What Should an RFQ Include for a Magnetic Levitation Module Supplier?
You have decided to source magnetic levitation modules for a product line. The RFQ you send determines whether the supplier returns a workable module or a black box that fails integration. A well-constructed RFQ for a magnetic levitation module supplier defines load, geometry, environment, certification and documentation — and it filters vendors who cannot actually deliver what your product needs.
This guide lays out the RFQ structure that engineering and procurement teams use to compare levitation module suppliers fairly.
Why Levitation RFQs Fail
Most levitation module RFQs are too short: “we need a floating module for a 200 g object.” That leaves the supplier to guess gap, center of gravity, environment, certifications and documentation. The result is a sample that floats in the showroom but fails on your product’s housing.
A good RFQ pins down the physics first, the commercial terms second.
The Technical RFQ: What to Specify
1. Payload requirements
– Payload weight (grams, actual finished object)
– Payload dimensions and center of gravity (height of CG above the base)
– Required levitation gap (mm)
– Payload material and any internal components
– Any movement tolerance: will the product be touched, moved, vibrated?
2. Operating environment
– Indoor, outdoor, retail floor, exhibition, residential?
– Ambient temperature range
– Humidity, dust, splash (IP rating if required)
– Vibration expected from HVAC, foot traffic or nearby equipment
3. Electrical requirements
– Input voltage and current
– Connector type preferred
– Any requirement for power-fail landing behavior
– EMI / EMC expectations (retail fixtures, medical, audio)
4. Mechanical and visual
– Base dimensions available for the module
– Housing material (to confirm non-ferrous)
– Heat dissipation expectations
– Cable routing and exit direction
5. Certification and market
– Target markets (CE, FCC, UL, PSE, KC, RCM, etc.)
– Power supply approval requirements
– Product liability documentation
6. Documentation expected
– Datasheet with load curve, gap, power consumption
– Test reports: continuous run, disturbance, power-fail
– Dimensions drawing
– BOM or module assembly reference
– Integration guide
The Commercial RFQ: What to Ask
Once the technical envelope is set, ask:
– Unit price at your target volume (MOQ, 1k, 5k, 10k)
– MOQ and lead time for first article
– Tooling or NRE charges for custom modules
– Sample policy and cost
– Spare module and repair policy
– Warranty terms
– Lead time for reorders
– Packaging requirements and retail-ready options
– IP (do they own the module design? can they sign an NDA?)
– Production capacity per month
Evaluation Criteria After Receiving Quotes
Score suppliers on:
1. Technical fit. Does their datasheet match your payload and gap without engineering compromises?
2. Sample quality. Did they send a working sample with documentation, or just a photo?
3. Reference customers. Who is buying the same module in your market?
4. Certification readiness. Can they ship power supplies already certified for your markets?
5. Communication. How fast and precise were their answers to your technical questions?
6. Pricing stability. Are hidden charges appearing (tooling, samples, shipping)?
7. Production track record. Have they delivered repeat orders at volume?
Red Flags
– Supplier cannot state the load capacity at your center of gravity.
– No datasheet, only a product photo.
– Power supply certifications vague or “can be arranged later.”
– No sample available before volume commitment.
– Pricing changes between RFQ and PI without explanation.
– No documentation on power-fail behavior.
The Ideal RFQ Packet
Send a one- to two-page document containing:
1. Your product description and use case
2. Payload weight, CG and gap requirements
3. Environment and electrical requirements
4. Target markets and certifications
5. Expected volume bands and timeline
6. The list of documents you expect back
A supplier who answers all six sections in writing is a supplier you can integrate with.
FAQ
Q: What MOQ is typical for a custom levitation module?
A: Standard catalog modules often have low MOQs (1–50 pieces); custom-tuned modules typically require higher MOQs. Ask for volume pricing at your actual forecast, not just the smallest order.
Q: Should I ask for samples before tooling?
A: Always. A sample lets you test the module in your housing, under your power supply, before committing to production.
Q: How do I compare suppliers who quote very different prices?
A: Compare on the same envelope: same load, same gap, same certifications, same documentation. Price differences usually reflect coil size, power quality and certification coverage.
Q: Can a supplier modify a module for my payload?
A: Most module manufacturers can tune coil strength and controller parameters within a range. Ask for the range, not just the nominal spec.
Contact Us
Send us your payload weight, center of gravity, target gap, markets and volume estimate. We will return a datasheet, a sample evaluation and a volume-based quote. Reach us through the contact page or WhatsApp.
