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METALCASTING’S ROLE PLAYERS So, you have found a qualified (hopefully even world-
class) metalcasting facility. And you think you know what it takes to be a good metal casting purchaser. What’s next? Establishing a strong working relationship with your supplier should be a priority for any purchasing group. When you step into the world of metal casting purchas- ing, you will meet an interesting cast of characters. Not only will you encounter the usual account representative, you will also find the casting engineer, the metallurgist and the quality department manager. Following is an introduction to each of these individuals.
THE ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE In most cases, you will establish a line of communica- tion with an account representative, who will provide you with the vital information you need to track your product. If you are dealing with a world-class metalcasting facility, you most likely will have an account manager in charge of your account. This individual will not only be able to provide order updates, but he or she will be the “go to” person for quoting and surcharge information and have in-depth knowledge of your product line.
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hen selecting a new casting source, buyers must first identify the requirements they seek. Castings come in a range of sizes, shapes, complexity and performance requirements. Start with weight, chemistry and produc- tion volumes; these factors will direct you to a specific group of metalcasters. With the field of potential sources narrowed, contact each metalcaster and ask questions about its capabilities.
First, confirm the supplier’s available capacity, mold size limits and casting weight limits. Next, ask ques- tions pertaining to the specific product you intend to procure, including available value-added services. Ask questions that cannot be answered with yes or no. Preceding a formal visit to the prospective suppliers, send a questionnaire in order to gain a more detailed look into their operations. Wait for the suppliers to complete and return the form before going to visit, as their answers can be used as an audit guide. Your questionnaire should include questions that detail how processes are verified and who is responsible for them. Your formal site visit should be scheduled to allow a full day in the plant. Te site visit should be used to identify the strengths and weaknesses from an operational and quality systems standpoint. A second day can be used to follow up on unanswered questions and things you might have overlooked. Make sure you get to see all areas of the plant. Your site-visit team should include a member of the purchasing, qual- ity and engineering departments, preferably with previous exposure to metalcasting.
What to Look For Tree primary operations go into making a quality casting—mold control, metallurgical control and
heat treatment. A true world-class operation will have tight controls over each of these, and each aspect
THE ENGINEER AND METALLURGIST In addition to the account manager, world-class operations
will have an open door to their engineering, metallurgical and quality departments. These are critical contacts as you manage your relationship with the metalcasting company and look to add value to your position. Your engineering contact should be a seasoned metalcasting veteran that not only fully understands the metal castings he or she will be delivering to you, but also can aid in the development of new components and help improve existing parts. The same qualifications apply to the metallurgical representative at the metalcasting facility. The plant metallurgist should be well educated in your mate- rial requirements and able to provide suggestions on how to improve certain specifications.
THE QUALITY DEPARTMENT MANAGER Another key relationship that must be established is
your connection to the supplier’s quality department. Armed with a thorough understanding of your products and specifications, the quality representative is ultimately responsible for ensuring you receive quality products that meet or exceed your expectations.
METAL CASTING DESIGN & PURCHASING / 2012-13 Metalcaster Prospectus
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