STEEL SOURCING PITFALLS
AVOID THESE
Save your company time and money by steering clear of several common mistakes made by buyers and designers of steel castings.
AN MCDP STAFF REPORT S
ometimes, metal casting customers deliver well-defi ned requirements and are knowledgeable of the casting process. Other times, this is not the case. When casting end-users have high expectations but minimal experience and expertise, buyers and their sup- pliers must work together and understand one another’s requirements and capabilities. Roadblocks between metalcasters and their customers can cover all aspects of the casting process. Following is
a look at several situations steel cast- ers have encountered in the past several years, as reported by diff erent companies at regional meetings and conferences. Each could have been prevented through improved communication and under- standing up and down the supply chain.
Problem 1: Delayed Charpy Test Approval
In a contract for several small parts
for a state’s department of transporta- tion, a specifi c welder and weld procedure approval was required. During conversa- tions between the buyer and supplier over the required document development, it was discovered Charpy testing also was required. T is initiated questions regard- ing the testing acceptance criteria of test temperature and minimum values.
Additional documents were sent so the metalcaster could determine these values. T e newly submitted specifi ca- tion listed all the wrought materials in the project, but not the cast ASTM A-148 Grade 90/60.
Repercussions After additional conversations, the
SUMMING UP These experiences are just a sampling of the issues a group of steel
casters and their customers have encountered during the last several years. Following are some lessons learned: • Casting suppliers and buyers should ensure all nondestructive testing requirements are known.
• The customer should receive enough documented information to al- low them to make the fi nal, proper decision on whether the casting is suitable for use.
• The terms and conditions of the purchase order must be thoroughly read and understood. However, this document can be negotiated. The last document received or submitted should be the offi cial terms of the order.
• No matter how much effort is expended, issues can arise. Keep work- ing on the problem at hand, rather than giving up or giving in.
40 | METAL CASTING DESIGN & PURCHASING | Jan/Feb 2012
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