For an accurate custom ejector pin quotation, send the complete working geometry, material and treatment basis, critical tolerances, quantity, destination and a drawing or measured reference. A short but complete RFQ reduces clarification rounds and makes supplier quotations easier to compare.
This guide uses stepped ejector pins as the example, but the same approach also helps when sourcing standard pins in non-standard sizes, replacement pins, core pins and related mold components.
Custom ejector pin RFQ checklist
- Part name and your internal part number
- Complete dimensions and unit system
- Material grade and accepted equivalents
- Heat treatment, surface treatment and hardness
- Critical dimensional, straightness and finish requirements
- Quantity, destination and required delivery date
- Required inspection records, certificates and packaging
- Drawing revision, photo, sample reference or existing supplier part number
1. State the complete ejector pin dimensions
For a stepped ejector pin, a useful notation is P × D × L – N:
- P: working tip diameter
- D: larger retention or shoulder diameter
- L: overall length
- N: retention length measured from the head-side reference to the step
- L − N: effective length of the smaller working tip
Also include H for head diameter and T for head thickness whenever they are not controlled by an agreed standard.
Example: P0.8 × D3 × L150 – N50 describes a 0.8 mm working tip, 3 mm retention diameter, 150 mm overall length and 50 mm retention length. State whether all values are in millimetres or inches.
2. Identify the dimensions that control fit
A drawing should distinguish critical dimensions from reference dimensions. Depending on the mold and application, the important controls may include working diameter, head dimensions, overall length, step position, straightness, runout and surface finish.
Avoid writing only “make to sample” if you already know which features control fit. Marking the mating diameter and any non-standard head or step geometry helps the quotation reflect the real requirement.
3. Specify material, treatment and hardness
Name the required material grade and tell the supplier whether an equivalent grade is acceptable. For example, an RFQ may state SKD61 and ask the supplier to identify any proposed equivalent in the quotation.
Do the same for nitriding, vacuum heat treatment, polishing or other surface requirements. If hardness is important, state whether the requirement applies to the surface, core or both, and whether a test record is required.
4. Include quantity and commercial inputs
Quantity influences both unit price and process planning. Give the immediate order quantity and, when useful, the expected repeat quantity. Also provide:
- Destination country and postal code
- Required delivery date
- Preferred freight basis, if any
- Required packaging or part identification
- Material certificates, hardness results or dimensional inspection records needed by your quality system
5. Send the best reference you have
A controlled 2D or 3D drawing is ideal, but an RFQ can also start from a clear photo, a worn sample, measured dimensions or an existing part number. If you use a photo, include a scale or show the component next to a caliper and identify which dimensions are approximate.
For confidential drawings, ask for an NDA before sending sensitive files. Keep the drawing revision and part number consistent across the RFQ, quotation and final approval.
Copy-and-paste RFQ example
Part: Custom stepped ejector pin
Reference: [your part number / drawing revision]
Size: P__ × D__ × L__ – N__; H__; T__
Units: mm / inch
Material: [grade and allowed equivalent]
Treatment: [nitriding / heat treatment / finish]
Hardness: [surface and/or core requirement]
Critical tolerances: [list or see drawing]
Quantity: [pieces]
Destination: [country + postal code]
Required date: [date]
Documents: [inspection report / material certificate / hardness record]
Files: [drawing, photo, BOM or sample reference]
Request a written quotation
Privley Mold Components reviews standard, replacement and drawing-based mold components. For custom SKD61 stepped ejector pins, see the product and selection guide, then submit the secure RFQ form with your drawing, dimensions and quantity. Quotations confirm price, lead time, technical basis, inspection scope and trade terms in writing before an order is approved.