| 1 | Process and equipment fit | Confirm the supplier has suitable CNC milling, turning, drilling, or multi-axis capacity for the part geometry, material, dimensions, and expected production volume. Ask which operations are performed in-house and which are subcontracted. | The right process and machine envelope help avoid unnecessary setups, avoidable outsourcing, and capacity mismatches. |
| 2 | Drawing and tolerance review | Request a documented review of the latest drawing and 3D model, including critical dimensions, geometric tolerances, datums, surface finish, and inspection requirements. Ask the supplier to identify any features that need clarification. | Machining capability depends on the feature, material, setup, and measurement method. Tolerances should be agreed for the actual part rather than assumed from a general capability claim. |
| 3 | Material traceability | Check that material grades are stated on the quotation and that material certificates or test reports can be linked to the delivered batch where required. For metallic products, EN 10204 Type 3.1 inspection certificates are one commonly used documentation option. | Traceability helps verify that the supplied alloy and condition match the order and supports investigations if a material-related issue occurs. |
| 4 | Quality management system | Review the scope, validity, and issuing body of any claimed certification. ISO 9001 is a general quality management system standard; sector-specific standards such as IATF 16949, AS9100, or ISO 13485 may be relevant to particular industries. | A certificate can indicate a structured management system, but its scope should match the manufacturing site and the work being quoted. Certification alone does not guarantee part conformity. |
| 5 | Inspection and measurement | Ask for the proposed inspection plan, first-article documentation where applicable, sample inspection reports, and details of measuring equipment. Check calibration records and, when external testing is needed, whether the laboratory has relevant ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. | The inspection method must be suitable for the drawing requirements. Calibrated equipment and clear records improve confidence in reported measurements. |
| 6 | Finishing and special processes | Confirm how deburring, heat treatment, coating, anodizing, plating, or other specified processes are controlled. For outsourced work, ask how approved providers, process specifications, and incoming inspections are managed. | Finishing and thermal processes can affect dimensions, surface properties, corrosion behavior, and final acceptance, so they should be included in the agreed manufacturing route. |
| 7 | Production controls and capacity | Discuss expected annual demand, order quantities, lead-time assumptions, machine availability, changeover planning, and the supplier's approach to nonconforming parts and corrective action. Request capacity commitments in writing for time-sensitive projects. | A capable sample process may not automatically translate to stable repeat production. Capacity and production controls should fit the buyer's forecast and delivery schedule. |
| 8 | Sample and first-article approval | Agree on sample quantity, inspection scope, acceptance criteria, and approval responsibility before serial production. For aerospace work, AS9102 is a commonly used first-article inspection standard when required by the customer or contract. | A defined approval stage provides an opportunity to confirm the manufacturing process and documentation before committing to larger production quantities. |
| 9 | Compliance and documentation | Identify applicable customer, product, and destination-market requirements, such as substance restrictions, product declarations, or industry-specific records. Specify required certificates, inspection records, labeling, and document retention in the purchase order. | Requirements such as RoHS may apply to particular products or markets; applicability should be determined for the product rather than presumed for every machined part. |
| 10 | Commercial terms and delivery | Compare quotations on the same basis: material, tooling, setup, machining, finishing, inspection, packaging, freight, payment terms, and lead time. For international shipments, state the agreed Incoterms® 2020 rule and named place in the contract. | A consistent quotation basis makes total landed cost easier to compare and clarifies which party is responsible for transport, export or import formalities, and delivery risk under the selected rule. |