Optical Mold & Precision Parts RFQ Checklist
What should you send with an optical tooling RFQ?
Send a revision-controlled drawing, the exact material grade, order quantity, critical dimensions, optical-surface requirements, inspection criteria and your requested delivery date. A 3D model helps explain geometry; identify which document takes precedence if the model and drawing differ.
This checklist covers optical mold inserts, mold bases, optical lenses and custom ultra-precision machining. Use it to make your requirements easier to review and to compare quotations on the same scope.
1. Part definition and drawing revision
- Part name, drawing number and current revision.
- Dimensioned 2D drawing plus a 3D model where available; state units and datum references.
- Mark functional surfaces, mating features, sharp-edge or edge-break requirements and any features that must remain uncoated.
- For an assembly, identify supplied components, purchased items and the scope you want manufactured.
2. Material and manufacturing condition
Specify the grade rather than a broad label such as steel, carbide, glass or plastic. Include heat treatment, hardness, coating, material certification and customer-supplied material requirements where applicable. If the material is still open, describe the operating environment and ask for a manufacturing review before selecting it.
3. Precision and optical-surface requirements
- Separate dimensional tolerances, optical form error and surface roughness. Do not use one value as a substitute for another.
- State the parameter, unit, reference area or aperture and acceptance limit for each critical surface.
- For aspheric or freeform surfaces, include the surface definition, coefficients, coordinate convention and clear aperture.
- Describe the intended measurement method, filtering or evaluation settings where they affect acceptance.
Metrixnano can reach 0.5 μm precision on suitable features, subject to drawing review and an agreed measurement method. This does not automatically define the optical form error or surface roughness of every part. See quality and inspection for the review approach.
4. Quantity, approval and delivery
Separate prototype quantity, first-order quantity and expected repeat demand. State whether a first-article approval is needed before the remaining batch. Typical lead time is around one week, adjusted for the drawing, quantity, material, finishing and inspection requirements; the quotation confirms the schedule for your project. Include the delivery destination and requested arrival date.
5. Inspection records and packaging
List the dimensions or surfaces that require a report, any report template, traceability requirements and requested material documents. Agree these deliverables before ordering. Describe cleaning, protective packaging, individual identification and handling requirements for sensitive optical surfaces.
Copy this enquiry template
Part / drawing number and revision: Application and part function: Material grade / treatment / coating: Quantity: prototype / first order / repeat demand: Critical dimensions and datums: Optical surface definition / aperture: Form error requirement and measurement method: Surface roughness requirement and evaluation method: Inspection report / material documents: Requested delivery date and destination: Packaging / handling requirements: Files included and controlling document: NDA required before file exchange: yes / no
Send your drawing for review
The enquiry form accepts PDF, STEP/STP, IGES/IGS, DWG and ZIP files. Upload is optional. If an upload fails, submit your contact details and describe the issue, or email info@metrixnano.com. Request an NDA before sharing confidential drawings.
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