Guide · Sourcing
A buyer's checklist for qualifying a new machining supplier
Twelve questions that separate a capable machining supplier from a convincing website — and what a good answer looks like.
Key takeaways
- Verify certificates by number, scope, issuer and expiry date.
- Ask which named machine and which measuring instrument will be used for your part.
- Get a clear list of outsourced processes and how they are controlled.
- Check data security, compliance support, capacity, delivery terms and audit access.
The checklist
| Question | A good answer | Where we answer it |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Which certificates are valid, and for what scope? | Numbers, issuing body, scope and expiry date — verifiable | Certifications |
| 2. Which machines will make my part? | A named machine with envelope and year, not a count | Machine park |
| 3. How is the part measured? | Named CMM and instruments, in-house | Metrology |
| 4. Which processes are outsourced? | A clear list and how external suppliers are controlled | Special processes |
| 5. What documents come with the first article? | Ballooned drawing, CMM report, material and process certificates | Inspection |
| 6. How are non-conformances handled? | Containment and 8D, concession before shipping | Inspection |
| 7. Is there capacity for my volume? | Free capacity stated, backup machines for each process | How we work |
| 8. How are my drawings protected? | ISO/IEC 27001 or equivalent; NDA | How we work |
| 9. Can you support our compliance obligations? | REACH, RoHS, CMRT, CBAM information | Compliance |
| 10. What are lead times and delivery terms? | Ranges for prototype and series, Incoterms, packing | How we work |
| 11. Who are your customers in my industry? | References by sector, with permission | Industries |
| 12. Can we audit you? | Yes, with dates offered | Contact |
Red flags
- Certificates without numbers or dates, or standards that do not exist.
- A machine "count" without models or years.
- Inspection subcontracted for every first article.
- No clear statement of which processes are outsourced.
- Answers in marketing language rather than numbers.
Use this checklist on us
We published this list because our site answers every question on it. If something is missing for your qualification process, tell us and we will add it.
Related pages
- Quality
Certifications
IATF 16949, AS9100D, ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 27001 and five more, with numbers and PDFs.
Send us your drawing.
STEP, IGES, DXF or PDF. Quotation within 2–15 business days, depending on size and complexity.