Who this is for: buyers, engineers and project managers ordering stainless/galvanized sheet, plate, coil, tube or fabricated parts who need predictable lead time and clean hand-offs.

Why orders slip (pattern we see every week)

Lead time is a chain: spec confirmation → material reservation → processing (slitting, cutting, polishing, forming) → QA/MTC → packing → booking → customs. Any ambiguity early multiplies downstream rework, re-quotes and re-bookings.

Ten mistakes—and the fix that actually works

1) Vague grade or standard

Risk: mills can’t reserve material; properties can’t be guaranteed.
Fix: State grade + standard + form. Example: “ASTM A240 304 2B sheet”.

2) No dimensional tolerances

Risk: fit-up disputes, re-cutting, schedule slip.
Fix: Give numbers or cite a table (e.g., thickness ±0.05 mm; flatness ≤5 mm/m; ref. ASTM A480/EN 10051).

3) Surface finish undefined

Risk: re-polish or cosmetic rejection.
Fix: Finish code + measurable target: “No.4, 180–240 grit, Ra ≤0.8 μm, film-protected”.

4) Incomplete cutting/nesting list

Risk: scheduler can’t plan, scrap rises.
Fix: Supply QTY × L × W × T (or OD × WT × L), kerf, grain, edge quality, bevel; attach DXF.

5) QA documents decided late

Risk: hold at QA; re-queue.
Fix: Confirm MTC EN 10204 3.1, any NDT scope (UT/ET/Hydro) and acceptance criteria in the PO.

6) Export packaging left to “standard”

Risk: corrosion claims; re-pack and re-booking.
Fix: Skid type, edge guards, interleave/VCI or oil, film, desiccant, pallet sizes for container loading.

7) Incoterms/payment not locked

Risk: docs and booking stall.
Fix: Incoterms 2020 + payment schedule + responsibility matrix, in writing.

8) Shipping marks/HS code arrive late

Risk: relabeling; customs issues.
Fix: Share templates at PO stage; confirm HS code before packing.

9) Slow approvals

Risk: lose the production slot.
Fix: Single decision owner; 24–48 h SLA for drawings/samples.

10) Late changes to PO

Risk: full reschedule and re-price.
Fix: Freeze spec after confirmation. If change is unavoidable, align on new lead time and price immediately.

Specification template (copy/paste)

• Material: ASTM A240 304 2B sheet
• Size: 1.50 mm × 1219 × 2438; t ±0.05, w/l ±1.0; flatness ≤5 mm/m
• Finish: No.4, 180–240 grit, Ra ≤0.8 μm; PE film
• Cutting: Laser; kerf 0.2 mm; grain along length; deburr both sides
• QA: MTC EN 10204 3.1; visual per ASTM A480 table
• Packing: Export skid; edge guards; VCI + PE wrap; desiccant
• Docs: HS code 7219…; packing list; invoice; COO template
• Terms: FOB Shanghai; T/T 30/70

Quick reference table

PO checklist

• Grade/standard/form confirmed
• All critical dims + tolerances + flatness
• Finish code + Ra target
• Cut list/DXF attached
• MTC/QA/NDT listed
• Export pack spec (VCI/film/skid/desiccant)
• HS + marks templates
• Incoterms + payment
• Approval SLA + owner
• Spec freeze + change control

Lead-time reality check

Availability of exact spec, processing queue (slitting/polish/laser), QA scope and vessel space drive the lead time. You can usually pull in 1–2 weeks by confirming specs and documents early and allowing equivalent standards when acceptable.

FAQs

Q: Can I say “per standard tolerances”?
A: Safer to list numbers or cite the exact table; “standard” varies across mills.

Q: Are BA and No.4 interchangeable?
A: Not in look or cleanability. State finish + Ra target if hygiene matters.

Q: When do I need 3.1 MTC?
A: Whenever properties are critical or you need traceability. State EN 10204 3.1 in PO.

Q: Is VCI better than oil for sea freight?
A: For clean unpacking and machined parts, yes. For rough plate/bars, oil is still effective.

Q: How fast should I approve drawings?
A: 24–48 h. Slow approvals are a top cause of schedule slips.

Internal links

• How to Read a Mill Test Certificate (MTC)
• Sea Freight Packaging to Prevent Rust
• Cut-to-Size and Nesting Tips

Baoli Engineering Team · Reviewed Oct 31, 2025