| Material grade and traceability |
15% |
Confirm the titanium grade, product form, dimensions, and material requirements for the intended exhaust application. Do not assume that all titanium grades or tube products are interchangeable. |
Material specification, batch or heat number, and a material test certificate linked to the supplied lot. |
Documents identify the grade and batch clearly, and the marking or packaging can be traced back to the certificate. |
| Dimensional capability |
12% |
Compare available tube diameters, wall thicknesses, lengths, tolerances, and the supplier’s ability to meet the drawing requirements. |
Dimensioned product drawings, tolerance records, and a sample inspection report for the requested size. |
Measured results are recorded against the agreed drawing and inspection method. |
| Forming and fabrication capability |
10% |
Check whether the supplier can provide the required bends, flares, reducers, collectors, or other formed components, and how forming effects are controlled. |
Process flow, tooling details where relevant, and sample-part inspection or trial-build records. |
Samples match the agreed geometry without unacceptable wrinkling, cracking, or distortion. |
| Welding and contamination control |
12% |
For welded assemblies, review the welding process, operator qualification, joint preparation, and protection of titanium from atmospheric contamination during welding and cooling. |
Welding procedure documents, qualification records, weld inspection criteria, and sample weld photographs or inspection results. |
Controls and acceptance criteria are documented and are appropriate to the part’s service requirements. |
| Quality management and inspection |
12% |
Assess incoming-material checks, in-process controls, final inspection, nonconformance handling, and corrective-action procedures. |
Quality-system certificate if available, inspection plan, sample inspection report, and nonconformance process. |
Inspection records are specific to the product and order, with clear measurement results and disposition of defects. |
| Prototype and production consistency |
10% |
Compare sample quality with the proposed production process, along with capacity, tooling readiness, and the method for controlling repeat orders. |
Prototype samples, production-readiness plan, process-control records, and a written change-control procedure. |
The supplier explains how approved samples, drawings, and process changes will be controlled during production. |
| Testing and service suitability |
10% |
Agree on the tests relevant to the design, such as dimensional inspection, leak testing for applicable assemblies, or other tests specified by the customer. |
Test methods, acceptance criteria, equipment calibration records, and recent product-specific test reports. |
Tests are selected for the application, and results can be tied to the applicable part or production lot. |
| Quotation and total landed cost |
8% |
Compare price on the same basis, including material, fabrication, finishing, packaging, tooling, shipping terms, and any applicable duties or fees. |
Itemized quotation with currency, minimum order quantity, tooling charges, Incoterm, and quote validity. |
Costs, exclusions, payment terms, and shipment responsibilities are stated clearly enough for an equivalent comparison. |
| Lead time and delivery reliability |
6% |
Review sample lead time, production lead time, order scheduling, packaging, and the supplier’s process for communicating delays. |
Written production schedule, shipment plan, packaging specification, and delivery records where available. |
Milestones and responsibilities are defined, and delivery commitments are supported by a realistic production plan. |
| Communication and commercial support |
5% |
Assess the clarity and responsiveness of technical and commercial communication, including handling of drawings, revisions, and questions. |
Documented answers to a shared request for quotation and confirmation of drawing revision and technical assumptions. |
Responses are specific, consistent, and recorded in writing rather than relying only on informal assurances. |
| Supplier verification and risk review |
0%* |
Verify the contracting entity, manufacturing location, export experience, payment details, and any applicable customer or regulatory requirements. |
Business and facility information, references where available, and independently verified banking and contract details. |
Information is consistent across the quotation, contract, factory documentation, and payment instructions. |