● What does the part do? ● Is it functional, structural, or cosmetic? ● Is it a standalone part or part of a larger assembly? ● Does it interface with other components?
End Use & Environment
● Indoor or outdoor use ● Exposure to heat, cold, or temperature variation ● Exposure to moisture, chemicals, oils, or UV ● Load, impact, or repeated stress ● Regulatory or compliance requirements
Material & Performance Requirements
● Strength or rigidity ● Flexibility or impact resistance ● Heat resistance ● Chemical resistance ● Appearance or surface finish ● Expected lifespan or wear
Volumes & Timing
● Estimated annual volume ● Initial or pilot quantities ● Target launch timeline ● Long-term production expectations
Manufacturing Background
● Current manufacturing process ● Supplier location ● Known quality or consistency issues ● Lead time or delivery challenges ● Tooling ownership status
Assembly & Downstream Considerations
● Assembly method ● Fasteners, snaps, or adhesives ● Tolerance or fit concerns ● Secondary operations ● Packaging or shipping considerations
Design Files or References (If Available)
● CAD files (STEP, IGES, STL) ● 2D drawings ● Sketches or markups ● Photos of an existing or similar part ● Physical sample