Cast iron casting is a process for producing shapes (castings) by filling voids in a mold with liquid metal. Cast iron products have exceptional strength and durability, making them useful in heavy machinery applications in related industries such as agriculture, railroads, construction, forestry, and mining.
Identifying supplier foundries and ordering metal castings can be a time-consuming ordeal, and costly mistakes can be avoided by understanding the quoting and casting process. Clear and thorough communication with the supplier foundry will result in a well-designed and economical final product.
The purpose of requesting quotes for castings is to establish the best balance of cost, quality, and delivery time for sourcing castings. While it is tempting to automatically select the lowest quote, doing so may result in late delivery or a decline in casting quality – both of which will be more expensive in the long run.
The smart customer must weigh all the terms of the quotation received, including tooling requirements, tolerances, and any exceptions taken for drawings, specifications, and machining requirements. Other factors, delivery terms, and the supplier’s casting experience and reliability, are particularly important in determining the actual cost and value of the casting.
There are at least nine important considerations to address when requesting a price for metal castings from a supplier foundry
• Preliminary casting design
• Quantity
• Specification
• Soundness
• Testing and inspection
• Weight
• Style
• Machined
• Production and delivery schedule
The design of cast metal parts should take full advantage of the casting process. For efficient and cost-sensitive production, the casting design should select the simplest production method to achieve the desired physical properties, net shape requirements, and appearance.
Drawings detailing the exact dimensions of the required part should be included when requesting a quote.
An understanding of the casting process and/or communication with the supplier foundry will help determine the most economical design from the foundry’s perspective in several key parts of the design.
BHB Group was established in 2008 with a professional design team that has 20 years of experience working in the field. Independently owned and operated factories are available to design and produce a wide range of cast iron products.
Feel free to inquire at any time.
