| Aluminium alloy |
6061 for general machined and structural parts; 6063 for extruded profiles and surface finish; 5052 for formed sheet parts; 7075 for high-strength applications. |
Exact alloy designation, temper condition, material certificate, and applicable product standard. |
Alloy and temper affect strength, machinability, corrosion resistance, weldability, and cost. |
The supplier recommends the alloy from the part’s load, corrosion, forming, and finishing requirements rather than price alone. |
| Manufacturing process |
CNC machining, extrusion, sheet-metal forming, die casting, forging, or a combination of processes. |
Available equipment, maximum part size, production capacity, tooling requirements, and process capability. |
The correct process influences dimensional accuracy, surface quality, strength, lead time, and unit cost. |
The proposed process is technically suitable for the geometry, annual volume, and tolerance requirements. |
| Dimensional tolerances |
Standard tolerances for non-critical dimensions; tighter tolerances for fits, bores, mounting surfaces, and sealing features. |
Quoted tolerances, inspection method, measurement equipment, and any additional cost for tight tolerances. |
Unnecessary tight tolerances increase machining time, inspection requirements, and scrap risk. |
Critical dimensions are clearly identified on the drawing and supported by inspection records. |
| Applicable material standards |
ASTM B209 for aluminium sheet and plate; ASTM B221 for extruded bars, rods, profiles, and tubes; ASTM B211 for rolled or cold-finished bar and rod products. |
Standard edition, product-form compliance, heat or lot traceability, and certificate content. |
A recognized material standard provides a consistent basis for chemical composition and mechanical requirements. |
The quotation identifies the exact standard instead of using only a generic alloy name. |
| Surface finish |
As-machined, brushed, polished, anodized, powder-coated, or chemically treated surfaces. |
Finish type, color reference, coating thickness where applicable, appearance limits, and sample approval process. |
Surface treatment can improve appearance, wear resistance, and corrosion protection but may affect dimensions. |
A physical sample or approved visual standard is available before mass production. |
| Corrosion requirements |
Indoor, outdoor, marine, chemical, or high-humidity service environments. |
Alloy suitability, protective treatment, environmental testing, and handling or packaging controls. |
Aluminium performance varies with alloy, galvanic contact, salt exposure, and surface treatment. |
The supplier evaluates galvanic corrosion risks and specifies protection for the actual service environment. |
| Quality management |
Documented inspection plans, nonconformance control, corrective actions, and calibration management. |
Quality certification scope, inspection records, calibration certificates, and process-control documentation. |
A controlled quality system reduces variation and improves repeatability across production batches. |
Quality procedures are documented and can be matched to the project’s risk level. |
| Inspection capability |
Calipers, micrometers, height gauges, optical systems, coordinate-measuring machines, and surface-roughness instruments. |
Equipment accuracy, inspection frequency, sampling plan, first-article inspection, and final inspection report format. |
The supplier must be able to verify the features that determine fit, function, and safety. |
Inspection equipment is appropriate for the specified tolerances and is regularly calibrated. |
| Prototype and sampling |
Prototype parts, first articles, pilot batches, and production validation samples. |
Sample lead time, sample pricing, revision control, test plan, and approval criteria. |
Sampling identifies design, tooling, finishing, and inspection issues before volume production. |
The supplier supports a documented sample-approval stage before releasing the full order. |
| Production capacity |
Monthly output, machine availability, staffing, tooling capacity, and subcontracting arrangements. |
Current workload, realistic lead time, capacity reservation, and continuity plan for repeat orders. |
A supplier must maintain consistent quality and delivery as volume increases. |
Capacity claims are supported by a clear production schedule and identified bottlenecks. |
| Cost structure |
Material, machining or forming, tooling, finishing, inspection, packaging, freight, and setup costs. |
Unit price basis, minimum order quantity, tooling ownership, payment terms, and cost changes caused by revisions. |
A transparent cost structure makes quotations comparable and reduces unexpected charges. |
The lowest price is not selected unless quality, delivery, and technical compliance are also acceptable. |
| Lead time and logistics |
Sample lead time, production lead time, transit time, delivery terms, and packaging requirements. |
Written schedule, shipment milestones, export documentation, packaging method, and delivery contingency plan. |
Predictable delivery protects assembly schedules and reduces inventory interruptions. |
The supplier provides measurable milestones and communicates risks before they affect delivery. |
| Technical communication |
Drawing review, design-for-manufacturing feedback, revision control, engineering support, and response time. |
Named technical contact, drawing clarification process, change-control procedure, and response expectations. |
Clear communication prevents errors caused by incomplete drawings, unapproved substitutions, or uncontrolled revisions. |
The supplier asks relevant technical questions and confirms assumptions in writing before production. |