Materials & cutting
Ordering custom-cut aluminium: alloy, temper and tolerances
Prepare an aluminium cutting request with material specification, units, thickness, finished dimensions, tolerances, quantity and document requirements.
Ask about this requirementThe quick answer
A useful cutting request identifies the alloy and temper separately, then gives units, thickness, length, width, quantity and the required tolerances. State whether dimensions describe a rough blank or a finished component. Attach a revision-controlled drawing when holes, profiles or additional processing are involved. Material availability, cutting capability and documentation are confirmed in the quotation; a guide does not approve a material for an aircraft or engineered component.
Specify material without silently substituting it
Alloy identifies composition; temper describes a processing or heat-treatment condition. For example, “6061” and “6061-T6” do not communicate the same amount of information. Follow the applicable drawing or engineering specification and state any required product form and standard. If another material may be considered, request it as a separately identified alternative for engineering review rather than treating it as equivalent.
Distinguish cut size from final size
Use one clear unit system and label all three dimensions. State whether material will be machined afterward and specify any required allowance through the responsible drawing. Identify dimensional tolerances, squareness, flatness and edge requirements where they matter. Do not assume a saw-cut blank has the tolerances, finish or geometry of a machined finished part. Ask for the offered cutting tolerance when it has not yet been defined.
Make the drawing and document scope explicit
For several sizes, use one row per configuration with its quantity. Attach drawings with units and revision, and state which file controls if a PDF and CAD model differ. Specify material certificates, lot traceability, finish and packaging requirements before ordering. Ask the supplier to confirm what is included and any limitations; a material certificate does not by itself approve the design or final application.
What to compare
| Field | Illustrative request | Clarify |
|---|---|---|
| Material | 6061-T6, specified product form | Required standard and certificate |
| Dimensions | 10 × 200 × 300 mm | Thickness × width × length |
| Quantity | 4 identical blanks | Separate rows for other sizes |
| Tolerance | As drawing, or supplier to propose | Rough-cut blank versus finished part |
Your enquiry checklist
0 / 6 checked
Common mistakes to avoid
- Omitting units or temper
- Assuming rough-cut dimensions are finished tolerances
- Replacing a specified alloy without engineering approval
Related products and services
Common questions
Can I ask for a quote without knowing the alloy?
Yes. Describe the application and mark the material as unspecified. Material selection must be resolved by the appropriate technical owner before approval.
Does this example confirm stock or suitability?
No. The example explains request formatting. Availability and the correct material and processing scope are confirmed separately for each enquiry.
Sources and further reading
Ask about this requirement
Your topic is carried into the enquiry. No account or payment details are needed.
Ask about this requirementService & AOG in Israel