using the same technology for the past ten years. Ultimately, quality and consistency are more impor- tant and are vital to long-term commercial relationships. A metalcaster’s fi nancial stabil-
ity also is important, but age itself doesn’t say much. Well established businesses went under in the past fi ve years. Recent investments are relevant, and one thing that says a lot more than 100 years of experience is if a company is still investing in its facility or facilities, especially in the current economic environment. Look not only for major investments, but upgrades of individual components such as new coremaking machines and sand systems.
The main value-added require- ments to look for are machining, assembly and paint capabilities. You may not need them today, but when they are required, they can save a lot of time and money. When building a relationship with a casting supplier, this is something worth considering for further down the road. Global reach also may be a big
advantage. If you need parts in Asia, Europe and America, it might be simpler to go to one supplier that can guarantee the same standards of service across the world. Transport is a cost and impacts lead times, but it is better to widen horizons and look for regional metalcasting facilities, not just local ones. Just-in-time delivery capabil-
ity is a consideration, even if you don’t need it currently. The metalcasting world generally is slow to catch up with industrial trends, and having this option can indicate a metalcaster that is a step ahead of the competition.
Risk and Negotiation Any charging structure should
consider a base price, then add on surcharges for fl uctuations. When negotiating, it is worthwhile to establish penalties to cover extra air freight, logistics and warranty complaints for on-time performance or quality issues.
Nov/Dec 2012 | METAL CASTING DESIGN & PURCHASING | 39
“
Quality is absolutely the most important thing to look for in choosing a supplier.
T is is important to formalize right
at the start. For instance, if you want 95% on-time delivery, will the sup- plier pay the air freight and overtime if there is a problem? It is best to establish a transparent price structure, to increase understanding and trust between both parties. If there is an
extra cost, expect to see what it is and judge if it is reasonable. Picking a casting supplier comes
down to personal experience and judgment. Assessing risk is a matter of attaching weight to factors such as quality, customer service, flexibility and lead times. These are
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