A metal stamper needs five things to quote your project: a drawing or 3D file, the material spec, the volume, the tolerances that actually matter, and any secondary processes. You don’t need all five perfected before you reach out. Sending what you have gets the conversation started, and a stamper can help fill in the gaps from there.
Why do complete RFQs get faster, more accurate quotes?
A complete RFQ lets an engineer size up your part in one pass, rather than having to stop to ask questions. Missing details, like an unspecified material grade or a tolerance that isn’t called out, usually mean a follow-up email before a real number can come back. Each round of back-and-forth adds days to your timeline.
This doesn’t mean your RFQ needs to be flawless. Partial information is normal, especially early in a project. The goal is just to give the stamper enough to work with so the first response is useful, rather than a request for more details.
Drawings and 3D Files: What Formats Work Best
A dimensioned 2D drawing in PDF format is the most useful single file you can send. It shows dimensions, tolerances, and notes in one place. A 3D model in STEP or IGES format is a strong second file, since it lets an engineer check geometry and plan tooling directly from the part shape.
DXF works well for flat, two-dimensional profiles. If you have only one file type, send the 2D drawing first, since it includes the tolerance and dimension information that a 3D file alone doesn’t include. If you have both, send both.
Material Specifications You Need to Include
“Steel” or “aluminum” alone isn’t enough to quote from. A stamper needs the specific grade, like 304 stainless steel or 6061-T6 aluminum, along with the material thickness. Grade and thickness both affect tooling design and cost, so vague material callouts are among the most common reasons for a delayed quote.
If you haven’t settled on a final material, say so. Note what you’re considering and what the part needs to do in service. A stamper can often help narrow down the options based on that context.
Volume and Timing Details that Affect Pricing
Stamping tooling is an upfront investment, so volume significantly affects the economics of a quote. Include your expected order quantity, whether this is a prototype or a production run, and any annual volume if you expect repeat orders. A part that looks identical on paper can be priced very differently at 500 units versus 50,000.
Timing matters too, though less than volume. Let the stamper know your target start date and any hard deadlines. This helps them plan around tooling lead time and production scheduling.
Tolerances, Finishes, and Secondary Processes
Set a general tolerance for the whole part, then call out tighter tolerances only on the features that actually need them, like a hole that has to align with another component. Applying a tight tolerance to every dimension on the part drives up cost without adding value where it isn’t needed.
Also mention any required finish, plating, or secondary process, such as deburring, welding, or a specific coating. These add cost and lead time, so a stamper needs to know about them upfront rather than discovering them mid-quote.
What happens after you submit an RFQ?
Once your RFQ comes in, an engineer reviews the file, material, and tolerances to ensure the part is a good fit for the shop’s capabilities. If anything is missing or unclear, expect a short follow-up rather than a stalled quote. This is a normal part of the process, not a sign that something went wrong.
From there, you’ll get pricing based on your volume and any tooling costs involved. Our stamping capabilities page covers what we can produce, and our articles on the custom stamping process, prototypes, and how long a stamping job typically takes are good next reads if you’re early in planning. If you’re not sure who should be creating the design itself, this article on who handles stamping design walks through that too.
RFQ Checklist
- 2D drawing (PDF) with dimensions and tolerances
- 3D model (STEP, IGES, or DXF) if available
- Material type, grade, and thickness
- Order quantity and whether it’s a prototype or production
- General tolerance, plus tight tolerances only where needed
- Any finish, plating, or secondary process requirements
Ready to send your project over? Contact us with whatever you have, even if it isn’t complete.
FAQ
Which file formats are accepted for metal stamping RFQs?
PDFs of dimensioned 2D drawings and STEP or IGES files for 3D models are acceptable for metal stamping RFQs. DXF works well for flat profiles.
Do I need to include tolerances?
Call out tighter tolerances only on features that require them for fit or function.
Can I send a sample part instead of drawings?
A sample part can help, but it usually can’t replace a drawing, since it doesn’t communicate tolerances or design intent on its own. If drawings aren’t available, let the stamper know, since some can work from a sample alongside your input.
How fast should I expect a quote back?
Turnaround depends on the shop and the complexity of your part. A complete RFQ typically moves faster than one that requires follow-up questions to be answered first.