| Material grade | Confirm the exact grade and applicable product specification. | ASTM B348 covers titanium and titanium-alloy bars and billets. Commonly requested grades include commercially pure Grade 2 and Ti-6Al-4V Grade 5. | Which standard and grade will appear on the certificate of conformity and material test report? |
| Product dimensions | Compare diameter, length, dimensional tolerances, and straightness. | Availability and tolerances depend on grade, manufacturing route, diameter, and whether the bar is hot worked, cold worked, or machined. | Is the quoted size a standard stock dimension or a custom production size? What tolerances are included? |
| Price basis | Make sure quotations use the same material, dimensions, quantity, finish, and delivery basis. | Titanium bar prices are quote-dependent; there is no single universal price. Grade, size, order volume, processing, testing, and freight can all affect the total. | Is pricing per kilogram, per piece, or per length? Are testing, cutting, packaging, and freight included? |
| Lead time | Separate production time from inspection, packing, and transit time. | Lead time varies with stock availability, production capacity, order quantity, required testing, and destination. Stock material is generally quicker to dispatch than custom production, but a confirmed schedule should come from the supplier. | What are the confirmed dispatch date and estimated transit time? Is any quantity available from stock? |
| Quality documents | Check traceability and the inspection documents supplied with the order. | Request a material test report identifying the heat or lot and reporting applicable chemical and mechanical test results. Additional inspection or certification requirements should be agreed before ordering. | Will each bundle or piece be traceable to its heat number? Can documents be provided before shipment? |
| Surface condition | Specify whether the bar is supplied as-rolled, machined, ground, or with another finish. | Surface condition affects appearance, dimensional control, machining allowance, and inspection requirements. Define acceptable surface defects and any required finishing in the purchase specification. | What surface finish is included, and how are surface quality and defects inspected? |
| Packaging | Confirm protection suitable for the bar dimensions, surface, and transport route. | Packaging should prevent movement and avoid damage or contamination during handling and transit. Export packing requirements should be stated in the purchase order. | How are bars bundled, protected, marked, and secured for international transport? |
| Shipping terms | Compare the named Incoterm, named place or port, and the version used. | Incoterms® 2020 allocate specified delivery obligations, costs, and risks between buyer and seller. EXW, FCA, FOB, and CIF have different responsibilities; the named place or port matters. | Which Incoterm® 2020 rule and named location are included in the quotation? Who arranges freight and insurance? |
| Import and delivery costs | Estimate landed cost, not just the quoted material price. | Depending on the agreed shipping term and destination, the buyer may need to account for freight, insurance, customs clearance, duties, taxes, and local delivery. | Which charges are excluded from the offer, and which party handles export and import clearance? |
| Payment and quotation validity | Compare payment milestones, currency, and the period for which the offer remains valid. | Payment conditions and quotation validity are commercial terms rather than universal titanium-industry standards; they should be stated clearly in the written offer. | What are the payment terms, accepted currency, and quotation expiry date? |