Prepare a clearer quotation request for elbows, tees, reducers and caps. Start with your item list, then attach the drawings and project requirements that affect the supply scope. Mark missing details as “to be confirmed” rather than leaving them open to interpretation.
1. Start with the RFQ item list
Use one line per fitting configuration. Give each item a reference number so that drawings, quotations and inspection requirements can be matched to the same item.
| Information | What to include |
|---|---|
| Fitting type | Elbow, equal or reducing tee, concentric or eccentric reducer, or cap. |
| Size and units | NPS or DN and the relevant pipe outside diameter where needed. Identify every connection size on reducing fittings. |
| Wall thickness | Schedule designation and applicable pipe dimensional reference, or specified wall thickness in mm. Identify different end thicknesses where applicable. |
| Material | Full material specification, grade and any required class or supplementary requirements. Include the specified edition. |
| Fitting standard | Applicable dimensional/product standard and edition, plus any project-specific deviations. |
| Construction | State any seamless or welded construction requirement. Ask the supplier to identify proposed construction if it is not specified. |
| Quantity | Quantity and unit for each item, including separate quantities for different sizes or materials. |
| Delivery | Destination, requested delivery date, and delivery terms or preferred quotation basis. |
A description such as “stainless elbow, 4 inch” leaves material grade, wall thickness, angle and radius unresolved. Provide these details where known, or ask the supplier to list them as open points.
2. Add the details specific to each fitting
- Elbows: specify the angle and radius designation. For a special bend, give the actual centerline radius, tangent lengths and a dimensioned drawing.
- Tees: identify run and branch sizes, including all three ends if they differ. Note any different wall thicknesses or special center-to-end dimensions.
- Reducers: identify large-end and small-end sizes, concentric or eccentric form, and end thicknesses. Add the required length and any special geometry.
- Caps: state the connection size, wall requirement and any project-specific overall dimensions or clearance limits.
For nonstandard items, attach a dimensioned drawing with units, tolerances and a revision number. A photograph can help explain the part, but should be accompanied by the dimensions needed to quote and manufacture it.
3. Separate the fitting standard from the material specification
Identify both. ASME B16.9 covers factory-made wrought buttwelding fittings; a material specification defines a different part of the purchasing requirement. For example, ASTM A403/A403M addresses wrought austenitic stainless steel piping fittings. Neither designation alone is a complete RFQ description.
Other material specifications include ASTM A234/A234M for wrought carbon and alloy steel fittings for moderate and high-temperature service, and ASTM A420/A420M for low-temperature service. Specify the complete grade, required class where applicable, heat treatment and supplementary requirements; the material specification number alone does not select the grade.
Use the standard editions required by your project. State end preparation requirements and any governing reference or drawing. Do not use a flange pressure class as a substitute for the fitting wall and material requirements. Product suitability must be checked against the approved piping design and service requirements.
4. Attach project documents when they apply
- Piping material specification: identify the applicable piping class and relevant sections.
- Drawings: include the latest approved or enquiry revision, with the affected RFQ item numbers.
- Inspection requirements: define requested checks, test methods, extent, acceptance criteria and reporting requirements.
- Witness or hold points: identify buyer or third-party involvement and required notification arrangements.
- Marking and packing: state traceability, identification, protection and shipping requirements.
- Document requirements: list required certificate types, reports, approval stages and final dossier format.
Additional inspection requirements depend on the material, construction and project specification. Do not assume that a requested special test or third-party inspection is included in a standard quotation; ask for the proposed scope and any additional cost to be identified.
5. Know which documents belong at each stage
| Stage | Documents or information to review |
|---|---|
| Buyer’s initial enquiry | Item list, available drawings, applicable specifications and requested inspection/document scope. |
| Supplier’s quotation | Offered product details, construction, lead time, price basis, document scope, deviations and unresolved questions. |
| Before production, where required | Approved drawings, inspection plan and procedures specified by the order. |
| During production or before shipment, as agreed | Material certificates, traceability records, inspection/test reports and final document package required by the order. |
You do not need to provide the supplier’s final material certificates or production inspection reports when requesting a quotation. Specify what you will require and when it must be submitted.
6. Copy this enquiry template
Subject: Butt Weld Fittings RFQ – [Project / Reference] Please quote the attached fitting list. RFQ reference and revision: Fitting types and quantities: Connection sizes and units: Wall thickness / schedule at each end: Material specification, grade and edition: Fitting standard and edition: Geometry: angle / radius / run and branch / reducer type: Required construction and end preparation: Drawing numbers and revisions: Inspection, testing and certificate requirements: Marking and packing requirements: Destination and quotation delivery basis: Requested delivery date: Open points requiring clarification: Please identify deviations, exclusions and assumptions in your offer.
Example completed item
Item BW-01: 90-degree long-radius elbow; NPS 4; Sch 40 to the project-specified ASME B36.10 dimensional reference; ASME B16.9; ASTM A234 WPB; seamless construction; butt-weld ends to the specified end-preparation standard; 12 pieces; EN 10204 type 3.1 inspection certificate; marking, inspection and packing per attached specification. Quote FCA at the named dispatch location; requested delivery date and all standard editions to be confirmed with the buyer.
Illustrative RFQ example only. Confirm suitability, standard editions and all project-specific requirements before ordering.
7. Check before sending
- Each line item has a quantity, material and size reference.
- Reducing fittings identify every connection and the applicable wall requirements.
- Drawings and item lists use consistent units and revisions.
- Conflicting requirements are flagged for clarification.
- Requested tests and documents are linked to the relevant items.
- Open points are clearly marked for review.
Send your butt weld fittings RFQ
Send the product list, drawing and requirements you have. Mark any details that still need to be confirmed.
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Standards references
ASME B16.9 — Factory-Made Wrought Buttwelding Fittings
ASTM steel standards — A234/A234M, A403/A403M and A420/A420M
Related RFQ checklists