| Workpiece capacity | Maximum workpiece length, diameter, weight, and available loading space. | Machine capacity drawing and confirmation against your largest actual workpiece. | Check the usable working envelope, not just the machine’s overall dimensions. Confirm whether fixtures or steady rests reduce usable capacity. |
| Hole range and depth | Required hole diameters, drilling depths, and depth-to-diameter ratios. | Supported diameter and depth ranges, applicable tooling, and a test plan using your part dimensions. | Compare only quotes that cover the same part requirements. Ask the supplier to identify any diameter or depth limits for the proposed configuration. |
| Material capability | Workpiece materials and hardness, such as alloy steel, stainless steel, or aluminum alloys. | Material-specific machining recommendations and evidence from a trial on comparable material. | Check that the proposed tooling, spindle, coolant system, and process recommendations suit your actual material and hardness. |
| Hole quality | Required hole position, straightness, diameter, surface finish, and repeatability. | Written acceptance criteria, inspection method, sample-part results, and the conditions used for the test. | Do not compare unsupported accuracy claims. Ask for measurable, agreed tolerances on the same workpiece, material, depth, and setup. |
| Machine configuration | Number of axes, spindle arrangement, travel, workholding, and automation options. | Configuration list, layout drawing, standard accessories, and a separate list of optional equipment. | Confirm that every feature needed for production is included in the quoted configuration and not listed as an extra. |
| Spindle and feed system | Spindle speed and power range, feed capability, and control of drilling parameters. | Rated spindle data, feed-axis specifications, and the proposed operating parameters for your application. | Compare complete specifications and application suitability; a higher maximum speed or power alone does not establish better performance. |
| Coolant and chip handling | Coolant delivery, filtration, tank capacity, chip removal, and required coolant pressure or flow. | Coolant-system diagram, included filtration level, pump details, chip conveyor scope, and maintenance requirements. | Check that the system supports the proposed drilling process and that filters, pumps, conveyors, and consumables are clearly included or priced separately. |
| Tooling and workholding | Drills, guide bushings, holders, fixtures, and any special workholding required. | Itemized tooling and fixture list, quantities, compatible sizes, and replacement-part details. | Compare the complete tooling package against your part range. Exclude items you do not need and add any essential items omitted from a quote. |
| Controls and documentation | Control functions, available languages, program support, electrical documentation, and operating manuals. | Control-system description, sample documentation, software or licensing costs, and training language. | Confirm that operators can use the supplied documentation and that any required software, licenses, or interfaces are included. |
| Inspection and acceptance | Factory testing, sample drilling, inspection records, and final acceptance procedure. | Factory acceptance test (FAT) plan, test-piece requirements, measurement reports, and sign-off criteria. | Agree on acceptance criteria before ordering. Ensure the test reflects the intended material, hole dimensions, depth, and production setup. |
| Installation and training | Installation scope, commissioning, operator training, and site requirements. | Included service days, travel charges, utility requirements, foundation details, and training agenda. | Separate included services from chargeable services and confirm who is responsible for unloading, rigging, connection, and commissioning. |
| Warranty and support | Warranty duration, coverage, response arrangements, spare parts, and remote support. | Written warranty terms, exclusions, service contact process, spare-parts list, and support availability. | Compare the actual terms and exclusions rather than warranty duration alone. Clarify shipping costs and responsibility for replacement parts. |
| Delivery and trade terms | Manufacturing lead time, packing, shipping, destination charges, and delivery responsibilities. | Quoted delivery schedule, packing specification, named delivery location, and Incoterms® rule with version and place. | Compare quotes on the same delivery basis. Account for freight, insurance, customs clearance, duties, taxes, and inland transport where applicable. |
| Price and payment | Machine price, options, tooling, services, taxes, payment milestones, and quote validity. | Itemized commercial offer with currency, exclusions, payment schedule, and validity period. | Build a comparable total landed cost. Do not treat the machine-only price as the full purchase cost. |
| Supplier verification | Manufacturing capability, relevant experience, quality procedures, and export references. | Factory address, business and export documents, production evidence, and references for comparable applications. | Verify documents independently, request a live factory or machine inspection, and confirm that the contracting entity matches the payment beneficiary. |
| Quote comparison record | Side-by-side evaluation of shortlisted offers. | Record each supplier’s quoted value, evidence received, exceptions, and follow-up questions for every row above. | Use the same specification and acceptance criteria for every bidder. Mark unconfirmed items as “not verified” rather than assuming they are included. |
