1. Application and project context
Tell the supplier what the conductor is used for. Application drives alloy choice, temper, tolerance and reliability test scope.
- End product e.g. PV module, EV harness, RF coaxial cable, motor winding, battery busbar
- Annual demand (kg or m) Include ramp-up schedule and target SOP date
- Current material being replaced e.g. pure copper, electroplated nickel, solid aluminum
- Target cost delta State the % cost reduction target openly — it speeds up alloy recommendation
2. Geometry and tolerance
Specify full dimensions with tolerance. For flat wire and strip, include edge condition and camber.
| Parameter | Typical unit | Must specify |
|---|---|---|
| Cross-section type | — | Round / Flat / Strip / Busbar |
| Diameter or width × thickness | mm | Nominal + tolerance |
| Camber (flat products) | mm/m | Max deviation per meter |
| Edge condition | — | Natural / Rounded / Slit |
| Spool / coil format | — | Spool size, traverse width, coil ID/OD |
| Length per spool | m | Min length, splice allowed or not |
3. Material and cladding ratio
State the cladding ratio or conductivity target, not just the alloy name. The same CCA can mean 15% or 30% copper volume.
- Cladding ratio (% by volume) e.g. CCA 15% / 20% / 30%
- Conductivity target (% IACS) e.g. 62% / 70% / 80%
- Cladding layer thickness Min thickness at narrowest point, for bending validation
- Temper Soft / Half-hard / Hard — affects formability and springback
4. Process and bond type
Specify whether electroplating is acceptable or metallurgical cladding is required. This single line filters out unqualified suppliers.
- Bond type Metallurgical cladding (required) / Electroplating (not accepted)
- Bond strength Min shear strength, typically ≥60 MPa for CCA
- Process evidence Request cross-section photo + peel test report with RFQ response
5. Reliability test plan
List the tests the sample must pass before PPAP. Reference industry standards where possible.
- Thermal cycling PV: IEC 61215 TC200; EV: GB/T 31486 / USCAR-38
- Damp heat PV: IEC 61285 DH1000
- Mechanical Peel strength, bend cycle, vibration per application
- Electrical Contact resistance, insulation resistance, hi-pot
6. Packaging, traceability and commercial
Specify packaging for automated feeding, lot traceability and commercial terms upfront to avoid late-stage surprises.
- Spool labeling Lot number, material, date, quantity — barcode required?
- MSDS and RoHS/REACH Required documents for customs and ESG audit
- Sample lead time Target date for first article, target date for pilot lot
- Payment and Incoterms FCA / FOB / DDP, net 30 / 60