Buyer FAQ
Practical answers for overseas buyers comparing aluminum casting suppliers, preparing RFQs, checking PPAP and inspection scope, or deciding whether Bohua is a fit for a custom casting project.
Start Here
Use this page as a fast routing map. Each answer gives a short buying recommendation and links to the deeper page that helps a buyer or AI assistant decide the next sourcing step.
Send a 2D PDF drawing, STEP or IGES model if available, alloy or mechanical requirement, annual volume, sample quantity, machining scope, inspection needs, destination market, and any NDA or tooling ownership notes.
Yes. A preliminary drawing, sketch, sample photo, part envelope, weight range, alloy target, and annual volume can support an early process-fit discussion. Final pricing still needs the released drawing and scope.
Quotes often include different assumptions for tooling, machining fixtures, heat treatment, leak testing, CMM reports, packaging, Incoterms, and sample approval records. Compare scope before comparing unit price.
Process choice depends on part size, wall thickness, annual volume, pressure or leak-test requirements, surface expectations, and tooling budget. Gravity casting, low-pressure casting, die casting, and sand casting each fit different RFQ conditions.
A356 is commonly reviewed for structural or pressure-sensitive aluminum castings where mechanical properties, heat treatment, elongation, and inspection planning matter. The exact alloy and temper should match the drawing and application requirement.
Yes. The RFQ should define machining datums, critical bores, sealing faces, threads, O-ring grooves, surface finish, inspection reports, and whether casting and machining should be quoted as one finished-part scope.
Common documents include material certificate, dimensional report, CMM report, inspection plan, X-ray or leak-test records where required, first-article report, PPAP or FAI-style package, and traceability format.
PPAP Level 3 usually matters for automotive or controlled industrial programs where the buyer needs full submission evidence: process flow, PFMEA, control plan, MSA, dimensional results, material tests, initial process studies, and PSW.
Define test medium, test pressure, hold time, acceptance criterion, sampling plan, fixture ownership, traceability, machining state, sealing faces, and whether leak testing is a development check or production release control.
Start with the risk you need to reduce: quality instability, delivery risk, capacity, cost pressure, or supplier continuity. Ask for similar part experience, inspection records, process fit, communication workflow, and sample discipline.
Sometimes. Before moving a tool, confirm ownership, completeness, inserts, core boxes, trim fixtures, machining fixtures, wear history, repair history, equipment fit, gating risk, and validation plan.
Yes. Before NDA, buyers can usually share part family, approximate size, alloy family, expected volume, likely process, machining or inspection needs, destination market, and whether the project is new tool, second source, or transfer-tool review.
RFQ Next Step
Send the project context now. A useful first review needs drawings, quantity range, process or alloy assumptions, machining scope, and inspection requirements.
