A useful PU foam RFQ identifies the part to be supplied, its intended use, shape and reference. For custom high-resilience polyurethane foam parts, start with the information you have and distinguish fixed requirements from choices to discuss during sampling.
Define the Supply Scope
State whether you need an independent foam component, saddle filling or a complete saddle. Identify any base, cover or other parts that you will provide or assemble separately. The quotation should describe the same scope as the sample you intend to approve.
For a foam part, explain where it fits and what it contacts. For saddle filling, include the shell or seat pan and cover reference where available. If you need the complete saddle, use the saddle RFQ checklist to include mounting, hardware, branding and packaging.
Describe the Shape
Provide a drawing, annotated photographs or a physical sample reference. Record measurement units and a revision or sample identifier so both teams are discussing the same part.
| Geometry input | What to record |
|---|---|
| Overall envelope | Length, width and height with the measurement units |
| Thickness and contour | Thickness at relevant positions, curved areas and changes in profile |
| Critical fit areas | Surfaces, openings or features that must match the surrounding assembly |
| Reference views | Top, side and underside photographs or drawing views as appropriate |
| Required changes | Differences from the reference sample, marked separately from unchanged features |
Keep measured sample values separate from required dimensions and acceptance tolerances. If dimensions are approximate, identify them as estimates in the brief. Agree the final drawing and measurement points before sample approval.
Explain the Material Target
Describe the intended use and the feel or support you want. A comparison sample can help communicate preferences when you do not have a written material specification.
If you already have density, hardness, rebound or other performance requirements, include each property separately with its value, units and test method. State whether it is a buyer requirement or a result measured from an existing sample. Include use conditions and any required market documentation that affect the project.
Do not fill in an arbitrary numeric target simply to complete the inquiry. Start with the available reference, then agree the specification, sample evaluation and required tests with ChiZe. For saddle filling, include how the sample will be evaluated with the intended base and cover.
Density, Firmness and Rebound
Density and firmness are separate specifications. Density describes mass per unit volume; firmness describes resistance to indentation. Resilience concerns springiness and is commonly measured by ball rebound. The Polyurethane Foam Association’s performance guide explains these properties; its technical glossary describes IFD and ball rebound terminology.
Use the table below when preparing a specification or comparing a supplier’s proposed sample. These are fields for your project, not a standard material grade offered for every ChiZe part.
| Property | Information to keep with the target |
|---|---|
| Density | Value and unit, such as kg/m³; specimen identity and measurement method |
| Firmness / indentation force deflection (IFD) | Force unit, indentation percentage, specimen dimensions and the named test method |
| Rebound / resilience | Result and unit, test method, specimen thickness and conditioning |
| Other performance requirements | The property, method, conditions, acceptance limit and required report |
Identify whether a report describes a material test specimen, the finished foam part or the complete padded assembly. Request clarification before comparing figures obtained from different specimen shapes or methods. Evaluate saddle filling with the specified shell or seat pan and cover as part of sample approval.
If you have no numerical specification, give the reference sample an identifier and describe the change you want, such as a different contour or feel. Agree the measurements and limits for the proposed revision before approving it.
Prepare One Project Record
| Field | Buyer input |
|---|---|
| Project identity | Company, contact, project reference and revision |
| Intended use | Where the component is used and the function it must fulfill |
| Supply scope | Foam alone, saddle filling or complete assembly; buyer-supplied parts |
| Geometry | Drawing or sample reference, dimensions, units and critical fit areas |
| Material targets | Desired feel, comparison sample and any specified properties |
| Quantity | Sample quantity, first order per version and repeat-order estimate |
| Approval | Dimensions, fit, appearance and agreed performance requirements |
| Packing | Unit protection, identification, quantity per pack and destination |
| Commercial scope | Requested timing, sample costs and any tooling or other development items |
Use the PU foam RFQ template (CSV) to collect these inputs. You can leave optional technical values open for discussion and describe what the part must achieve instead.
Agree Sample Acceptance
Keep the sample reference and drawing revision with the inspection requirements. Identify the measurements and fit checks that matter, then record appearance and feel requirements against a named comparison sample where relevant.
For a measured performance requirement, agree the method, conditions, sample quantity and acceptance limit before testing. Clarify the report required and who will carry out the check. The PU sample review separates foam-part checks from complete seat approval.
Record requested changes before approving a revision. For a repeat order, refer to the same approved drawing, sample and material specification, with any subsequent changes clearly identified.
Keep Requirements and Sample Results Separate
Use one row per measurement or check so a measured result cannot be mistaken for an acceptance limit. A useful sample record has these columns:
| Record field | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Part and revision | Connect the result to the drawing, foam sample and any base or cover used |
| Requirement and acceptance limit | State what the buyer and supplier agreed before the check |
| Method and conditions | Identify how the measurement or evaluation was performed |
| Sample result | Record the actual reading or observation and its units |
| Decision and change requested | Note approval or the revision needed, with the responsible contact |
The downloadable RFQ template includes fields for the specimen, method, conditions and approval reference. Keep actual sample results in the agreed inspection record; this checklist does not substitute for a test report.
Compare the Quotation
Compare quotations for the same part revision, material specification, quantity and packing. Ask for sample work, any tooling required, unit price and transport terms to be identified separately. Agree the minimum order quantity and timing for the selected configuration.
When you are ready, request a PU foam quotation. Include the intended use, available reference and quantity. Mention drawings or photographs in your message so they can be exchanged by email during follow-up.
Common buyer questions
Can I order the foam separately?
Yes. ChiZe supplies independent custom high-resilience polyurethane foam parts, including saddle padding. State whether the quotation is for the foam alone and identify any parts you will supply or assemble separately.
Do I need density or hardness values?
Not for the initial inquiry. Describe the intended use, desired feel and reference sample. Numeric targets are optional at the initial inquiry stage; agree the final specification and acceptance method during sample review.
What belongs with a material target?
Include the property name, value, units, test method and relevant conditions when known. State whether the value is a requirement or a measurement from a reference sample.
Are foam density and firmness the same?
No. Density is mass per unit volume; firmness describes resistance to indentation. Record them separately and compare measured results only with their test methods and sample conditions.
How can I share drawings?
Mention the files available in the inquiry. Files can be exchanged by email after the initial project review; the website form does not accept uploads.