If you've ever had a brazed carbide tip fail during a run, the process matters more than you think. Here's how induction brazing works — and how to get it right.
What Makes a Good RFQ for Precision Machined Parts?
When a customer sends out a request for quote, everyone wants the same thing: a fast, accurate quote and a smooth path to production.
But the quality of the RFQ has a huge impact on both.
A strong RFQ helps a machine shop understand exactly what the part needs, what matters most, and where potential issues may exist before work ever begins. A weak RFQ can lead to delays, questions back and forth, inaccurate pricing, and surprises once the job is underway.
If you are sourcing precision machined parts, tooling, carbide components, or tight-tolerance work, here is what makes an RFQ more useful for both your team and your manufacturing partner.
Start With a Clear Print or Part Drawing
The most important part of any RFQ is the drawing.
A complete, readable print gives the shop a foundation for quoting the part correctly. This should include all critical dimensions, tolerances, material requirements, finishes, thread details, and any notes that affect manufacturing.
If you have a 3D model, send that too. A STEP file or similar model can help clarify complex geometry, but it should support the drawing rather than replace it unless both parties are aligned on model-based definition.
At minimum, your RFQ should include:
a current revision drawing
clear dimensions
tolerance requirements
material callout
any special notes tied to manufacturing or inspection
If multiple revisions are floating around internally, make sure the correct one is the one being quoted.
Clearly Identify Critical Features
Not every dimension matters equally.
One of the biggest ways to improve an RFQ is to identify the features that are truly critical to function. That may include a tight diameter, a ground surface, a sealing face, a positional tolerance, or a feature that mates with another part in an assembly.
When a shop knows what is most important, it can make better decisions during quoting and process planning. It also helps avoid over-processing non-critical features, which can drive cost up unnecessarily.
If certain dimensions are especially important, call that out directly in the print or in the RFQ notes.
Specify the Material — and Be Precise
“Steel” is usually not enough.
Material selection changes tooling, cycle time, heat treat needs, grind requirements, and overall quote accuracy. If the part calls for carbide, hardened tool steel, stainless, aluminum, or a specialty alloy, that should be clearly stated up front.
Helpful material details include:
exact material grade
hardness requirements
whether material is customer-supplied or shop-supplied
If there is flexibility in the material, that is useful to mention as well. In some cases, a shop may be able to suggest an equivalent or more machinable option depending on the application.
Include Quantities and Expected Release Pattern
A quote for 2 pieces is not the same as a quote for 200.
The quantity you need affects setup cost, cycle time assumptions, inspection planning, fixture choices, and whether a process is practical at all. It also helps the shop determine whether this is a prototype, short-run, or production opportunity.
Be clear about:
quote quantity
annual usage if known
whether this is a one-time order or repeat work
whether multiple releases are expected
Even a rough forecast is better than none. A shop can price more intelligently when it understands the bigger picture.
Call Out Surface Finish, Coating, and Secondary Operations
Many RFQs leave out details that end up being major cost drivers.
If the part needs grinding, EDM, laser marking, coating, plating, passivation, heat treat, brazing, assembly, or other secondary work, include that up front. These are not minor details. They can change both routing and lead time.
The same goes for cosmetic expectations and surface finish requirements. If a finish matters, define it. If it does not, that is also useful to know.
The more complete the scope is at quote stage, the better the quote will reflect reality.
Share the Timeline Honestly
Lead time matters, but context matters too.
If you need a part urgently, say so. If you are still budgeting for a future release, say that too. A good manufacturing partner can usually respond better when it understands the business need behind the request.
Helpful timeline details include:
desired delivery date
whether the job is urgent, standard, or flexible
whether partial shipments are acceptable
A realistic timeline helps prevent rushed assumptions and opens the door to better communication.
Mention Inspection or Certification Requirements
For precision machined parts, documentation can be just as important as the part itself.
If you require first article inspection, material certs, dimensional reports, special packaging, traceability, or any industry-specific documentation, include that in the RFQ.
These requirements affect the quote and should not be an afterthought.
Some common callouts include:
first article inspection report
material certifications
certificate of conformance
in-process or final inspection records
traceability requirements
special packaging or labeling
If the part is going into a regulated or high-risk application, that is worth noting as well.
Explain the Application When It Matters
A shop does not always need to know exactly where the part is used, but a little context can go a long way.
Knowing whether a part is part of a cutting tool, fixture, wear component, aerospace assembly, industrial machine, or prototype can help a manufacturer better understand what matters most. That can influence recommendations around tolerancing, material choice, manufacturability, and risk.
You do not need to over-explain. Just enough context to guide smart decisions.
Include Contact Information for Questions
Even a strong RFQ may raise a few questions.
The fastest way to keep things moving is to include the name and contact information of the person who can answer technical or commercial questions quickly. Waiting days for clarification slows down quoting and production planning.
A simple point of contact helps keep the job from stalling before it starts.
What Slows Down a Quote?
Some of the most common RFQ issues are simple but costly:
missing drawings
unclear revisions
incomplete material callouts
no quantity listed
no tolerance guidance
secondary operations not mentioned
no clear contact for follow-up questions
None of these automatically kill a job, but they do make it harder to provide an accurate quote quickly.
A Good RFQ Leads to a Better Manufacturing Outcome
A well-built RFQ does more than help a shop price the job.
It improves communication, reduces assumptions, speeds up review, and increases the chances of getting parts made right the first time. For precision machined components, especially those involving tight tolerances, carbide, grinding, EDM, or multiple operations, clarity early on pays off.
The best RFQs are not necessarily the longest. They are the clearest.
If your team has a print, a part model, or even an early concept that needs review, sending complete information up front is the best way to start the conversation.
Need help reviewing a part for manufacturability or quoting? Send us your drawing, quantity, material, and timeline, and we can help you evaluate the next step.
Carbide Products’ Role In The 150th Kentucky Derby
Peter Pickett and some of his team with the bugle at Keeneland
A valued customer and close friend, Peter Pickett of Pickett Blackburn was given the opportunity to manufacture the bugles for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. The craftsmanship and quality of their work is truly unmatched. We are proud to supply them with the specialty tooling and parts needed to make these world class instruments.
More information can be found on their site PickettBlackburn.com
Carbide Products, Inc has been working with Pickett Blackburn on several projects over the years. We have been able to provide them with specialty reamers used to manufacture high end mouthpieces. We also machine the monel valve bodies used on their three valve instruments like those shown above. Our team is proud to have a part in a project like this.
Leveraging the Restoration of a Studer S145 CNC Machine: A Strategic Move by Carbide Products, Inc.
At Carbide Products, Inc., we understand the pivotal role of technology in driving manufacturing excellence. Our recent endeavor to restore a Studer S145 CNC machine exemplifies our commitment to innovation and strategic investment. In this blog post, we delve into the significance of restoring this precision grinder and how it serves as a proof of concept for future advancements at Carbide Products, Inc.
Cost-Effective Investment
For Carbide Products, Inc., restoring the Studer S145 CNC machine was a strategic investment in cost optimization. Instead of acquiring a new grinder, we are leveraging the potential of existing legacy equipment. This approach is allowing us to control upfront costs while evaluating the feasibility of upgrading our grinding capabilities.
Skill Development and Training
The restoration project has served as an opportunity for skill development among our team members. Our technicians gained practical expertise in CNC machine refurbishment, deepening their understanding of machine mechanics and maintenance. This knowledge empowers our workforce to maximize the value of our equipment effectively.
Proof of Concept for Future Investments
Restoring the Studer S145 CNC machine is serving as a proof of concept for future investments in manufacturing technology at Carbide Products, Inc. By revitalizing this equipment, we are demonstrating the tangible benefits of upgrading our machining capabilities. This proof of concept guides our strategic decisions regarding future CNC machine acquisitions.
Commitment to Sustainability
At Carbide Products, Inc., sustainability is integral to our operations. The restoration of the Studer S145 CNC machine aligns with our commitment to eco-friendly practices. By extending the lifespan of our equipment, we contribute to reducing electronic waste and minimizing our environmental footprint.
Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Manufacturing
In conclusion, the restoration of our Studer S145 CNC machine represents another step forward in our journey towards manufacturing excellence at Carbide Products, Inc. This initiative underscores our dedication to innovation, cost optimization, skill development, and sustainability. Moving forward, we are poised to leverage this experience to inform our future investments in CNC technology, ensuring that we continue to deliver exceptional quality and value to our customers.
At Carbide Products, Inc., we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Contact us today to learn more about our capabilities and how we can support your manufacturing needs with precision and expertise.
DATRON Dynamics, Inc. features Carbide Products, Inc. in recent article
German machine tool manufacturer Datron Dynamics features Carbide Products, Inc. in a recent article by Steve Carter.
In late 2016 CPI took delivery of one of the first Datron Neo Machines in the US. After learning of our unique application of Datron's cutting edge technology, Datron contacted Paul Strippelhoff and asked if they could feature CPI in one of their corporate news letters. Of course Paul agreed... In producing the article Paul had the oportunity to highlighted two of our rising machinsts, Evan Strippelhoff (Danny's son) and Peyton Strippelhoff (Paul's son).
Read the full article: http://www.datron.com/blog/small-cnc-investment-yields-huge-advancement/
Manufacturing Today Magazine publishes article on Carbide Products, Inc.
Manufacturing Today Magazine, winter 2012 issue features Carbide Products, Inc. in a spotlight article entitled "SKILLED AND MOTIVATED". The article, written by Staci Davidson highlights our history and business philosophy of continuous improvement as well as our ongoing investment in equipment, technology and personnel. There are also photos, one depicting a capping mechanism used at J.M Smucker’s Jif® peanut butter plant in Lexington, KY and another depicting an array of pencil manufacturing cutters, cutter heads, material and related tooling produced in our Georgetown, KY plant.
Thanks also go out to Dan Leech of Leech Carbide for his support in the production of the article.
Please read the complete article “Skilled and Motivated”
EDM Threading, Carbide and Hardened Metals
Carbide Products, Inc. is proud to announce the addition of EDM threading to our long list of capabilities. EDM threading is the best, most economical and, sometimes, only way of putting a threaded hole in cemented carbide, ceramics, hardened steel or other materials when tight tolerances and precision are required.
We utilize our Charmilles Model HD-20 High Speed Hole Drill to burn a start hole in the material. Then employing our Erowa electrode holders and management system fabricate tap drill electrodes and threading electrodes. Threading electrodes are matched to each other and timed to allow for multiple rough and finish die sinking routines on one of our Agie-Charmilles CNC sinker EDM’s. The resulting precision is extraordinary.
The advantages of EDM threading over conventional tapping methods include, but are not limited to, the following:
It will not disturb or distort surfaces adjacent to the tapped hole during the tapping process. (Ideal for thin wall and exotic materials found in medical instruments as well as cemented carbides and ceramic where there is not sufficient material to allow for invar plugs or in the event a threaded feature is added after sintering.)
Makes repairing a tapped hole in a hardened or carbide tool a breeze.
Tapping steel after it has been hardened improves the quality of the hole when there is concern with distortion in heat-treating.
Adding a tapped hole to a hardened tool after a redesign or forgetting to do so in the first place becomes exponentially easier.
Process does not involve displacing material but burning it which results in ability to hold tighter tolerances and sharper threads.
We are currently threading holes in multiple sizes of solid carbide grinding spindles but have ability to thread very small sizes from 2mm up to a reasonably large size hole. Your application is our challenge.
Please allow Carbide Products, Inc. to become the source for all of your EDM Threading needs!