BLOG 09
An RFQ is not just a 'can I get a price?' message
Building a sound price and delivery plan for composite parts isn't possible from knowing only the outer dimensions of the product. The same geometry can have completely different costs depending on material, layup, surface, tolerance, testing and quantity expectations.
An incomplete RFQ forces the supplier to guess. Guesswork leads to quotes that can't be compared, prices that change later, and a project schedule that stretches out. A well-prepared RFQ reduces uncertainty for both the buyer and the manufacturer.
1. The part's function and operating environment
What does the part do? Does it carry load, is it an aerodynamic surface, a cover, a propeller, or purely a cosmetic part? Does it operate in an air, marine, underwater, high-temperature, UV, chemical or vibration environment?
Knowing the function lets the manufacturer see the material and process risks. The basic operating conditions can be described without sharing sensitive project details. For confidential projects, detailed data can be transferred after an NDA.
2. Geometry and technical files
Where possible, a 3D CAD file, technical drawing and assembly interface should be shared. The file's revision number and units must be clear. A photo or screenshot alone is often insufficient for pricing.
If no CAD file exists, basic dimensions, a sketch, a reference sample or a scanning requirement should be indicated. Whether design services are included in the quote scope should be stated explicitly.
3. Material and performance requirements
If the material has already been decided, fiber type, resin, core, surface and, if applicable, the standard should be specified. If material selection is left to the supplier, target weight, stiffness, load, impact, temperature and environmental conditions should be defined.
Simply saying 'make it carbon fiber' is not, on its own, a technical requirement. Carbon fabric type, fiber orientation and laminate thickness significantly change performance.
4. Tolerance and critical characteristics
Applying a very tight tolerance to every dimension raises cost and creates unnecessary inspection burden. The dimensions that genuinely affect assembly or performance should be flagged as critical.
For flow surfaces like propellers and foils, profile deviation and surface quality can be critical; for structural parts, connection holes and reference surfaces; for tubes, diameter, straightness and connection regions.
5. Quantity, annual forecast and production scenario
The initial prototype quantity, pilot run and expected annual usage should be stated separately. The most suitable mold method for a single sample is not the same as for hundreds of parts.
Even a long-term forecast that isn't a firm order is important for mold investment, material sourcing and production planning. A minimum and a likely maximum quantity range can be shared.
6. Testing and quality requirements
If a dimensional report, weight record, balancing, load testing, thrust testing, fatigue testing or non-destructive inspection is required, it should be stated in the RFQ. Who will provide the test setup and what the acceptance criteria are should be clarified.
Quality requirements such as serial number, lot traceability, material certification, first article approval or customer audit also affect cost and lead time.
7. Timeline and decision points
As important as the requested delivery date are intermediate milestones such as design approval, mold approval, first sample testing and the start of series production. A phased plan should be built rather than a single unrealistic final date.
The customer's feedback turnaround should be included in the schedule. Days spent waiting for approval are not production time, but they directly affect the project completion date.
8. Commercial and confidentiality information
Delivery location, quote currency, packaging, fixture and mold ownership, design rights, payment terms and confidentiality needs should be part of the commercial section of the RFQ.
If the customer or project name cannot be disclosed publicly, reference and image usage restrictions should be noted separately.
The recommended data package when sending an RFQ to Tulkas
For a composite propeller: motor, RPM, torque, target thrust, diameter limit and mission profile; for a carbon tube: diameter, length, load, torsion and connection; for a special part: CAD, operating environment, quantity and critical dimensions should be shared.
Tulkas' technical teams evaluate the incoming data in terms of design, material, mold, prototype, test and production. Any gaps are closed during a technical discovery discussion. This way, the quote becomes not just a price but an actionable development plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a quote if I don't have a CAD file?
Yes. A design and reverse-engineering scope can be evaluated separately based on a sketch, basic dimensions, a photo or a reference sample.
What should I write if I don't know the material?
Share the part's function, loads, environment, target weight, quantity and cost priority. Suitable material alternatives can be presented during the technical evaluation.
Why is quantity information important for a quote?
Mold method, labor, material purchasing and the quality plan all change with quantity. Prototype and series production prices are not calculated with the same method.
Conclusion
Share your mission requirements, CAD file and quantities to get a technical quote from Tulkas.