Aluminum Foundry RFQ Template: Casting + Machining + Inspection Fields That Prevent Quote Gaps

# Aluminum Foundry RFQ Template: Casting + Machining + Inspection Fields That Prevent Quote Gaps

Many RFQs fail for one simple reason: two suppliers quote two different assumptions. One assumes “as-cast, basic inspection.” Another assumes machining datums, sealing-face finish, leak testing, traceability labels, and a first-article package. The cheaper quote wins — and the project loses time later.

This post is a practical, buyer-facing copy-paste RFQ template for aluminum castings (gravity, low-pressure, die casting, sand casting) including machining and inspection scope.

Useful Bohua routes:

• •Pre-upload RFQ checklist + route selector
• •Formal RFQ upload
• •Drawing requirements for casting RFQs
• •Aluminum casting RFQ checklist
• •Supplier capability sheet (prequalification)

1) Files and drawing status (what to attach)

Always list:

• •2D PDF drawing revision (and the date)
• •3D model format (STEP preferred; IGES acceptable)
• •critical zones marked on the drawing (sealing, bearing seats, cosmetic zones)
• •any special notes: coatings, cleaning, packaging, traceability labels

If you don’t have a final drawing, say so and explicitly request a quote based on a preliminary model with a “subject to final drawing” assumption.

2) Part function and critical risks (tell suppliers what really matters)

Write 2–5 bullets that summarize the function:

• •Is it pressure-tight or sealing-critical?
• •Are there bearing seats or alignment datums?
• •Is it cosmetic or functional-only?
• •Is it safety-critical (and what evidence is required)?

If the program has known failure modes (porosity on sealing faces, distortion after heat treat, cracks at bosses, etc.), list them so the quote includes prevention and inspection assumptions.

3) Alloy and specification (avoid “A356” without a standard)

State:

• •alloy name and the controlling standard if you have it (example: “A356.0 per ASTM B108”)
• •temper if applicable (T6 / T5 / as-cast)
• •allowed equivalents (if any) and how they will be validated

If you are unsure, request the supplier to propose alloy + temper and document it as a written assumption in the quote.

4) Casting process preference (and what you need the supplier to decide)

If you have a process preference, state it (gravity, LPDC, die casting, sand). If you do not:

• •ask the supplier to recommend a process route and explain the trade-offs
• •require the quote to list the assumed gating/feeding and any secondary operations (impregnation, HIP, heat treat)

5) Machining scope (make the datums visible)

If you need machining, list:

• •machined faces (sealing faces, cover faces)
• •bores, bearing seats, threads, ports
• •critical datums and datum structure (A/B/C)
• •surface finish (Ra) for sealing faces (if required)
• •flatness / concentricity / true position requirements (if applicable)

If you only want “as-cast,” say no machining explicitly — otherwise suppliers may assume different work scopes.

6) Inspection package (what records you expect)

Pick the record types you actually need:

• •material certificate / chemistry verification method
• •dimensional layout report (ballooned drawing)
• •CMM report scope (which features)
• •NDT (X-ray / CT) scope and sampling plan (only when justified)
• •leak/pressure test method, pressure, hold time, acceptance threshold, sampling
• •PPAP / FAI expectations (if any)
• •traceability fields (heat/lot, tooling revision, inspection record reference)

If you do not know yet, ask suppliers to quote two scenarios: “basic inspection” and “enhanced inspection + records,” so you can compare like-for-like.

7) Quantities and timeline (avoid mismatch between prototype and production)

State:

• •sample quantity and whether you need multiple revisions
• •pilot quantity (if applicable)
• •annual volume forecast and ramp timing
• •target first-article / SOP window (even if approximate)

8) Export and commercial assumptions (so landed cost is comparable)

Include:

• •destination country / city
• •Incoterm preference (FOB Ningbo vs CIF)
• •packaging requirements (caps, corrosion protection, separators)
• •labeling needs (part number, rev, lot traceability)

9) Quote comparison rules (force assumptions into writing)

Ask suppliers to include, in writing:

• •what is included / excluded (machining, heat treat, impregnation, NDT, tooling)
• •what inspection records are included by default
• •lead time and MOQ as an estimate pending drawing review (not a guaranteed promise)

Copy-paste aluminum foundry RFQ template (buyer-ready)

> Aluminum casting RFQ (copy-paste template)

> Part / program: __

> Files: 2D PDF rev __ ; 3D STEP __ ; any defect photos __

> Application / function: pressure-tight yes/no __ ; sealing faces __ ; cosmetic zones __ ; operating medium/pressure/temp __

> Alloy + spec: __ (state standard if known) ; temper __ ; allowed equivalents __

> Process preference: gravity / LPDC / die cast / sand / supplier recommendation __

> Machining scope: sealing faces __ ; bores/bearing seats __ ; threads/ports __ ; datums A/B/C __ ; surface finish Ra __

> Heat treat / secondary ops: none / T6 / impregnation allowed yes/no __ ; document assumptions __

> Inspection + records requested: material cert __ ; layout __ ; CMM __ ; X-ray/CT scope (if required) __ ; leak/pressure test spec __ ; PPAP/FAI __ ; traceability fields __

> Quantities: sample __ ; pilot __ ; annual volume __ ; ramp timing __

> Delivery: destination __ ; Incoterm __ ; packaging/labeling __

> Questions: list assumptions + included/excluded scope in the quote; propose process route if not specified.

Start a structured RFQ (so assumptions don’t disappear)

If you want the RFQ to be reviewed as a drawing package (not a casual price request), use the formal RFQ path:

• •Open the formal RFQ page
• •Use the pre-upload checklist first