Investment Casting RFQ Checklist

An investment casting quotation is only as reliable as the information supplied with the request. A part name and approximate weight are not enough to compare suppliers because alloy, tolerance, machining and testing can change both tooling and unit cost.

Drawing and model package

Provide a revision-controlled 2D drawing together with the 3D model. The drawing should govern dimensions, tolerances, datums, threads, surface finish and acceptance criteria. Identify which dimensions are critical and which may follow a general casting tolerance.

Material requirements

State a recognized alloy designation and any equivalent grades that are acceptable. Include heat treatment, hardness, mechanical properties and corrosion requirements. If a material certificate, positive material identification or third-party inspection is required, list it in the RFQ so it is included in the price.

Volume and commercial data

Quote quantity, annual demand, expected batch size and program life. Tooling decisions for a prototype batch differ from those for stable serial production. Also state the destination, packaging requirement, preferred Incoterm and target delivery schedule.

Machining and inspection

Mark machined faces and define datum relationships. List CMM reports, gauges, pressure testing, dye penetrant, radiography or other checks only when they are technically justified. For pressure-containing parts, include the test medium, pressure, hold time and allowable leakage.

Questions for supplier comparison

• Which process route and gating concept are proposed?
• What tooling, sample and production lead times apply?
• Which operations are performed in-house?
• How are revisions, traceability and nonconforming parts controlled?
• What is included in tooling, machining, inspection and packing prices?

Compare quotations on the same technical scope. A lower piece price that excludes machining, inspection or certificates is not a like-for-like offer. Submit your RFQ package to Hengke for a documented process review.