| 1. Product and application fit | 12% | Confirm the supplier can make the required double-end studs, including specified end lengths, unthreaded shank, diameter, overall length, and application. | Dimensioned drawings, product specifications, and sample parts approved against the purchase drawing. |
| 2. Material and grade control | 14% | Check that material, grade, and heat-treatment requirements match the order and intended service conditions. | Material test certificates with traceable heat or batch numbers. For applicable products, confirm the specified standard and grade, such as ISO 898-1 property classes or ASTM A193 grades. |
| 3. Thread accuracy and fit | 12% | Verify thread diameter, pitch, tolerance class, thread length, and compatibility with the mating nuts or tapped holes. | Thread gauges and inspection records; specify the applicable thread system and tolerances, such as ISO metric threads with tolerances selected under ISO 965. |
| 4. Mechanical testing | 12% | Establish which mechanical properties are required and confirm testing is appropriate for the ordered material and product standard. | Batch-linked test reports for applicable properties, such as tensile strength, yield or proof strength, hardness, and elongation when required by the governing specification. |
| 5. Heat treatment and process control | 10% | For grades requiring heat treatment, review process controls, batch identification, and controls against mix-ups or nonconforming output. | Process records, heat-treatment charts where applicable, calibration records, and documented lot traceability. |
| 6. Coating and corrosion requirements | 10% | Specify coating type, thickness or performance requirement, and any restrictions related to the material or application. Do not assume one coating suits every environment. | Coating specification and inspection results. Relevant references may include ISO 4042 for electroplated coatings or ISO 10683 for non-electrolytically applied zinc-flake coatings, where applicable. |
| 7. Inspection and quality system | 10% | Assess incoming-material checks, in-process inspection, final inspection, nonconformance handling, and corrective-action procedures. | Quality manual or process overview, inspection plans, sample inspection reports, and a current ISO 9001 certificate if claimed. Verify certificate scope and validity with the issuing body. |
| 8. Traceability and documentation | 8% | Confirm that finished goods can be linked to production lots and the material and inspection records required by the order. | Consistent lot markings, packing-list references, certificates, and a documented method for retrieving records. |
| 9. Production capacity and delivery planning | 6% | Compare quoted lead time, order quantity, production scheduling, and the supplier’s plan for managing delays or urgent requirements. | A written production schedule, capacity statement tied to the requested order, and shipment records for comparable orders where available. |
| 10. Commercial clarity and communication | 6% | Review quotation completeness, Incoterms, packaging, payment terms, change control, response time, and the process for handling claims. | Written quotation, approved drawings and specifications, agreed inspection and acceptance terms, and a named point of contact. |