How to Submit an RFQ for Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication

At Hatfield Metal Fab, we look forward to having the opportunity to talk to our customers after they submit a RFQ. During these conversations, we dig deeper into the function, key features, lead time, finishing requirements, and other important details that help us fabricate a beautiful part. That level of care and attention is just one of the many things that sets our rapid sheet metal shop apart from the competition.

As much as we enjoy these chats, we understand there are times when our customers just need a quick quote. To ensure that we have all the necessary information to provide a quote and get started on your parts, be sure to include the following details in your RFQ.

5 Essential Details to Include with Your RFQ

1. CAD Files

Submit a complete CAD model of your assembly, including any hardware you would like installed. Preferred formats include STEP, SolidWorks, and other common 3D CAD files. If you don't have a CAD model, our engineering team can assist in creating one for your project.

2. Material Specifications

Specify the material type, grade, and thickness required for your part. Whether your project requires carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, or another alloy, providing complete material information helps ensure accurate pricing and production planning.

3. Finish Requirements

Let us know how your finished part should look and perform. Available finishing options include:

• Powder coating

• Wet painting

• Anodizing

• Chromating

• Silk screening

• Brushed or polished finishes

If you have cosmetic or corrosion-resistance requirements, include them with your RFQ.

4. Welding Requirements

If your project requires welding, include any special instructions such as:

• Cosmetic or structural welds

• Continuous or intermittent welds

• Ground and polished welds

• Internal or external weld locations

• Applicable welding standards or certifications

The more information you provide, the more accurately we can estimate your project.

5. Tapped Holes and Hardware

Clearly identify all threaded holes, inserts, PEM® hardware, and other fastening requirements. Include thread size, depth, and any hardware specifications to eliminate guesswork during manufacturing.

Why Tolerances and GD&T Matter

One of the most important—but often overlooked—parts of an RFQ is properly defining tolerances.

If your part must fit with other components, align precisely, or meet critical performance requirements, Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) provides the information needed to manufacture your parts correctly.

Without specified tolerances, manufacturers must rely on standard industry practices that may not fully match your design intent.

Include These Details

• Critical dimensions with required tolerances

• Datum references for mating features

• Hole locations and positional tolerances

• Flatness requirements

• Perpendicularity where required

• Surface profile for cosmetic or complex parts

• Realistic tolerances that balance performance with manufacturing cost

Overly tight tolerances can significantly increase production costs. Applying tighter tolerances only where necessary helps reduce machining time, inspection requirements, and overall project expense.

Information We Generate During Manufacturing

Once your order is released, Hatfield Metal Fabrication develops comprehensive manufacturing documentation to ensure consistent quality throughout production.

This documentation includes:

• Detailed manufacturing prints

• Flat pattern development

• Hole size verification charts

• Complete Bill of Materials (BOM)

• Welding procedures and fabrication instructions

• Bend deductions and bend allowances

• Assembly and mating part clearances

• Grinding and finishing instructions

• Quality inspection checkpoints

If welding, finishing, or cosmetic requirements are not specified, our engineering team will create manufacturing standards based on industry best practices.

Precision Sheet Metal Fabrication from Start to Finish

At Hatfield Metal Fabrication, our goal is to manufacture your parts correctly the first time. Providing complete RFQ information allows us to quote faster, reduce production delays, improve accuracy, and maintain the high level of quality our customers expect.

Whether you need a single prototype, a short production run, or high-volume manufacturing, our experienced team delivers precision sheet metal fabrication with dependable lead times and exceptional customer service.

Ready to get started? Contact Hatfield Metal Fabrication today to request a quote. Our team is ready to review your project and provide a fast, competitive estimate for your custom sheet metal fabrication needs.