A practical RFQ checklist for getting accurate CNC machining quotes, comparing suppliers and avoiding delays, misunderstandings and unexpected costs.
A complete CNC machining RFQ should include the part drawing and CAD file, material and grade, quantity, critical tolerances, GD&T, surface finish, heat treatment, secondary processes, inspection requirements, packaging, delivery requirements and any applicable certifications.
CNC Machining RFQ Checklist
The minimum set of items a CNC manufacturer needs to return an accurate, comparable quotation. Use this table as your pre-send verification.
| RFQ Item | Required? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 3D CAD file | Recommended | Defines geometry |
| 2D drawing | Strongly recommended | Defines dimensions & tolerances |
| Material | Required | Determines cost and process |
| Material grade | Required | Prevents material assumptions |
| Quantity | Required | Drives unit cost |
| Annual volume | Recommended | Enables production pricing |
| Tolerance | Required | Determines process capability |
| GD&T | When applicable | Defines functional requirements |
| Surface finish | When applicable | Affects processing & cost |
| Heat treatment | When applicable | Adds process requirements |
| Plating / anodizing | When applicable | Adds finishing cost |
| Inspection | When applicable | Defines QC scope |
| Certification | When applicable | Adds documentation requirements |
| Packaging | When applicable | Affects final cost |
| Delivery date | Recommended | Determines production planning |
Is Your CNC RFQ Complete?
The more complete your RFQ, the fewer assumptions a manufacturer has to make when pricing your part — and the more comparable your supplier quotes become.
Moderate Accuracy
CAD + Quantity + Material
- Geometry from CAD only
- Material named, grade assumed
- No tolerances specified
- Supplier must clarify before quoting
High Accuracy
CAD + 2D Drawing + Material + Quantity + Tolerance + Finish
- Dimensions and tolerances defined
- Material grade specified
- Finish and critical tolerance stated
- Minor clarification may remain
Highest Accuracy
CAD + Drawing + Material + GD&T + Finish + Inspection + Packaging + Delivery + Annual Volume
- Full manufacturing definition
- Inspection and documentation set
- Logistics and volume defined
- Quotes are directly comparable
RFQ Readiness Score
Tick the items you already have prepared. A complete package (all ticked) is ready for comparable supplier quotations.
What Is a CNC Machining RFQ?
RFQ vs RFP vs Purchase Order
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| RFQ | Ask supplier for price and lead time |
| RFP | Request a broader proposal |
| PO | Authorize the purchase |
1. 3D CAD File
The 3D model is the foundation of any CNC quote — it defines the part geometry the shop will machine.
Neutral formats
Preferred for quoting
Native CAD
Where appropriate
Why it matters
Geometry only
- Defines shape and features
- Enables machining simulation
- Not a substitute for the drawing
Goldcattle accepts STEP / IGES / X_T / SolidWorks files for engineering review and quotation. See the CNC Machining Services page for full capability details.
2. 2D Manufacturing Drawing
A 2D drawing translates the model into measurable, inspectable manufacturing requirements. It is where tolerances, threads and finish live.
Dimensions
- Overall dimensions
- Critical dimensions
- General tolerance block
Features
- Tolerances
- GD&T (datums & symbols)
- Thread specifications
- Hole callouts
Requirements
- Surface finish (Ra)
- Material & grade
- Heat treatment
- Coating / plating
- Revision & notes
Sample CNC Drawing
What each callout shows
- Material6061-T6 defines alloy and temper — not just "aluminum".
- Critical tolerance±0.02 mm on the controlled dimension, not on every feature.
- Surface finishClear anodizing, Type II — specifies treatment, not just "anodized".
- GD&TFlatness 0.05 mm referenced to a datum for function.
- RevisionREV B ensures the shop quotes the current design.
3. Specify the Exact Material and Grade
Do not write only “Aluminum”. State the alloy and temper so the shop prices the correct stock and process.
Aluminum
Stainless Steel
Plastics
4. Specify Quantity and Annual Volume
Quantity is the order you place now. Annual volume is total demand across the year — and the two are not the same.
| Quantity Information | Example |
|---|---|
| Prototype | 5 pcs |
| Initial production | 100 pcs |
| Batch size | 500 pcs |
| Annual demand | 10,000 pcs |
5. Specify Critical Tolerances
Mark only the dimensions that are functionally critical. A blanket tight tolerance on every feature raises cost without adding value.
| Requirement | What Buyer Should Provide |
|---|---|
| General tolerance | e.g. ISO 2768 |
| Critical tolerance | Exact value |
| GD&T | Datum + tolerance |
| Hole | Diameter + tolerance |
| Thread | Thread standard + class |
| Flatness | Maximum allowed deviation |
| Position | Position tolerance |
Don’t Over-Specify Tolerances
Tighter tolerance → more machining and inspection time → higher cost. Reserve tight tolerances for features that affect fit, function or assembly.
Related: CNC Machining Tolerance Guide
6. Specify Surface Finish and Cosmetic Requirements
Separate surface roughness, surface treatment and cosmetic acceptance — “black anodized” alone rarely defines the required finish.
Surface roughness
Measured value
Surface treatment
Process + class
Cosmetic requirements
Visible surfaces
- Visible vs hidden faces
- No scratches / dents
- No tool marks
- Color consistency
7. Include Heat Treatment Requirements
If the part needs heat treatment, state it explicitly — it changes material behavior and may affect final dimensions.
8. Secondary Operations
List any processes beyond machining so the supplier prices them and plans capacity.
Finishing
- Anodizing / plating
- Painting
- Grinding
Assembly
- Press-fit
- Insert installation
- Sub-assembly
Other
- Deburring
- Laser marking
- Hardware sourcing
9. Define Your Inspection Requirements
Don’t simply write “100% inspection.” Define what needs to be inspected and what report is required.
Basic
- Final dimensional inspection
Advanced
- CMM inspection
- FAI (First Article)
- Material certificate
- Surface roughness report
Automotive / Aerospace / Medical
- PPAP
- FAI
- Traceability
- Specific documentation
10. Specify Required Certifications and Documents
State the certificates and documents your quality system or application requires. Only request what you can actually verify and use.
Quality system
Compliance
Material & part docs
11. Specify Packaging Requirements
For high-precision parts, packaging prevents scratches, deformation and corrosion — and it affects final cost.
12. Include Lead Time and Shipping Requirements
Avoid “Need ASAP.” Give a real target date and shipping terms so the supplier can plan production.
Example targets
- Prototype: 7 business days
- Production: 20 business days
Incoterms & shipping
See Goldcattle delivery information on the CNC Machining Services page.
Example of a Complete CNC Machining RFQ
Material: 6061-T6 aluminum
Quantity: 100 pcs initial order / 2,000 pcs annual volume
Process: CNC milling + drilling + tapping
Critical tolerance: ±0.02 mm
Hole tolerance: Ø10 H7
Surface finish: Ra 1.6 µm
Finish: Clear anodizing, Type II
Inspection: CMM for critical dimensions
Documentation: Material certificate + inspection report
Packaging: Individual protective packaging
Delivery: Prototype within 7 business days; production within 20 business days
Files: STEP + PDF drawing, Rev B
What This RFQ Allows the Manufacturer to Quote
Weak RFQ vs Complete RFQ
⚠ Weak RFQ
- No material grade
- No quantity context
- No finish
- No inspection
- No delivery requirement
- No annual volume
✓ Complete RFQ
- Material grade defined
- Quantity + annual volume
- Finish specified
- Inspection defined
- Delivery target given
- Files attached
10 Common CNC RFQ Mistakes
Which RFQ Requirements Affect CNC Machining Cost?
| Requirement | Cost Impact |
|---|---|
| Material | High |
| Quantity | Very High |
| Tight tolerance | High |
| Complex geometry | High |
| 5-axis machining | High |
| Surface finishing | Medium–High |
| Heat treatment | Medium |
| Inspection | Medium |
| Packaging | Low–Medium |
| Delivery urgency | High |
How Goldcattle Handles a CNC RFQ
Upload your CAD and drawing — Goldcattle’s engineering team reviews the project, gives DFM feedback and returns a quotation.
What Should You Send Goldcattle?
3D CAD
STEP / IGES / Parasolid / SolidWorks
2D Drawing
PDF with dimensions and tolerances
Material
Grade + temper
Quantity
Prototype + production + annual volume
Finish
Anodizing / plating / coating / etc.
Critical Requirements
Tolerance / GD&T / inspection
Get a CNC Quote
Upload your CAD, drawing and specifications. Our engineering team reviews the project, identifies manufacturing requirements and provides a quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What files should I send for a CNC machining quote?
Send a 3D CAD file (STEP, IGES, Parasolid or native SolidWorks) and a 2D manufacturing drawing in PDF. Together they define geometry, dimensions, tolerances and finish requirements.
Is a 3D CAD file enough for a CNC RFQ?
A 3D model defines geometry but may not contain all manufacturing requirements such as tolerances, GD&T, thread specs and surface finish. A 2D drawing is strongly recommended.
Do I need a 2D drawing?
Yes, where dimensions and tolerances matter. The 2D drawing defines critical dimensions, tolerances, GD&T, threads, surface finish and revision control that the CAD model alone may not convey.
What material information should I include?
Specify both the material and the exact grade and temper, for example “Aluminum 6061-T6” rather than just “Aluminum”. Grade affects machining behavior, mechanical properties, finish and cost.
Should I specify every tolerance?
No. Use a general tolerance standard (e.g. ISO 2768) for non-critical features and specify exact values only for critical dimensions. Over-tight tolerances increase machining and inspection cost.
What is the difference between quantity and annual volume?
Quantity is the size of the order you are placing now; annual volume is the total demand across a year. Suppliers quote differently depending on whether 100 pieces is a one-off or part of a 20,000-piece program.
Should I include surface finish in my RFQ?
Yes. Specify both surface roughness (e.g. Ra 1.6) and any treatment (anodizing, plating, passivation) plus visible-surface cosmetic requirements.
Do I need to specify inspection requirements?
Define what must be inspected and what report is required (final inspection, CMM, FAI, material certificate) rather than writing “100% inspection”, which is ambiguous.
Should I request CMM inspection?
Request CMM inspection for critical dimensions and for first-article or production parts where traceable dimensional data is required.
Do I need material certificates?
Request material certificates (such as EN 10204 3.1) and a CoC when the application or your quality system requires documented material traceability.
What information affects CNC machining cost the most?
Quantity and manufacturability usually influence cost most, followed by material, tight tolerances, complex geometry, 5-axis requirements, surface finishing and inspection scope.
How long does it take to receive a CNC quote?
A complete RFQ can typically be quoted within 1–2 business days. Incomplete RFQs take longer because the supplier must request clarification before pricing.
Can I submit an RFQ without knowing the exact manufacturing process?
Yes. Provide the part requirements (geometry, material, tolerance, finish, volume) and the manufacturer can recommend the appropriate process (3-axis, 5-axis, turning or milling).
Build a Complete CNC Sourcing Library
This RFQ guide works best alongside Goldcattle’s other CNC resources — each one feeds back to a single action: request a quote.
Upload Your CAD for a CNC Quote
Send your 3D CAD, 2D drawing, material and quantity. Our engineering team will review the project, identify manufacturing requirements and provide a quotation.