# Source a material against your requirements Source: https://powdchem.com/sourcing/ Page type: Sourcing service Material sourcing Nike Import & Export Trading helps you source specialty powders and compare candidate grades. We coordinate the documents, samples and supply information needed for your purchase. [See what a response covers]() [Ask about your requirement]() ## A material to compare Send the material identity or a reference grade. Separate essential limits from preferences, and include your quantity and destination. ## A candidate response We aim to identify suitable source options and clarify the proposed grade, matching requirements, differences and available supporting documents. ## An evaluation or quotation decision Use the comparison to decide whether to request missing evidence, evaluate a sample, consider another candidate or discuss quotation terms. ## Worked example: two AlN candidates Illustrative entries to explain the review process. The numbers and candidates below are examples, not test results, a customer case or an offer. AlN review example: a partial match still needs a decision | Requirement | Example request | Example candidate information | Review outcome | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Particle distribution | D50 2–4 µm by an agreed laser-diffraction method. | A lists 3 µm; B lists 6 µm. Neither states the dispersion conditions. | A is the closer size reference. Confirm the method before accepting the match. | | Oxygen limit | Oxygen ≤1 wt%. | A has no oxygen value. B lists 0.8 wt% in a grade datasheet. | A needs evidence. B meets the stated grade value but misses the size target; a lot result is still needed. | | Documents and sample | TDS, SDS and batch COA; a small evaluation quantity. | Only a grade datasheet is included in this example. | Confirm the missing documents and sample quantity before proceeding. | ### What the response would say Candidate A is closer on particle size, but its oxygen content and size method remain unresolved. Candidate B needs a different particle-size grade. The next step is to request the missing evidence for A and check whether B has another size option. Neither candidate is ready for approval from the supplied information alone. Start with the proposed material ### Match the material across all three documents. Name · product code · grade · supplied form #### Grade & typical properties Check the product code, revision, test basis and whether values are typical or limits. #### Lot & reported results Match the proposed grade and batch or lot. Read each result with its method, unit and limit. #### Identity & supplied form Match the product identifier, composition, form and document version. A TDS value is not a batch result. An SDS describes the identified product; it is not a certificate of batch performance. ## Support for the next step [**Quality & Documentation**]() [**Samples & Testing Coordination**]() [**Packaging & Delivery Coordination**]() ## Start with what you know A name, formula or reference datasheet is enough to begin. Tell us which requirements can change and which must be met. Nike has no fixed minimum order. Supplier pack sizes, minimums and sample conditions are checked for the requested material. - Material identity and required form - Critical limits and intended process - Quantity, destination and target date - Essential documents or sample needs [Prepare a sourcing inquiry]()