Identity
Use an exact alloy or polymer designation and identify the relevant standard or specification when required.
MATERIAL PLANNING
The right material.
Precisely specified.
Start with a material family, then define the grade, condition and documentation your application requires.
Aluminum / PROJECT PLANNING
Weight, geometry and surface finish.
Specify the exact alloy and temper. A cosmetic finish, thread fit and thin wall can introduce different requirements into the same component.
- Alloy and temper on the drawing
- Functional versus cosmetic surfaces
- Finish allowance on mating features
Anodizing or another treatment must be specified before final dimensions and acceptance are agreed.
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Stainless steel / PROJECT PLANNING
Define the grade and the working environment.
“Stainless steel” alone is not a complete material specification. Describe the required grade, documentation and exposure conditions so the manufacturing review starts from the same assumptions.
- Grade and material documentation
- Required edge condition and cleaning
- Functional surfaces and inspection scope
Corrosion performance depends on grade, finish and environment. Discuss application requirements rather than relying on appearance.
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Brass / PROJECT PLANNING
Make the alloy and the thread requirements explicit.
For connectors, sleeves and turned details, specify the brass alloy alongside the thread, sealing and finish requirements. Distinguish the visible shape from its functional acceptance criteria.
- Exact alloy designation
- Thread class, gauging and engagement
- Coating, cleaning and sealing interfaces
State any material-composition or regulatory requirement in your enquiry; do not infer it from a generic brass description.
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Copper / PROJECT PLANNING
Treat the functional surface as a requirement.
If a copper part has an electrical or thermal role, identify the relevant alloy and the surfaces that matter. Include any required coating or contact condition in the drawing package.
- Copper grade or alloy
- Contact and mounting surfaces
- Coating and handling requirements
Electrical or thermal performance needs application-specific definition and verification.
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Steel / PROJECT PLANNING
Separate material condition from finished geometry.
Specify grade and material condition, then state any heat treatment and finishing requirement. The sequence of operations should be reviewed together with the dimensions that control assembly.
- Grade and material condition
- Heat treatment if required
- Final inspection state and finish
Do not assume a heat treatment or hardness from a photograph. Include it as an explicit requirement.
Discuss steel requirementsYOUR DRAWING DEFINES THE ROUTE
Have a specific grade in mind?
Share it with the drawing, quantities and any inspection or compliance requirements.
Discuss the materialPlastic / PROJECT PLANNING
Identify the polymer before choosing a route.
A polymer name, grade and environment help define how a plastic component should be reviewed. Include fit, wall features and any temperature or media exposure relevant to the application.
- Polymer and grade
- Fit and operating environment
- Surface, edge and visual acceptance
Polymer families are not interchangeable. The exact material and part requirements need project review.
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What belongs in
the material brief?
Condition
Include temper, treatment or condition where applicable, and indicate which requirements refer to the finished part.
Evidence
State any certificate, traceability or inspection documentation needed before a quotation is finalised.
FROM EXAMPLE TO YOUR REQUIREMENT
Found something
close to your part?
Send your drawing
Use an example to explain your idea.
Your own drawing defines the final specification.
Source ABS parts to your drawing
Use real ABS references and the enquiry worksheet to define material, interfaces and sample acceptance.
Custom ABS plastic parts: source the right geometry