When you are looking to source iron castings for your manufacturing project or for any other purpose, it is important to keep in mind the following considerations before deciding on your foundry supplier. This post aims to functions as a buyer’s guide while engaging in iron casting purchases. The top considerations are: selecting the foundry, relationship between foundry supplier and buyer, foundry costs and quotations received. Let’s look at these points in detail.
This is perhaps the most important step in the entire procurement process. The buyer can make use of any method such as referring the buyer’s guide or advertising material or getting recommendations from previous buyers or even from the inside staff. It is important for the buyer to look for more reliable information and to carefully consider the match between his business needs and each foundry’s capacity. It does not make sense to enter into an agreement with a facility that is running out of business. The buyer can utilize a questionnaire to procure all the information that he needs from the suppliers to make an informed decision. After receiving the responses, it is the duty of the buyer to cautiously understand the responses in order to determine whether a supplier will able to deliver the desired quality of material in adequate quantity. These responses will also serve as the basis for understanding the foundry’s emphasis on quality control and determine whether they produce high-grade castings. Apart from the questionnaire, it also important to discuss capacity, transportation costs and other material related aspects prior to signing the agreement, in order to avoid disappointment after placing an order.
It is extremely important for the supplier and buyer to consider each other as partners after signing the contract. The iron castings foundry should function as an extension of the manufacturing institution of the buyer. At this stage, it is also essential for the buyer to avoid soliciting other suppliers and work on developing the relationship with the chosen supplier. It always helps to draw up an agreement with the supplier stating that prompt delivery is part of the contract and clearly mention that he will supply the desired quality castings at the previously agreed rate.
It is relatively difficult to calculate precise foundry costs, as there are different types of foundries and several types of casting processes that are used by each foundry. The costs can however be broken down into three basic categories: labor, material and miscellaneous expenses. Hence, it is important for the buyer to analyze the grade, size and weight of casting material; what type of molding machine the supplier uses and whether it is cored or uncored. Apart from the foundry costs, the buyer will also have to carefully consider the quotes submitted by the suppliers. It is important for the buyer to provide comprehensive information about the type, quality and features of the castings required to the suppliers in order to attract the best quotation. Information should include details about weight, grade, material specification, finish, dimensions, batch quantities etc.
With the above guidelines and considerations, it will be a relatively easier choice to pick the most suitable foundry supplier for all your iron casting procurements.