A useful RFQ includes a 2D drawing or 3D model, target quantity, material or performance requirement, Shore hardness, color, service temperature, media exposure and any inspection or documentation needs. A physical sample can help when drawings are unavailable, but critical dimensions and acceptance criteria still need confirmation.

Yes. A sample can support geometry review, material comparison and initial process planning. Reverse-engineered dimensions, tolerances and performance requirements should be approved before tooling because a sample alone does not define the original design intent.

STEP or STP files are preferred for 3D geometry, while PDF or DWG drawings are useful for dimensions, tolerances, notes and inspection requirements. Include revision identification so quotation, sampling and production reference the same controlled design.

HCR is often suitable for compression or transfer molding, robust sections and many custom compounds. LSR supports closed-mold injection, fine features and automated repeat production. The correct choice depends on geometry, volume, flash expectations, tooling budget, material availability and service conditions—not on one property alone.

Specify the durometer scale and test method, commonly Shore A for solid silicone. ASTM D2240 explains that durometer hardness is an indentation measurement used mainly for control; it should not be treated as a direct substitute for tensile, compression or stiffness data. Review thickness and test geometry when comparing readings.

Color matching and translucent or transparent options may be reviewed by material and process. State the target color standard, acceptable variation, part thickness and lighting or appearance criteria. Optical clarity is affected by formulation, surface finish, geometry and processing.

There is no single universal silicone temperature range. Grade, exposure duration, load, compression, surrounding media and cycling conditions all matter. Provide normal and peak temperatures plus the required service life so the material review can be project-specific.

Projects may use compression molding, LSR injection molding, transfer molding, silicone extrusion, die cutting, overmolding or bonding. Geometry, material, quantity and secondary operations determine the route.

Yes. The route may include drawing review, tooling proposal, initial samples, customer validation and controlled release to production. Prototype tooling and production tooling involve different trade-offs, so expected quantity and validation goals should be shared at the start.

Tolerance capability depends on part size, wall thickness, material shrinkage, mold construction, parting strategy, flash, post-curing and measurement method. Critical dimensions should be identified separately from non-critical dimensions and agreed during design and tooling review.

No single figure fits every custom project. Tool complexity, material procurement, sample approval, secondary operations and inspection requirements influence both quantity economics and schedule. Share annual demand and first-order timing so LSAN can propose a suitable production route.

No. Food-contact requirements apply to the exact formulation, intended use and finished article conditions. FDA maintains food-contact substance resources, while 21 CFR 177.2600 addresses rubber articles intended for repeated use. Documentation should be reviewed against the customer’s food type, contact conditions and market.

They belong to different regulatory frameworks and should not be treated as interchangeable labels. EU Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 establishes general food-contact principles, and Germany’s BfR recommendations include guidance for silicones. Confirm the destination market, end use, test conditions and exact supporting documents.

Medical projects require a risk-based review of the exact material, manufacturing controls, device contact type and duration, and required evidence. ISO 10993 addresses biological evaluation of medical devices, but material data alone does not approve a finished medical device. State the applicable standard and validation responsibilities in the RFQ.

Depending on the agreed material and project scope, documentation may include material declarations, supplier certificates, inspection reports, dimensional records or test reports. Ask for the exact document name, standard, revision, lot traceability and acceptance criteria before quotation.

Provide temperature and pressure range, vacuum conditions, outgassing criteria, fluid or chemical exposure, flame or smoke requirements, vibration, compression and traceability expectations. NASA’s outgassing database references ASTM E595 methods, but the required test and acceptance limits must be defined by the customer’s program.

Robotic systems may prioritize repeated flexing, cable protection, grip, sealing, low compression set, abrasion behavior or sensor compatibility. Define motion frequency, bend or stroke, loads, environmental exposure and interface dimensions so geometry and material can be reviewed together.

Project confidentiality requirements can be reviewed before drawings or proprietary files are exchanged. Identify the contracting parties, covered information, permitted use and required duration so the agreement matches the intended technical review.