Robotics components often fail in assembly not because a single dimension is wrong, but because fits, runout, and alignment were not prioritized in the quote package. A good RFQ makes functional relationships visible so the supplier can plan machining and inspection around actual motion risk.
Highlight assembly-driving fits
Call out bearing journals, dowel patterns, pilot diameters, gearbox interfaces, and other features that set final position. If a dimension is reference-only, avoid letting it compete with the true fit-driving features for attention during inspection planning.
Define runout and datum relationships clearly
If total runout, concentricity substitutes, or coaxial relationships matter, show the inspection datum structure unambiguously. Suppliers can price more accurately when they know whether rotational accuracy is being evaluated from a functional axis, a mounting face, or a secondary locating feature.
Include practical alignment verification needs
State whether the receiving team needs recorded runout values, fit checks with mating parts or gages, or flatness and perpendicularity evidence on mounting surfaces. These details shape workholding, inspection method, and packaging protection, so they belong in the RFQ rather than in a late-stage email thread.
RFQ decision table
| Decision area | What to make explicit |
|---|---|
| Highlight assembly-driving fits | Call out bearing journals, dowel patterns, pilot diameters, gearbox interfaces, and other features that set final position. If a dimension is reference-only, avoid letting it compete with the true fit-driving features for attention during inspection planning. |
| Define runout and datum relationships clearly | If total runout, concentricity substitutes, or coaxial relationships matter, show the inspection datum structure unambiguously. Suppliers can price more accurately when they know whether rotational accuracy is being evaluated from a functional axis, a mounting face, or a secondary locating feature. |
| Include practical alignment verification needs | State whether the receiving team needs recorded runout values, fit checks with mating parts or gages, or flatness and perpendicularity evidence on mounting surfaces. These details shape workholding, inspection method, and packaging protection, so they belong in the RFQ rather than in a late-stage email thread. |
Official source notes
These sources support the adjacent technical principles. They do not certify ProtoRFQ or replace the standard edition named in the buyer drawing.
- ASME Y14.5 Dimensioning and TolerancingASME · drawing, datum, tolerance, form, fit, function, and interchangeability terminology
- NIST Calibration Services Users Guide: Dimensional MeasurementsNIST · dimensional measurement instruments and metrological reference context