Drawing & requirements
Identify the part number, revision, material grade, critical dimensions, tolerances and cosmetic faces. Flag regulatory requirements before quotation.
QUALITY WITH A CLEAR SCOPE
Quality Systems & Certifications
Define what a good part means before production starts.
For custom 3D printed and machined parts, quality begins with a controlled drawing, a suitable material and measurable acceptance criteria. Use this guide to plan inspection, request supporting documents and review the certification scope your project needs.
Discuss quality requirements
FROM SPECIFICATION TO ACCEPTANCE
Four quality checkpoints to agree on
Manufacturing review
Discuss orientation, supports, machining access and finishing allowances. Resolve features that need a different process or a revised acceptance method.
Inspection plan
Agree on the features to measure, the sample quantity, measurement method and report format. Confirm first-article requirements before releasing a batch.
Release & follow-up
Review agreed records against the order and drawing revision. If an issue appears, identify the affected feature and document the proposed resolution.
KNOW WHAT THE DOCUMENT PROVES
Certification, material safety and product compliance
These documents answer different questions. A logo alone does not demonstrate that a particular site, material or delivered part meets your requirement. Request the relevant current document and verify its scope before order approval.
Quality management system
If your purchasing specification requires ISO 9001, request the current certificate for the legal entity and manufacturing site involved. Check the issuing body, certificate number, covered activities and validity dates.
A management system certificate does not replace a dimensional inspection report or certify every product.
Material & safety documents
Ask for the material grade and any required supplier data, SDS or batch documentation. An SDS explains handling and safety information; it does not establish mechanical properties or medical suitability.
Confirm material traceability and test evidence requirements as part of the quote.
Product-specific compliance
CE marking and other regulatory requirements depend on the finished product, its intended use and destination. They should not be assumed to apply to every prototype or custom component.
Identify the applicable standard, responsible party and evidence needed before manufacturing.
What to include in a quality request
| Your requirement | What to send | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Critical dimensions | Drawing with datums, tolerances and marked features | Measurement method, sampling and report format |
| Material verification | Required grade and applicable material specification | Available supplier records and batch traceability |
| Visual finish | Cosmetic faces, color reference and acceptable marks | Reference sample, finish process and review method |
| Supplier certification | Required standard and purchasing approval criteria | Legal entity, site, scope and current validity |
| Regulated application | Intended use, destination and applicable requirements | Responsibility for testing and compliance evidence |
Quality questions before you order
Are inspection reports included with every order?
Confirm the inspection scope and report format in your quotation. A first-article package, special sampling plan or customer-specific report should be requested before manufacturing, as these may change cost and timing.
Can you guarantee a tolerance for every geometry?
Tolerance depends on the process, material, size, orientation and finishing route. Mark the critical features on your drawing and obtain project-specific confirmation rather than applying a general tolerance to every surface.
What should I do if a delivered part needs review?
Keep the order number and drawing revision, identify the affected parts, and provide measurements or clear photos. See our end-to-end guarantee for order support and the applicable resolution process.
LET’S MAKE YOUR NEXT PART
Bring the requirements into the conversation early
Share your CAD file, material, quantity and critical requirements so the manufacturing route can be reviewed together.
