Cast Aluminum Heat Sink Product Example to RFQ Package

# Cast Aluminum Heat Sink Product Example to RFQ Package

Many heat sink RFQs start from a product example or an adjacent casting photo: "Can you make something like this, but for our thermal module?" That is a useful first signal, but it is not enough for a comparable quote.

This guide helps thermal, sourcing, and SQE teams turn a cast aluminum heat sink example into a quote-ready package with the technical context Bohua needs before pricing: thermal target, fin geometry, base flatness, machining, finish, inspection records, and annual-volume assumptions.

Useful Bohua routes:

• •Cast aluminum heat sink RFQ path
• •Cast aluminum heat sink RFQ checklist
• •Gravity cast heat sink applications
• •A356 material guide
• •Casting process selection guide

1) Use the example to define part family, not proof of identical capability

A product example can show a general route: fins, mounting bosses, base machining, coating, packaging sensitivity, or casting plus CNC scope. It should not be treated as proof that the new part has the same thermal performance, alloy, finish, or inspection result.

State what the example is meant to communicate:

• •similar fin height or fin density
• •similar base pad or mounting-hole pattern
• •similar housing or cover shape
• •similar finish or coating expectation
• •similar CNC and inspection scope

Then add the actual drawing or early 3D model for your part. The drawing controls the quote.

2) Add thermal target and use condition

For heat sinks, part shape is only half the RFQ. Add:

• •heat source or wattage range
• •target contact area
• •cooling condition: natural convection, forced air, or assembly-specific
• •ambient or installation notes if known
• •whether thermal validation is buyer-side, supplier-side, or not yet defined

If thermal files are confidential, share an anonymous range and application type. That still helps Bohua separate casting, machining, and inspection assumptions.

3) Identify fin-fill and base-flatness risk

The two most common quote gaps are fin fill and base flatness.

Mark:

• •minimum fin thickness and gap
• •fin height and root radius
• •areas where incomplete fill is unacceptable
• •base or mounting pad flatness target
• •whether the base is machined
• •surface roughness if thermal interface material requires it

If a target is not finalized, ask for supplier DFM feedback instead of leaving it silent.

4) Separate raw casting, CNC, and finish scope

A serious heat sink RFQ should separate:

• •raw casting
• •CNC base machining
• •tapped holes, inserts, or mounting features
• •deburring and cleaning
• •coating, anodizing, powder coating, conversion coating, or buyer-side finish
• •packaging protection for fins and machined faces

This keeps procurement from comparing a raw-casting quote against a casting-plus-machining quote.

5) Ask for the right inspection records

Useful records may include:

• •base flatness report
• •CMM or fixture report for mounting holes and datums
• •fin-fill visual criteria or photo record
• •material certificate
• •coating or surface-finish record if required
• •first article report for new tooling

Do not ask for every possible record by default. Ask for the evidence that matches the part function and customer approval path.

Copy-paste RFQ starter

> Cast aluminum heat sink product-to-RFQ package

> Product example: similar fin field / similar base pad / similar mounting layout / similar finish

> Files: 2D PDF rev __, STEP __, NDA-first review yes/no __

> Application: LED / telecom / inverter / controller / power electronics / other __

> Thermal target: heat source __, cooling condition __, buyer-side validation yes/no __

> Fin geometry: minimum fin thickness __, gap __, height __, fill-sensitive zones __

> Base requirements: flatness __, roughness __, machined yes/no __

> Machining scope: base __, holes __, threads/inserts __

> Finish: bare / coating / anodize / powder coat / buyer-side __

> Inspection records: flatness __, CMM __, material certificate __, first article __

> Quantity: prototype __, annual volume __

> Destination and Incoterm: __

Send a structured heat sink RFQ

Use the heat sink product-to-RFQ upload path when drawings are ready. The form will keep heat sink quote context attached to the inquiry.

FAQ

Can a product example replace a drawing?

No. A product example helps classify the RFQ, but quote assumptions still depend on the buyer's drawing, STEP file, material target, machining scope, inspection requirements, annual volume, and approval route.

Should buyers share exact thermal simulation files?

Only when internal policy and NDA status allow it. A buyer can start with anonymous thermal targets, wattage range, cooling condition, and the functional contact area.

Which Bohua route is best for a drawing-ready heat sink?

Use the Cast Aluminum Heat Sink RFQ path and include the structured package above in the RFQ form.