Confirm whether the flange face is RF, RTJ, FF or drawing-controlled
BLD Forge Direct
RF, RTJ and FF Flange Facing Guide
Flange facing is not a cosmetic detail. RF, RTJ, FF and drawing-controlled faces change machining, inspection, gasket compatibility and quotation scope. State the facing requirement in the first RFQ instead of waiting until drawing review.
Summary
Flange facing is not a cosmetic detail. RF, RTJ, FF and drawing-controlled faces change machining, inspection, gasket compatibility and quotation scope. State the facing requirement in the first RFQ instead of waiting until drawing review.
Send gasket, ring groove, surface finish and mating-equipment notes early
Expect RTJ and special faces to affect machining, inspection and lead time
Match facing requirements with the standard, pressure rating and material grade
RF vs RTJ vs FF Facing Selection Matrix
| Facing | Typical buyer wording | RFQ data to send | Quotation risk if unclear |
|---|---|---|---|
| RF - Raised Face | RF, raised face, serrated face | Standard, NPS/DN, rating, material, gasket or surface-finish note | Supplier may assume a default face that does not match the mating flange |
| RTJ - Ring Type Joint | RTJ, ring groove, ring number | Class/PN, ring groove requirement, material, NDT, hardness or project service note | Groove machining, inspection and lead time can be missed |
| FF - Flat Face | FF, flat face, full face gasket | Mating equipment requirement, gasket type, bolt-up restriction and drawing note | Raised-face supply may be incompatible with the mating flange |
| Drawing face | Special facing, overlay or project face | Drawing revision, face finish, overlay material and inspection acceptance | Offer comparison becomes unreliable without the same finish scope |
Facing-Related Inspection Checklist
| Inspection item | RF | RTJ | FF / drawing face |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensional check | Flange face, bore, bolt circle and thickness | Ring groove profile, face, bore and bolt circle | Flatness, bore, bolt circle and drawing dimensions |
| Surface finish | Confirm serration / finish note if specified | Confirm groove and sealing-surface finish requirement | Confirm full-face finish and gasket contact area |
| Material verification | MTC 3.1 and PMI when alloy grade applies | MTC 3.1, PMI and hardness if service requires | MTC 3.1 and any coating or overlay record |
| NDT / third-party | As required by class, material or project | Often stricter for severe service | As required by project drawing or mating equipment spec |
Practical Checklist
Use this list before sending drawings or line items for quotation review.
Facing type: RF, RTJ, FF or special drawing face
Standard, size, pressure rating and material grade
Gasket type, ring number, groove note or mating equipment requirement where applicable
Surface finish, overlay, coating or corrosion-service note if specified
Dimensional report scope for face, bore, bolt circle and groove where applicable
PMI, hardness, MT/PT, UT or third-party inspection requirements
Destination country, packing and document handover requirements
Common RFQ Mistakes
These points often cause repeated clarification, price revisions or document mismatch.
- Sending only the flange type and class while leaving the facing unspecified
- Requesting RTJ after price comparison, even though groove machining and inspection change scope
- Supplying a raised-face flange where the mating equipment requires flat face
- Ignoring surface finish or gasket contact notes in a project drawing
- Comparing offers without checking whether dimensional and NDT reports are included
FAQ
Short answers for buyers preparing this RFQ topic.
Is RF the default flange facing for every project?
No. RF is common, but the RFQ should still state the required face because FF, RTJ and drawing-controlled faces change gasket compatibility, machining and inspection scope.
Why does RTJ facing need clearer RFQ data?
RTJ involves ring-groove machining and sealing-surface inspection. Send the standard, class, ring groove requirement, material, NDT and any hardness or service notes before quotation.
When should a flat-face requirement be highlighted?
Highlight FF when the flange mates with flat-face equipment, full-face gasket requirements or project drawings that prohibit raised-face contact. This should be visible before price comparison.
PDF Datasheets for RFQ Review
Use these direct PDF links with the article before sending line items. The PDFs are generated from published product-page RFQ scope tables and do not invent standard dimensions.
ASME B16.5 Flanges RFQ Datasheet
Use this PDF for ASME flange RFQs where facing, NPS, Class, material and inspection scope must be aligned.
High Pressure Flanges RFQ Datasheet
Use this PDF when RTJ, high-pressure service, NDT, hardness or severe-service inspection requirements are part of the RFQ.
Send your RFQ or drawing directly to BLD Forge Direct.
Email quote@bldforgedirect.com with standard, drawing, material, quantity and inspection requirements.