Requesting a quotation from JABE: the technical information we need

In industrial procurement, every day counts. An up-to-date drawing, the application requirements and forecast demand help our technical team assess your enquiry and prepare a quotation that meets your project requirements.

For purchasing managers at lift and elevator manufacturers, rolling stock manufacturers, and aerospace or defence suppliers, a clear technical enquiry makes it easier to evaluate suppliers and plan procurement.

When essential details are missing, further emails, calls or meetings may be needed before we can quote. This article explains what to include in your request for quotation (RFQ) for custom rubber components, rubber-to-metal bonded parts and industrial brake discs from JABE.

What information should you include in your RFQ

Not every project reaches us at the same stage. You may have a complete drawing and specification package, a sample, or a requirement that still needs to be defined. The more information you can provide at the outset, the better we can understand the application, assess feasibility and prepare our proposal.

1. The component drawing and current revision

For components manufactured to drawing, the technical drawing is the starting point for our review. Where defined, it should include:

• Dimensions of the metal parts and rubber section.
• Dimensional tolerances.
• Permitted flash locations and applicable limits.
• Specified metal and elastomer materials.
• Required mechanical properties.
• Surface finishes and treatments.

Please send the current drawing revision so that our team works to the latest specifications.

2. Order quantities and forecast annual demand

Specify the initial order quantity and, if available, your estimated annual demand. These figures help us prepare a commercial quotation based on the expected production volumes, whether you need an initial batch or ongoing supply.

3. Material specifications and elastomer hardness

Even when materials are stated on the drawing, it is useful to clarify any application-specific requirements. For the metal parts, specify the material grade and any required surface treatment, such as corrosion protection.

For the rubber section, provide the specified elastomer compound and hardness, including the measurement scale, such as Shore A where applicable. Different compounds have different properties, so please also provide the required physical and mechanical characteristics where these have been defined.

You specify the materials for your component. Our team advises and supports you in reviewing their suitability for the operating conditions and manufacturing requirements.

4. The application and function of the component

Where will the component be installed, and what must it do? Understanding its role in the assembly helps us interpret the drawing requirements and provide relevant technical support.

For an anti-vibration mount, rubber-to-metal bonded bush, rubber buffer, guide component or brake disc, explain the required function: vibration isolation, shock absorption, guidance or braking. Identify the equipment and industry involved, for example a lift assembly, a railway bogie or an aerospace system.

5. Operating conditions and installation requirements

Service conditions can affect component performance. Depending on the application and the data available, please provide details of:

• Static and dynamic loads.
• Vibration frequency and amplitude.
• Minimum and maximum operating temperatures.
• Operating speed.
• Number of cycles or frequency of loading.
• Contact with oils, greases, fuels or other chemicals.
• Exposure to water, ozone, UV radiation or outdoor conditions.
• Available installation space and mounting constraints.
• Specific safety or fire performance requirements.

If your technical specification includes particular requirements or tests, attach the relevant documents. This allows our team to take them into account during the review, drawing on more than 30 years of industrial experience.

6. Project schedule and required delivery date

Let us know the project launch date and when you need the first production batch delivered. If the enquiry concerns an urgent replacement, flag this from the outset. We can then assess whether the requested schedule is achievable and review the manufacturing lead times involved.

7. Previous component issues and service history

If you are replacing or improving an existing component, explain why: premature wear, breakage, excessive vibration, deformation or another issue in service.

The available observations and service history help our technical team investigate possible causes and guide the proposal.

Clear technical information helps us prepare your quotation

Providing the relevant information at the start helps us understand your requirements, assess feasibility and prepare a competitive quotation aligned with your specifications. It also reduces requests for clarification and can shorten the quotation process for both teams.

You do not need every detail before contacting JABE. If important information is missing, our technical team will explain what is needed to continue the assessment.

Preparing an RFQ? Send us your component drawing and the project information you have available. Our technical team will review your enquiry.