A well-prepared RFQ package for titanium CNC machined components reduces the risk of inaccurate quotes, post-award changes, and supplier misunderstandings. The information that suppliers need to provide accurate pricing for titanium components includes details that are often omitted from RFQ packages developed for steel or aluminum components. The supplier selection guide provides a broader framework for supplier evaluation, and the cost factors article explains how the information in the RFQ affects pricing.
Material specification
The material specification should include the alloy designation, the applicable standard, the condition, and any supplementary requirements. A complete material specification for a Ti-6Al-4V component would read “Ti-6Al-4V per ASTM B348, Grade 5, annealed” or “Ti-6Al-4V ELI per ASTM F136, Grade 23, annealed.”
The material product form should be specified — plate, bar, forging, or near-net shape. If the component can be machined from multiple product forms, the RFQ should specify which form is preferred or allow the supplier to propose the most cost-effective option.
Any supplementary material requirements should be included — ultrasonic inspection, fracture toughness testing, or additional chemical analysis. These requirements add to material cost and lead time.
Drawing and model requirements
The RFQ should include both a 3D CAD model and a 2D drawing. The CAD model provides the geometric definition, and the 2D drawing provides the tolerance specifications, surface finish requirements, and notes that are not captured in the model. When the package is complete, it can be submitted through our engineering RFQ portal, which accepts CAD file uploads so the supplier quotes against the exact geometry.
The drawing should include a complete tolerance specification with the datum structure clearly defined. Floating tolerances that are not referenced to a specific datum are a common source of interpretation differences between suppliers.
The drawing should specify the surface finish requirements for each surface or surface type. The surface finish specification should include the Ra value and the measurement method and cutoff length if the standard specification is not sufficient.
Quality requirements
The quality requirements should be specified in the RFQ to allow the supplier to include the inspection time and cost in the quote. The RFQ should specify the inspection documentation required — first article inspection report, material certifications, in-process inspection records, and final inspection report.
The inspection sampling plan should be specified if the requirement differs from the supplier’s standard practice. For aerospace components, 100 percent inspection of critical features is typical for the first production lot.
Any customer source inspection requirements should be included in the RFQ. If the customer plans to perform source inspection at the supplier’s facility, the supplier needs to account for the scheduling and documentation requirements.
Quantity and delivery
The RFQ should specify the quantity and the required delivery schedule. For titanium components, the production lead time is longer than for equivalent steel components, and the RFQ should reflect realistic expectations.
The quantity should distinguish between the initial production lot and the annual volume if they differ. The per-component price depends on the total quantity, and a quote based on the initial lot quantity will not reflect the cost reduction achievable at higher volumes.
The delivery schedule should include the lead time for material procurement. Non-standard titanium sizes and less common alloys can have lead times of 8 to 16 weeks, which affects the overall production schedule.
Table 1: RFQ information checklist for titanium components
| Information required | Typical detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Material specification | Alloy, standard, grade, condition | Determines material cost and availability |
| Material product form | Plate, bar, forging, near-net | Affects material cost and machining approach |
| CAD model | 3D model in STEP or native format | Provides geometric definition |
| 2D drawing | Tolerances, datums, surface finish, notes | Provides specification not in model |
| Surface finish | Ra value, measurement method | Affects finishing toolpath and inspection |
| Critical features | Features requiring special attention | Determines inspection frequency and method |
| Quantity | Initial lot and annual volume | Affects per-component pricing |
| Delivery schedule | Required delivery dates | Determines production planning |
| Quality requirements | Inspection reports, certifications | Affects inspection time and cost |
| Special requirements | Source inspection, special testing | Adds to lead time and cost |
If you are preparing an RFQ for titanium machined parts, our titanium CNC machining services page outlines the production systems, inspection equipment, and quality controls that your quotation will be evaluated against.