When you request a quote for a welded part, the accuracy of the price depends on the information you send. A missing drawing, an unspecified material certificate or an undefined NDT rate either delays the quote by days or leads to prices that change later. This article lists, item by item, what to send a supplier when you issue an RFQ for contract welding or welded fabrication.
Why Quotes Get Delayed or Change Later
A supplier prices three things: material, labour hours and the cost of quality assurance. If any of them is unclear, the supplier either asks questions and the quote takes longer, or adds the risk to the price. The most common reason two suppliers quote very different prices for the same part is that they interpret the same information differently. The list below is designed to remove that room for interpretation.
1. Drawing and 3D Model
- A dimensioned technical drawing (PDF) and, if possible, a 3D model (STEP). The revision number should be visible on the drawing.
- Weld symbols: weld type, throat thickness (a) and length. If there are no symbols, state who is responsible for weld design. See our weld symbols guide.
- General tolerance class (e.g. EN ISO 13920 B or C) and critical dimensions.
- The assembly drawing with its parts list, plus separate cutting and bending drawings for sub-parts.
2. Material and Certificates
- Material grade (e.g. S355J2+N, S690QL, 1.4301) and whether equivalent grades are acceptable.
- Required certificate type: EN 10204 2.2, 3.1 or 3.2.
- Whether the supplier buys the material or you free-issue it.
3. Quantity, Batch Size and Annual Demand
Is it a one-off job or an annual requirement? Annual volume and batch size directly determine whether a fixture is built and what the price per part will be. If you need a prototype or samples, list them as a separate line.
4. Welding Requirements and Standards
- Applicable standard: EN 1090 and execution class (EXC2, EXC3), EN ISO 3834, EN 15085 or your own specification. See What is EN 1090 EXC3?
- Acceptance criteria: EN ISO 5817 quality level (B, C or D).
- Requirement for qualified WPS/WPQR or specific welder certificates.
- Preheating, post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) or special filler material requirements.
5. Inspection and Documentation Package
- NDT method and rate: e.g. 100% VT, 10% MT, UT on critical welds. See NDT methods.
- Dimensional report, first article inspection (FAI) or witnessed inspection.
- Documents required at delivery: material certificates, WPS list, NDT reports, declaration of conformity.
6. Surface Treatment, Painting and Secondary Operations
Specify post-weld operations such as blasting, the paint system and thickness (e.g. ISO 12944 corrosivity category), galvanising or machining. In most welding shops these are carried out at partner facilities and affect lead time; seeing them as separate lines in the quote makes comparison easier.
7. Delivery, Packaging and Lead Time
Delivery terms (e.g. EXW, FCA or DAP), delivery address, packaging or pallet requirements and target lead time. For international deliveries, the size and weight of the part determine the type and cost of transport.
Quick Checklist Table
| Information | Example | If it is missing |
|---|---|---|
| Drawing and revision | PDF + STEP, Rev. C | The wrong revision gets quoted |
| Material and certificate | S355J2+N, EN 10204 3.1 | Price differences, later changes |
| Quantity | 400 per year, batches of 50 | Fixture and unit price stay unclear |
| Standard and acceptance criteria | EN 1090 EXC2, ISO 5817 C | Quality cost is estimated |
| NDT and documents | 10% MT, dimensional report | Extra cost at delivery |
| Delivery and lead time | DAP, 6 weeks | Transport and planning stay unclear |
At ArmaWeld: once we have your drawing and quantities, we send our quote or our technical questions within 48 hours. Every project is covered by an NDA. For the process, see our build-to-print fabrication page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a quote without a technical drawing?
A budget estimate can be prepared from photos, a dimensioned sketch or a sample part. A firm quote and production require a dimensioned technical drawing; if needed, we can finalise the drawing together with you.
Which file formats can I send for a quote?
A PDF drawing plus a STEP 3D model is the best combination. DWG, DXF and IGES files can also be used.
How long does a quote take?
When the information is complete, ArmaWeld quotes within 48 hours. For complex projects we send our technical questions first.
Is Your Drawing Ready?
Send us your drawing and quantities; we reply within 48 hours with a quote or our technical questions.
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