Rubber Part RFQ Review Checklist (Free)

0%

0 of 35 items complete

15 critical items still open - these are the highest-risk gaps.

Download checklist:

Drawing and requirements

Drawing is current and the revision is recorded on the quoteCRITICAL3D model or sufficient views received to calculate volumeAnnual and per-release quantities are statedCRITICALPart is new, a transfer from another supplier, or a re-quote of a running partCritical to function dimensions are identified on the drawingCRITICALCosmetic and surface requirements, including parting line and flash limits, are definedMarkings, part identification and date codes are specified

Material and compound

Compound callout is complete (family, hardness, ASTM D2000 or OEM spec)CRITICALFluids, temperature range and exposure duration are knownCRITICALHardness tolerance is stated and achievable with the compoundCompression set, tensile and other property requirements are knownCompound is available from an approved source and lead time is knownCRITICALRegulatory material needs identified (FDA, NSF, USP Class VI, RoHS, REACH) where relevantCRITICALSpecific gravity confirmed from the data sheet for weight calculation

Tooling and process

Process selected: compression, transfer or injection, with reasonCavity count chosen to match volumes and press sizeShrinkage allowance defined for the compoundCRITICALTolerance class (for example ISO 3302-1) is stated and the tool can hold itCRITICALTool ownership, life, maintenance and storage terms are agreedUndercuts, thin sections, inserts or bonding requirements reviewed for moldabilityCRITICALCure time estimated and a post-cure need identifiedFlash level, deflash method and trim method are defined

Quality and documentation

Inspection plan and sample sizes agreed for critical characteristicsCRITICALFAI, PPAP or other submissions required are listed and pricedCRITICALCertificates of conformance, compound batch traceability and test reports requiredGauges, fixtures or optical measuring needs identified for flexible partsPackaging, labeling and shipping requirements are specifiedRetention of records and lot traceability period are known

Commercial and delivery

Costing covers compound, press time, labor, secondary ops, scrap and marginCRITICALPrice breaks match realistic setup and run sizesTooling is quoted as a separate line with lead timeCRITICALQuote validity period and raw material price review clause are includedCRITICALQuantity tolerance (for example plus or minus 10 percent) is statedFreight, duty, and Incoterms are stated or excludedCapacity and lead time are confirmed with scheduling

Score is the share of items checked. Any unchecked critical item should be resolved or listed as a quote assumption before the quote is released.

Track RFQ review in your ERP

Optional: we can review how RFQs and open questions are tracked today and where an ERP workflow could help, with approvals staying human.

Optional. The tool and every export work without this. No spam.

How to use it

Run through the list when an RFQ arrives, before costing starts. Check what is confirmed, and for each unchecked critical item, ask the customer or write the assumption into the quote. Keep a copy with the quote so the production team sees the same facts. The score gives a fast view of how complete the RFQ is, and a low score on a high-value job is a signal to slow down and ask questions.

Do the review before costing, not after.
Turn every open critical item into a question or a stated assumption.
Attach the completed list to the job file.

Why these items matter

Compound callouts decide cost and availability, because a fluoroelastomer or peroxide-cured grade can be many times the cost of a standard nitrile. Tolerance class decides tooling precision, inspection effort and reject rate. Tooling terms decide who bears the risk if the mold wears out. Documentation requirements such as PPAP, FAI or traceability create labor that is easy to forget in piece price. Each group maps to a part of the cost model in the quote worksheet.

Moldability review

Look for thin sections that trap air, deep undercuts that tear on demolding, sharp internal corners that cause flow lines, and tight tolerances across a parting line. Rubber-to-metal bonded parts need surface preparation, adhesive systems and often preheated inserts. Large parts may exceed press platen size. A quick review with the tooling shop before quoting prevents committing to a part that will scrap heavily.

Common mistakes

Teams often quote from an old drawing revision, accept an incomplete compound callout and then discover the compound needs special sourcing, or leave tolerance class unspecified. Another is skipping capacity checks, which creates unrealistic lead times. A final one is failing to price documentation; PPAP and first-article submissions take real engineering time that should be a line item or part of the tooling charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important RFQ items to confirm?

The drawing revision, full compound callout, fluid and temperature environment, tolerance class, annual volumes and documentation requirements. These five drive cost, tooling and risk, and gaps in them cause most re-quotes and disputes.

Why ask about fluids and temperature?

Because they decide which elastomer family works at all. A compound that suits oil can swell or fail in steam or glycol brake fluid. Without environment details, a hardness and color callout is not enough to quote safely.

Should I quote if the RFQ is incomplete?

You can, with clearly written assumptions, but flag them. Price the worst plausible case for critical gaps or request clarification. A quote that assumes a standard tolerance on a tight part is a likely loss.

Does this replace formal contract review?

No. It is a technical and commercial quoting aid. For quality systems such as ISO 9001, IATF 16949 or AS9100, your contract review procedure still applies, and this list can serve as an input record.

Netray can help make the RFQ review a structured step inside your ERP, with open items tracked to closure. Ask us for a short review of how RFQs move through your team.

Talk to an Expert Explore More Free Tools

Related Tools

Industry Templates

More Quality & Inspection tools

See all

Rubber Part RFQ Review and Quotation Checklist