CNC Machining RFQ Checklist for Vancouver and the Lower Mainland

Vancouver and the Lower Mainland have one of the strongest concentrations of CNC machining capacity in Western Canada. Aerospace, marine, mining, and general manufacturing buyers have access to dozens of qualified shops within a 50-kilometre radius. The challenge is not finding a shop — it is writing an RFQ that gets you accurate, comparable quotes without a week of back-and-forth.

This checklist covers every element your CNC machining RFQ needs to include when sourcing from Vancouver and Lower Mainland machine shops.

Before You Send the RFQ: Confirm Your Drawings Are Ready

The most common reason CNC quotes are delayed is incomplete drawings. Before you contact any shop, confirm that you have: a 2D engineering drawing with all dimensions, tolerances, and surface finish callouts; a 3D CAD model in STEP format (preferred by most shops for programming); a drawing revision number and date; and a clear title block with part name, material, and any applicable standards.

A drawing that is missing any of these elements will result in a request for clarification before the shop can begin programming. Each clarification round adds 1–2 business days to the quote process.

The CNC Machining RFQ Checklist

Part Information

Include the part name and number, drawing revision, 2D drawing (PDF), 3D model (STEP or IGES), and any reference standards (ASME, ISO, MIL-SPEC). If the part is a revision of an existing part, note what changed from the previous revision.

Material Specification

Specify the exact material: alloy, grade, and form. For aluminum: 6061-T6, 7075-T651, 2024-T4. For steel: 1018, 4140, 17-4 PH stainless. For titanium: Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V). For plastics: specify the grade and whether it is machinable (Delrin, PEEK, UHMW). Vague specifications like "aluminum" or "stainless steel" will result in the shop quoting the most common grade, which may not be what you need.

Quantity and Delivery

State the quantity for this order, whether you anticipate repeat orders, and the required delivery date. If you have a production schedule (e.g., 50 pieces per quarter), include it — shops price blanket orders differently from one-time purchases, and many will offer better pricing and guaranteed capacity for predictable demand.

Tolerances

Identify the critical features and their tolerances. General tolerances (±0.005" or ±0.13mm) are standard unless otherwise specified. Tighter tolerances (±0.001" or tighter) require additional setup time, more frequent inspection, and may require grinding or honing operations. Flag these features explicitly in your RFQ so the shop can account for them in their quote.

Surface Finish

Specify the required surface finish for all surfaces, or at minimum for critical surfaces. Use standard callouts (Ra 3.2 μm, Ra 1.6 μm, etc.) rather than descriptive terms like "smooth" or "polished." If you need a specific finish for a sealing surface, bearing bore, or mating face, call it out explicitly.

Certifications and Quality Requirements

Specify any required certifications: ISO 9001:2015, AS9100 Rev D (aerospace), ISO 13485 (medical devices). State whether you require a First Article Inspection Report (FAIR), Certificate of Conformance (CoC), or material test reports (MTRs) traceable to the mill heat number. For aerospace applications, specify whether FAIR must comply with AS9102.

Post-Machining Operations

If the part requires operations after machining — anodizing, hard coat, plating, heat treatment, thread inserts, assembly — specify whether you want the shop to manage these as a subcontracted service or whether you will handle them separately. Including post-machining operations in the RFQ allows the shop to quote a complete, ready-to-use part.

Packaging and Delivery

Specify how parts should be packaged (bare, individually wrapped, crated), whether you need part-level labelling, and the delivery address. For aerospace and medical parts, specify whether ESD-safe packaging is required.

Lower Mainland CNC Shops Worth Contacting

The Lower Mainland has strong CNC capacity across Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and Langley. For aerospace and precision work, shops with AS9100 certification are concentrated in the Burnaby-Richmond corridor. For marine and mining applications, shops in Surrey and Langley offer heavy-duty machining capability.

Browse the BC CNC machining directory and the Vancouver CNC machining page to identify shops in your area. Suppliers like Humble Manufacturing Co Ltd in Burnaby and Island Laser Services in Vancouver are worth including in your initial contact list.

Submit your RFQ through the BC Industrial Supply RFQ form to reach multiple shops simultaneously. For a broader guide to CNC sourcing across BC, see our BC CNC machining supplier guide.

How to Compare CNC Machining Quotes

When comparing quotes from multiple shops, look beyond unit price. Compare: setup charges (amortized over the order quantity); lead time and capacity commitment; quality documentation included vs. quoted separately; post-machining services included vs. excluded; and payment terms. A shop quoting $12/piece with a $500 setup charge may be more expensive than one quoting $15/piece with no setup charge for a 50-piece order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What file format should I send to a CNC shop in Vancouver?

Send a 2D drawing in PDF format and a 3D model in STEP format. STEP is the most universally compatible format for CNC programming. If you only have a DXF or DWG file, include it as a supplement but confirm the shop can work from it. Avoid sending only a rendered image or a screenshot — these cannot be used for programming.

How long does CNC machining take in the Lower Mainland?

For prototype quantities (1–5 pieces) in standard materials, expect 1–3 weeks. Production runs of 50–500 pieces typically require 3–6 weeks. Expedited service is available at most shops for a 25–50% premium. If you need parts faster, state your deadline in the RFQ and ask the shop to confirm whether they can meet it before you commit.

Do I need AS9100 certification for aerospace CNC parts?

For parts going into certified aircraft or aerospace systems, AS9100 Rev D certification is the industry standard. For ground support equipment, tooling, and non-flight-critical components, ISO 9001:2015 may be sufficient. Confirm the applicable standard with your quality team before specifying certification requirements in the RFQ.

Can Lower Mainland CNC shops handle large parts?

Several shops in Burnaby, Surrey, and Langley operate large-format machining centres capable of handling parts exceeding 1.5 metres in length. Always confirm maximum workpiece dimensions and weight capacity before sending an RFQ for large parts. Include the part envelope dimensions in your RFQ to allow shops to self-select based on their equipment capability.

How do I verify a CNC shop's certifications in BC?

ISO 9001 and AS9100 certifications are issued by accredited certification bodies. You can verify a shop's current certification status through the certification body's online registry (Bureau Veritas, SGS, DNV) or through the IAQG OASIS database for AS9100. Always request a current certificate copy and confirm the scope covers the work you are placing.

Disclaimer: BC Industrial Supply is an independent directory platform. We do not endorse or guarantee the capabilities, certifications, or quality of any listed supplier. Buyers are responsible for verifying supplier credentials before placing orders. Last Updated: April 15, 2026.