CASTING PROCUREMENT: FOUR STEPS FOR
PAINLESS PURCHASING
Buying a metal casting requires involvement at every stage. AN MCDP STAFF REPORT
C
Editor’s Note: Portions of this article were adapted from the American Foundry Society’s Principles of Purchasing Castings CD-ROM.
asting buyers across the board agree procuring cast components can be more complicated than other types of purchasing for a number of reasons, including the need to ensure consistent quality. When procuring a casting, it’s important to remain involved during each part of the process so the fi nished product meets expectations. Procuring a casting is more than simply
ordering a part and receiving it in the mail. Buyers must develop a plan for the component’s application and how it will be procured. Use the following four steps from pur- chasing experts as a template for purchasing. While each may seem obvious, taking the time to sit down and focus on each part of the process can ensure the procured component fulfills the end-use the first time around and will help avoid frustration down the road. 1. Defi ne the casting and de- velop a procurement strategy.
5 Areas to Review When Vetting a Metalcaster
Capabilities & Expertise
Quality, Cost & Schedule
2. Contact potential suppliers, both existing and new, gather information and request quotations.
Production Facilities
Production Support
Direct Experience & Past Performance
38 | METAL CASTING DESIGN & PURCHASING | Mar/Apr 2012
3. Select a metalcaster, negotiate the contract and develop a working relationship.
4. Fulfi ll the contract and pursue casting improvements. Renew the contract and defi ne future casting need.
1. Defi ne the casting & develop a procurement strategy.
Smart buyers are buyers with a
plan. T ey know what they want and when they want it. Don’t move ahead of yourself and develop a strategy without fi rst defi ning your casting needs. Consider the follow
buyer questions: • What is the casting’s end- use, and how important is the component in the application?
• What dimensions and mate- rial should be considered?
• What special details are unique to the piece?
While specifi c questions may need to be asked of a metalcaster before the component plan is fi nal-
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