Free generator
Manufacturing specification generator
Describe your need in a few minutes: the document is formatted before your eyes. Print it as a PDF, copy the text or publish it in one click as a Meaflow request. It also suits building works and services.
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Specification form and preview
What is a manufacturing specification?
A manufacturing specification is the document that describes your need to a workshop: what the part must do, in what material, in what quantity, with what quality requirements and for what date. It complements the drawing, which defines the geometry, with everything the drawing does not say: the context of use, lead times, inspection, packaging, confidentiality.
Written before you ask for quotes, it gives every workshop the same basis for pricing. The quotes you receive are then comparable, and the price difference reflects differences in expertise or workload, not misunderstandings. For a machined part, a batch of sheet metalwork or a prototype, one or two pages are enough. Our manufacturing specification guide explains the method in detail, and the glossary gives the definition of a specification.
The essential sections
- Context and function. What the part is for, what it assembles with, and what environment it works in.
- Material. A standardised designation and the delivery condition: “aluminium EN AW-6082 T6” rather than “alu”.
- Quantities. The main quantity, any alternative quantities to quote, and the annual requirement if there is one.
- Tolerances and surface finishes. General tolerances (for example ISO 2768-m) and, in addition, only the critical dimensions. The concept is defined in the glossary: tolerance.
- Treatments and finishes. Anodising, painting, deburring, with the clarification “dimensions before or after treatment”.
- Documents provided. Dimensioned PDF drawing, STEP file, DXF for cutting, photos, and the document that prevails.
- Inspection and quality. Dimensional report, first article, material certificate, required certification.
- Lead times and delivery. Preferred date, location, packaging.
- Confidentiality. Non-disclosure agreement required or not before the drawings are sent.
- Selection criteria and budget. What matters most (price, lead time, quality, proximity) and, if you wish, an indicative budget.
The tool also works for building works and services: choose the relevant field (building site, cleaning, transport…) and the technical sections make room for area, frequency and access constraints.
Common mistakes
- A 3D file with no drawing. It gives the shape, not the tolerances or treatments: the workshop prices the standard case.
- An approximate material. “Steel” or “stainless” is not enough: the grade changes the price, the machinability and the supply lead time.
- Tight tolerances everywhere. They make the part more expensive without improving its function.
- A vague quantity. “A few parts” makes it impossible to spread fixed costs and offer a series price.
- An unrealistic or unjustified lead time. An apparent urgency can push up the price.
- Omissions. What is not written down is not priced: finishes, packaging, quality documents.
Re-read the file with fresh eyes before sending it: contradictory requirements are quickly spotted.
Short annotated example
A fictional machining specification; the “See an example” button loads it into the generator.
Aluminium sensor brackets
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ContextInductive sensor bracket for a packaging machine, fixed with 4 M5 screws. Dry workshop, no splashing.
The workshop can see what is functional (the fixings) and what is not (the appearance).
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MaterialAluminium EN AW-6082 in T6 temper, material certificate required.
A standardised designation avoids a quote based on an assumption.
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Quantities1 prototype, then 50 and 200 parts; annual requirement of 600 parts.
Several quantities reveal the volume pricing.
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TolerancesISO 2768-m; bore Ø 12 H7; Ra 1.6 µm on the bearing face.
Few tight dimensions, all justified by function.
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FinishClear anodising 10 µm, dimensions given after treatment.
A treatment layer changes the dimensions: the workshop knows this.
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QualityDimensional inspection report; no NDA; criteria: price, lead time, quality.
The level of inspection is known before pricing, and the criteria help with comparison.
Frequently asked questions
A question not answered here? Visit the help centre or write to us.
Is this tool free, and is my data protected?
Yes, it is free and requires no sign-up. What you enter stays in your browser: nothing is sent to Meaflow until you click “Publish”. Only anonymous usage statistics, subject to your consent, measure how the tool is used. On a shared computer, use the “Clear” button.
What is the difference between a specification and a drawing?
The drawing defines the geometry: dimensions, tolerances, surface finishes. The specification defines the need: context of use, quantities, lead times, quality requirements, packaging, confidentiality. The two are complementary: always attach the drawing and the 3D file to your specification.
How do I save my specification as a PDF?
Click “Print / Save as PDF”, then choose “Save as PDF” as the printer in your browser window. Only the document is printed, without the site’s header or footer. You can also copy the text or download it as a .txt file.
What happens if I click “Publish this request on Meaflow”?
Your specification pre-fills the request posting form: title, full description, field, quantity, budget and date. You review it, add your drawings, photos and postcode, then publish. You will be asked to sign in; posting a request is free for buyers.
Is your specification ready?
Publish it in one click, add your drawings and receive price quotes from suppliers. It is free for buyers.