What to Send for a Custom Metal Parts Quote

Start with a minimum brief

You can open a technical discussion with a drawing, sketch or clear sample photographs, an explanation of the intended use, and an approximate order quantity. Mark the design stage: concept, prototype, approved sample or repeat production. This separates an early feasibility discussion from a request to quote an approved specification.

If you are requesting an alternative manufacturing source, state whether the existing drawing and acceptance requirements must remain unchanged. Share only designs and reference material you are entitled to provide.

The project checklist

1. Drawing, revision and assembly scope

Provide the drawing number, revision, units and quantity of each part in the assembly. Include overall dimensions, critical interfaces and the dimensions that affect fit or function. If a 3D model is available, send it with the drawing; identify which document controls when they differ. Photographs help explain appearance and use, but do not establish every dimension or tolerance.

For formed wire, show the geometry, connection points and how the part is checked. For tube assemblies, identify tube sections, bends, holes and joints. Explore the related wire forming and tube fabrication pages when preparing these details.

2. Material and component responsibilities

State the required material grade and, where relevant, wire diameter, tube outside diameter and wall thickness, or sheet thickness. Specify whether material alternatives can be proposed for review. For mixed assemblies, identify bought-in or customer-supplied plastic parts, fasteners, glass, connectors and protective pads. Define who supplies each component and who handles assembly.

3. Quantity and program stage

Separate sample quantity, initial order quantity and possible repeat-order quantities. A forecast is useful context, but label it as a forecast rather than a confirmed order. Explain whether the request covers one design or a family of parts sharing materials, fixtures or packaging.

4. Finish, appearance and use environment

Describe the required finish, color, gloss and visible surfaces. An approved color or appearance sample can provide a reference, while a written acceptance method helps explain how variation will be judged. Mention water exposure, cleaners, indoor or outdoor use and food-contact requirements where applicable.

Material and finish decisions should be reviewed together. A finish name does not by itself define a corrosion performance requirement. For kitchen organization projects, also describe drainage, cleaning and the contact points between metal and other components.

5. Inspection, tests and acceptance criteria

List the dimensions, appearance checks and functional tests required for acceptance. Where you specify a test standard, include its version, test conditions, sampling requirements and pass/fail criteria. Identify any required third-party testing and documentation. Equipment availability and an agreed test plan are separate from evidence that a particular design has passed.

6. Packing, labels and delivery requirements

Explain whether the part needs retail packaging, bulk transport packing or assembly kits. Include protection for visible finishes, loose hardware, labels, barcodes and any carton requirements already defined. Give the delivery destination and requested timing, distinguishing sample approval from production delivery. Timing and commercial terms require project-specific confirmation.

Copy this into your inquiry

Select the template below, replace the prompts with your information and leave unknown items marked “to be reviewed.” You can paste the brief into the project inquiry form and attach your drawing or photographs.

Project / part name:
Intended use and target market:
Design stage and drawing revision:
Attached drawings, models or sample photos:
Material grade and section / thickness:
Critical dimensions, interfaces and tolerances:
Sample quantity:
Initial order quantity:
Repeat-order forecast (if available):
Finish, color and appearance reference:
Exposure to water, cleaners or other conditions:
Inspection / test method and acceptance criteria:
Supplied components and assembly responsibilities:
Packing, labels and transport protection:
Requested timing and delivery destination:
Target cost (optional):
Open questions for review:
Contact name, company and email:

Common gaps to resolve before comparing quotes

• Different drawing revisions: ensure suppliers are reviewing the same design.
• A photograph treated as a full specification: add dimensions, material and the interfaces that matter.
• Unclear finish acceptance: identify the appearance reference and the required performance checks.
• Missing bought-in components: state whether the price covers metal parts only or a complete assembly.
• Sample and production quantities mixed together: list them separately so the scope is clear.
• Packing left undefined: state whether labels, retail packaging and transit protection are included.

What still needs project review?

The manufacturing route, sample work, tooling responsibilities, minimum order quantity, price and delivery timing need confirmation against the specific design and requirements. An inquiry checklist organizes the discussion; it does not establish a production specification or guarantee a result.

JALIN's product references illustrate manufacturing applications for customer-designed products. The designs remain the property of their owners and are not offered as JALIN-branded merchandise. See the OEM project sequence and manufacturing processes for related context.