Quick answer: A strong RFQ for 3D printing should include your CAD file (STEP preferred), a 2D drawing for critical features, the quantity, what the part must do, the material or required properties, critical tolerances, finish and post-processing needs, and your delivery date and location. The clearer the request, the faster and more accurate the quote.
Most prototyping delays start with an incomplete request. When a supplier has to guess the material, finish or tolerance, the quote either misses your needs or turns into a long email thread. A complete RFQ lets the manufacturer quote correctly the first time and flag design risks early.
What Is an RFQ?
An RFQ (Request for Quotation) is a formal request asking a manufacturer to price a specific job: what you need made, how many, to what quality and by when. Unlike an RFI, which gathers supplier information, or an RFP, which asks for proposed solutions, an RFQ asks for a price against a defined requirement. For prototypes, it also works as a short project brief.
Start With What the Prototype Must Prove
State the question the prototype needs to answer. Is it a visual model, a fit check, a functional test part or a pre-production batch? A fit-check model and a functional part of the same geometry can need completely different materials and finishes. Make the goal measurable where possible, such as “must survive 500 snap-fit cycles” rather than “needs to be strong.”
The Core Items to Include
CAD files and revision
Send a STEP file for accurate solid geometry, or STL/OBJ if STEP is not available, plus a PDF drawing for critical dimensions and threads. STL files carry no unit information, so always state millimetres or inches in your email. Name files with a part number and revision (for example, BRACKET-01_RevC) so old and new versions never get mixed.
Quantity and future volume
State how many parts you need now and whether repeat orders are likely. A few parts suit additive processes, while larger runs may justify vacuum casting or injection moulding. If unsure, give a range like “5 now, possibly 200 later.”
Process or required function
If you know the process, name it. FDM suits low-cost concept models and jigs, SLA gives smooth, detailed surfaces, SLS produces tough nylon parts, and DMLS handles metal parts under load or heat. If you are unsure, describe the function instead, such as “snap-fit capable” or “must survive outdoor UV exposure,” and ask for a recommendation.
Material
Name the exact grade if it matters, or list the properties you need: rigidity, flexibility, heat or chemical resistance, impact strength, colour or transparency. Also state whether the prototype material must match or only approximate the final production material, since a printed “ABS-like” resin does not behave exactly like moulded ABS. Available options are listed on the materials we offer page.
Tolerances and critical features
Flag only the features that control function, such as mating surfaces, press-fit holes, bearing seats and snap-fit tabs. Marking everything as critical raises cost and limits process options. Achievable accuracy depends on process and wall thickness, explained in this guide to wall thickness and tolerances for SLS, SLA and FDM parts.
Surface finish and post-processing
Describe the finish (raw, bead-blasted, sanded and painted, dyed or coated) and mark which faces are cosmetic. List any secondary work such as threaded inserts, vapour smoothing, colour matching, assembly or machining of critical holes. Finishing often drives cost and timeline, and common routes are covered on the post-processing page.
Intended use and environment
Tell the supplier whether the part will carry load, flex, rotate, or face heat, moisture, oil or sunlight. Use numbers with units, such as “continuous 80°C near a motor,” rather than “hot environment.”
Inspection, delivery and confidentiality
State whether a visual check is enough or you need a dimensional report on critical features. Include your delivery date (fixed or flexible), city and pin code, packaging needs, and whether you need an NDA before sharing files.
Helpful Extras
- Assemblies: send the assembly model and a simple bill of materials if parts fit together.
- Design maturity: mention how many more revisions you expect.
- Budget range: helps the supplier suggest the most cost-effective route.
- Engineering support: if you need product design or 3D scanning and reverse engineering first, ask for it as a separate line item.
Common RFQ Mistakes
- Sending a screenshot or low-quality mesh instead of a CAD file
- Leaving out quantity or units
- Over-specifying tolerances
- Skipping the part’s purpose
- Mentioning finishing only after the quote
- Writing “ASAP” instead of a real date
Quick RFQ Checklist
| Item | What to send |
| CAD and drawing | STEP plus PDF for critical features |
| Units and revision | Stated in email and file name |
| Prototype goal | Visual, fit, functional or pre-production |
| Quantity | Current need plus future volume |
| Process or function | Named process or performance needs |
| Material | Grade or required properties |
| Tolerances | Function-critical features only |
| Finish and post-processing | Finish type, cosmetic faces, secondary work |
| Environment | Load, heat, chemicals, UV, with values |
| Delivery | Date, location, packaging, NDA needs |
How to Compare Quotes
Send every supplier the same brief and ask for an itemised breakdown of process, material, finishing, inspection and shipping. Look for technical feedback, not just a price. A supplier that reviews your design and offers DFM suggestions usually saves you time and rework.
Ready to Send Your Request?
Tesseract 3D handles prototyping and manufacturing from its Mumbai headquarters in Prabhadevi and its printing facility in Boisar, offering FDM, SLA, SLS, DMLS, DLP, PolyJet and MJP alongside design, scanning, machining, casting and moulding. The quote form accepts STL, STEP, IGES, and OBJ files, and most projects are completed within 2 to 7 days depending on complexity. You can share files and requirements through the contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important thing to include in a 3D printing RFQ?
Your CAD file, the quantity, and the intended use of the part. Together, they let a supplier choose the right process and material.
Which file format is best for an RFQ?
STEP is preferred because it preserves exact geometry. Add a PDF drawing for critical dimensions or threads.
Do I need to name the 3D printing technology?
No. Describe what the part must do and ask the supplier to recommend a process.
Can I request a quote without a CAD file?
Yes, if the supplier offers design or scanning services. Sketches, photos, or a physical sample can be used to create the model.
Should I mention post-processing in the first RFQ?
Yes. Finishing affects cost and timeline, so including it upfront avoids surprises.
