Fastener failure often starts before production begins. The issue may not be poor manufacturing. It may be an unclear RFQ.
A buyer asks for “M16 bolts, zinc plated,” but does not confirm grade, thread pitch, coating type, nut matching, working load, or application environment. The supplier quotes what seems reasonable. Production starts. Later, the parts fit poorly, rust early, loosen under vibration, or fail in service.
A good RFQ is the first quality control step.
Why RFQ Details Matter
Fasteners are small parts, but they carry load, control assembly fit, and affect long-term reliability. Size alone is never enough.
For general sourcing, buyers can review the full fastener products range before preparing a project inquiry.
Common Failure Risks from Poor RFQs
| Missing RFQ Detail | Possible Failure Risk |
|---|---|
| Strength grade | Bolt breakage or thread stripping |
| Материал | Corrosion, low strength, or wrong heat treatment |
| Thread pitch | Nut mismatch or poor assembly |
| Surface finish | Rust, tight threads, or coating failure |
| Application environment | Wrong material or coating selection |
| Matching nut and washer | Preload loss or assembly failure |
| Testing requirement | No proof before shipment |
Core RFQ Checklist
Before production, confirm these items in writing.
- Product type: bolt, nut, washer, screw, anchor, stud bolt, or threaded rod
- Standard: DIN, ISO, ASTM, ANSI, EN, JIS, or drawing
- Size: diameter, length, thread pitch, and thread length
- Material: carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, or special alloy
- Strength grade: 8.8, 10.9, 12.9, A2-70, A4-80, B7, or project grade
- Surface finish: zinc plated, hot-dip galvanized, Dacromet, PTFE, black oxide, plain
- Quantity and tolerance requirement
- Application and working environment
- Matching nuts, washers, sleeves, or templates
- Required reports, certificates, and inspection documents
For load-critical parts, consider high-strength fasteners and define testing before production.
Special Points for Custom and Coated Fasteners
Custom Fasteners
For non-standard parts, provide a drawing, sample, or both. Confirm all critical dimensions, tolerances, material, grade, and surface finish.
Use custom non-standard fasteners when catalog parts cannot meet the design.
Coated Fasteners
Coating affects corrosion resistance and thread fit. “Galvanized” is not specific enough. State whether the requirement is zinc plated, hot-dip galvanized, zinc flake, or another coating.
For harsh environments, review coated fasteners before approval.
Final Advice
To prevent fastener failure before production, do not treat the RFQ as a price request only. Treat it as the technical foundation of the order.
A clear RFQ helps the supplier choose the right material, process, coating, inspection plan, and packaging method. It also reduces rework, claims, and field failures after delivery.