TECHNICAL GUIDE / 2026-10-02
Short answer. A custom processing RFQ should say what the current material is, what must change, how the change will be measured and how the sample will be approved. Confirm feasibility, process route, technical limits, trial quantity and repeat volume before treating the material as a standard product.
Describe the current material and the process problem
'Custom brown fused alumina' can mean a nonstandard size fraction, revised particle shape, special grading, chemistry requirement or sample match. Start by naming the existing product and where it is used. State the measurable problem: a surface target, tool manufacturing issue, flow or packing requirement, or refractory formulation gap. A supplier cannot evaluate a request for 'better quality' without a baseline and acceptance method.
Provide a labeled current sample and its specification where possible. Record which properties must remain unchanged and which may be adjusted. If the project involves an F or P grit, keep the full prefix and intended standard. If it involves refractory grain, state the fraction bounds and role in the formulation. This prevents a processing proposal from accidentally changing the material family or the application basis.
| RFQ field | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Current sample | Shows baseline |
| Application | Explains why change is needed |
| Must stay fixed | Protects existing acceptance limits |
| Can change | Defines customization scope |
Write a proposed testable target
For size or grading, give the target distribution, method and limits rather than a vague phrase such as 'more uniform'. For particle shape, agree an image-analysis method or reference sample. For chemistry, list the components, units, methods and proposed order limits. If the buyer is unsure what is technically feasible, mark the values as proposed targets and ask the supplier to respond with a separate feasible specification, not an undocumented silent substitution.
Include the process trial that will determine whether the change is useful. A shape measurement may pass while a wheel or belt still fails its finished test. A special grain fraction may meet a sieve sheet while a castable requires a formulation adjustment. Keep raw material acceptance and application approval separate. Do not invent an aspect ratio, micron chart or performance percentage simply to make the RFQ appear precise.
| Customization | Measurable basis |
|---|---|
| Size | Distribution and test method |
| Shape | Reference sample or agreed method |
| Chemistry | Components, limits and method |
| Application | Controlled finished-process test |
Plan sample, feasibility and commercial stages
Ask the supplier whether the proposed route can be supplied, what sample quantity and timing are practical, and which limits can be guaranteed. A small laboratory sample may not represent a commercial processing run, so define a pilot step if the application warrants it. Keep each sample labeled with product identity, process revision and lot. If several variants are sent, use distinct codes and keep their test results separate.
Commercial terms also need attention: projected volume, packing, destination and repeat demand may affect whether a custom route is feasible. State what is known and leave unknown fields for negotiation. Do not claim that a nonstandard fraction or shape is routinely in stock before the supplier has confirmed it. A quote for custom material should refer to the agreed trial specification and make any exception visible.
| Stage | Decision |
|---|---|
| Feasibility | Can the proposed material be made and tested? |
| Sample | Does it meet the proposed raw limits? |
| Pilot | Does it work in production? |
| Repeat order | Are limits and supply terms fixed? |
Freeze the accepted material after approval
If a variant succeeds, create a controlled technical sheet with its exact identity, grading, shape or chemistry limits, methods, packing, batch report and sample reference. Update the purchase code and receiving plan. A supplier later changing the process route or limits should seek a documented review, because the original application trial only proves the material and process actually tested.
CHAOYAN lists special processed, shaped, ball-milled and custom brown fused alumina routes. Send the current sample, application, target values, trial plan, quantity and expected repeat volume through the inquiry form. The team can discuss a processing candidate and provide a labeled sample. The buyer then approves it against the same measurable outcome that prompted the custom request, rather than adopting a product because its processing name sounds attractive.
Selection guidance
Describe the baseline and one measurable change. Ask CHAOYAN for a feasibility response and labeled sample, then separate material conformance from the finished-process approval before writing repeat order limits.
Common mistakes
- Requesting 'better shape' without a reference or test method.
- Treating a proposed custom value as confirmed stock availability.
- Mixing several sample variants under one code.
- Approving repeat orders without a controlled technical revision.
Frequently asked questions
Can I request a nonstandard grain fraction?
Yes, as a feasibility question. Provide proposed bounds, method, application and volume so the supplier can respond with a testable offer.
Does a successful sample prove every later lot will perform identically?
No. Fix the accepted material limits and batch method, then monitor repeat supply and the intended process.
