How to Prepare a Technical RFQ Package for Custom Screw Fastening Automation

Why RFQ preparation affects project success

Custom screw fastening automation depends on more than a machine model. The final solution is shaped by the workpiece, screw type, fastening position, fixture support, feeding stability, detection requirements, automation level, factory layout, and target output.

When an RFQ only says "we need an automatic screw locking machine", suppliers can only make broad assumptions. Those assumptions may lead to an inaccurate quotation, an unsuitable structure, or hidden technical risks that appear later during design and commissioning.

1. Product and screw information

The combination of product tolerance and screw consistency directly affects feeding, positioning, and tightening quality. For molded parts, sheet-metal parts, small plastic components, electronic housings, appliance assemblies, and automotive parts, small dimensional variations can change the fixture and fastening strategy.

For Chisu Automation, real workpieces and production screws are especially useful when evaluating non-standard screw fastening workstations or automated production-line solutions. They allow the engineering team to check whether the proposed feeding method, fixture concept, and fastening approach are practical.

• Product photos from multiple angles, preferably showing fastening areas clearly.
• 2D or 3D drawings when available, with hole positions and assembly direction.
• Representative product samples if the project moves into feasibility evaluation.
• Screw specifications, including diameter, length, head type, material, surface treatment, and actual production samples.

2. Current process and pain points

A good automation proposal should solve the actual production constraint, not simply replace a manual action. For example, a factory with unstable screw feeding may need a different solution from a factory struggling with fixture positioning, product changeover, or traceability requirements.

Explaining the real production pain point helps the supplier judge whether a handheld tool, desktop coordinate machine, multi-axis rotary machine, inline workstation, or fully customized line is the better direction.

• Current manual or semi-automatic assembly process.
• Number of operators involved in the screw fastening step.
• Common quality issues, such as missing screws, floating screws, stripped threads, unstable torque, or slow output.
• Whether the project is driven by labor saving, output expansion, quality control, traceability, export orders, or production upgrade.

3. Output target and automation level

Output target should be discussed together with acceptable automation level. A fully automatic line may reduce labor involvement, but it also requires clearer process definition, more precise fixtures, stronger integration capability, and more detailed acceptance criteria.

For many factories, a staged upgrade can be more practical: start with a customized workstation or multi-axis machine, then expand to inline automation when the product and production process are stable.

• Target output per hour, per shift, or per day.
• Expected takt time or current bottleneck process time.
• Required loading and unloading method: manual loading, automatic loading, robotic handling, or line integration.
• Whether the equipment needs to connect with upstream or downstream processes.

4. Quality, inspection, and data requirements

Quality requirements often determine the real complexity of a screw fastening project. A basic locking process may only need stable feeding and tightening, while an export-oriented or automotive-related process may require inspection, traceability, data recording, and clear NG handling.

Before requesting a quotation, buyers should separate must-have requirements from optional functions. This makes the proposal easier to compare and reduces unnecessary cost or design complexity.

• Required torque range and fastening quality standard.
• Need for screw presence detection, height detection, visual positioning, or NG separation.
• Whether torque data, fastening records, barcode matching, or MES connection is required.
• Acceptable alarm logic and operator intervention method.

5. Acceptance and service information

Acceptance criteria should be defined before manufacturing begins. Buyers and suppliers should agree on the functions to be tested, the type of product and screws used in testing, the inspection items, and how the customer will confirm the machine before shipment.

Chisu Automation follows a pre-shipment acceptance process and provides acceptance videos for customer confirmation before delivery. For qualified overseas projects, engineers can be arranged for installation, commissioning, training, and after-sales support.

• Factory voltage, air supply, available installation space, and destination country.
• Required training, installation, and commissioning support.
• Pre-shipment acceptance method and acceptance video requirements.
• Spare parts, maintenance expectations, and future retrofit or upgrade needs.

Recommended RFQ checklist

A complete RFQ package does not need to be complicated. It needs to be specific enough for the supplier to understand the production problem and propose a realistic technical direction.

For a custom screw fastening project, the most valuable quotation is not only a price. It is a proposal that explains the machine concept, key risks, expected process flow, and support method after delivery.

• Product photos, drawings, and sample availability.
• Screw specifications and production screw samples.
• Fastening point quantity, position, direction, and sequence.
• Current process, labor arrangement, and main production pain points.
• Target output and preferred automation level.
• Torque, inspection, traceability, and NG handling requirements.
• Factory conditions, available space, destination country, and service expectations.

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