, tool approach, machining, indexing, retracting, unloading and any in-cycle inspection. Also identify whether the quoted output assumes one part or several parts per cycle.
- Required good parts per hour or shift.
- Available shifts and working hours.
- Annual volume and typical batch size.
- Number of operators and their assigned tasks.
- Changeover frequency and acceptable setup time.
- Any allowance for inspection, tool changes and planned stops.
Keep estimated output separate from trial-proven output. A quotation should identify the assumptions that a workpiece trial or factory acceptance test will need to verify.
6. Describe loading, fixtures and automation boundaries
Explain whether loading will be manual, semi-automatic or automatic. If the machine must connect to a bar feeder, robot, conveyor, assembly station or test system, define the interface and who supplies each item.
For fixtures, identify the intended locating datum, accessible clamping surfaces, permitted contact marks and product-change requirements. Ask whether tooling, gauges, fixture sets and change parts are included in the offer.
When a standard configuration cannot cover the process, the same workpiece brief supports a special-purpose machine and custom equipment review. Define the required outcome before specifying a particular mechanism.
7. Provide destination and installation conditions
Include the destination country, factory power supply, frequency, phase arrangement and available compressed-air conditions. Provide the installation space, access route and any restrictions on machine dimensions or handling.
List the documentation, language, installation, training and service support your team needs. If the project has destination-specific conformity requirements, state them for review against the exact machine and configuration. Confirm the applicable documentation during the technical discussion.
Yueli’s equipment quotation, delivery and service FAQ provides the current general information. The final offer should specify the terms and inclusions for your order.
8. Agree on trial and FAT acceptance criteria
Define how the proposed equipment will be evaluated before shipment. Factory acceptance testing (FAT) should use an agreed drawing revision, sample material, tooling and test method.
- Workpiece sample quantity and supply responsibility.
- Critical dimensions, gauges and inspection records.
- Cycle-time start and finish points.
- Trial duration and acceptable operating conditions.
- Required functions, interfaces and safety checks.
- Manuals, electrical drawings, backup files and spare-parts lists.
- Witnessing arrangements and the process for resolving open items.
Do not postpone acceptance criteria until the machine is finished. Including them in the RFQ lets each supplier account for the same verification work.
9. Copy this CNC machine RFQ checklist
Use the fields below in an email or procurement document. Mark incomplete items “To be confirmed during technical review” instead of leaving suppliers to guess.
| RFQ field | What to provide | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Workpiece and revision | Part number, current drawing, 3D file and photos | Sets the common technical baseline |
| Material and blank | Grade, blank type, hardness and allowance where relevant | Supports tooling and process selection |
| Operations | Features, faces and required machining sequence | Defines spindle, tool and setup requirements |
| Critical features | Tolerances, thread details, finish and inspection method | Defines finished-part acceptance |
| Production target | Good parts per hour/shift, batch size and changeover pattern | Supports capacity and cycle comparison |
| Loading and automation | Operator tasks, feeder/robot interfaces and scope boundaries | Clarifies handling and integration |
| Fixtures and tooling | Locating surfaces, restrictions and required included items | Prevents gaps in the equipment offer |
| Factory and destination | Country, utilities, space, access and documentation needs | Supports installation planning |
| Trial and FAT | Samples, inspection, cycle definition and test duration | Makes performance verification measurable |
| Commercial scope | Delivery window, packing, training, service and trade-term needs | Allows like-for-like quotation review |
10. Compare quotations against the same brief
Review the technical scope before comparing the price. Ask each supplier to distinguish the base machine, options, fixtures, tooling, automation interfaces, inspection equipment, installation and training. Record exclusions and responsibilities explicitly.
You can use the Yueli equipment catalog to identify reference machines. If you still need to decide between equipment routes, read the workpiece-first drilling, tapping and milling machine selection guide before finalizing the RFQ.
Keep a list of open points alongside each quotation. Price, lead time and output remain difficult to compare when one offer includes a complete fixture and another assumes the buyer will supply it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I request a quotation without a finished drawing?
You can begin with photographs, a sample description, material, approximate dimensions and the required process. Treat the response as an initial discussion. A firm technical scope may need a controlled drawing, physical sample or further measurements.
Should I specify the machine model in the RFQ?
Include a reference model if you have one, but attach the workpiece requirements as well. Ask the supplier to identify any configuration changes or limitations rather than assuming that the reference machine covers the complete job.
Which information is most useful for an initial Yueli inquiry?
Start with five items: a workpiece drawing or sample photo, material and key dimensions, required process and tolerance, target output, and destination country. Add the detailed RFQ fields as the project develops.
Send your workpiece for an equipment discussion
Prepare the available drawing or photos, material, required operations and production target. Start through the contact page and describe the files you have; if a file-upload option is unavailable, ask the team how to send the drawing for review.
