Energy & Cleantech

Stainless steel gets its corrosion resistance from a chromium content of 10.5% or more, which forms a passive film, though Wikipedia notes it is not completely immune to corrosion (source 1). Aluminum forms a thin protective oxide layer (source 2), and anodizing increases resistance to corrosion and wear (source 3). For parts in contact with seawater, the British Stainless Steel Association says the 316 types are used widely in marine applications, though their corrosion resistance in contact with seawater is limited, and that 304 should not be considered suitable for seawater service (source 4); 316 stainless and 6061 aluminum have their own pages. The part is quoted in the material the print names. Other alloys and plastics quoted on request. Name the grade on the print.

Yes. Wikipedia describes busbars as typically composed of copper, brass or aluminium (source 5), and copper has high electrical conductivity and a thermal conductivity second only to silver among pure metals (source 6). Aluminum bars and blocks are quoted too; Wikipedia’s aluminium article notes that the aluminium needed to match the same amperage in copper weighs only half as much (source 2). Bars, terminals and conductive blocks are quoted from the print: put the hole pattern, the thickness and the exact copper, brass or aluminum alloy on the drawing. Sheet bus bars cut from copper are on laser-cut brass and copper.

Put it on the print. A finish called out on the print is quoted with the part, and anodizing, powder coating and passivation each have a page of their own. Wikipedia says powder coating is usually used to make a thick, tough finish that is more durable than conventional paint (source 8). Color is where outdoor use needs a note: Products Finishing says an inorganic gold dye is commonly used outdoors, while organic golds and yellows are not particularly lightfast (source 7). If the part sits outdoors and the color matters, say so in the part description.

Yes. Manifolds and fluid blocks are quoted from the print, with the port threads, galleries and hole locations as drawn. The quote does not state a pressure rating.

No minimum: one piece to production runs of 10,000. One test-rig bracket or a pilot-line batch is quoted the same way. Ask for more than one quantity, such as 1, 25 and 100, and the quote shows each. No-minimum orders has the detail.

Any file type is accepted; a STEP model plus a PDF drawing is ideal, and a ZIP is fine for multi-part rigs and assemblies. A fully dimensioned 2D PDF is quoted without a CAD line. A sketch, a new sample part or photos can start a quote, with the CAD work quoted as its own line. The sample ships back with the parts. With a STEP file and no drawing, the general tolerance is ±0.005 in or the one your notes name. What to send covers the rest.

Quotes come back in 24-48 hours. Rush: 1-2 weeks. Standard: 4-6 weeks (typical). Extended: 6-8 weeks, for jobs that aren't time-sensitive. Rush 1-2 weeks applies to machined parts with no secondary operations. Heat treat, grinding, EDM and finishing add time, and the quote gives the real date. Lead time starts at order approval. Put your need date in the part description and the quote answers it. Rush CNC parts covers what makes a part rushable.

No C of C or material certifications ship with parts by default. If your PO needs them, say so before the quote. Inspection reports on critical dimensions aren’t included by default. If you need one, ask when you place the order.