Casting Quote Readiness Checklist

Minimum Package

Minimum RFQ package

A usable casting RFQ needs at minimum three things: a drawing that shows the part geometry and key dimensions, an alloy or mechanical requirement, and a quantity range or project stage. With these three inputs a supplier can assess process fit, estimate tooling scope, and give a first response.

• ✓2D drawing (PDF) showing geometry, critical dimensions, GD&T callouts, and surface finish requirements
• ✓Casting alloy target (by engineering specification) or mechanical requirement (tensile, elongation, hardness range)
• ✓Annual volume range or project stage (prototype, pilot, or production)

Helpful Optional

Helpful optional information

Including the following optional information in the first message typically reduces the number of clarification rounds before a quote is ready:

• +3D model (STEP or IGES) — allows wall section, draft, and undercut review
• +Secondary operation scope — datums, sealing surfaces, threads, ports, dimensional-critical features
• +Surface treatment — powder coating, anodizing, shot blast, painting, or none
• +Heat treatment requirement — T5, T6, or as-cast
• +Quality review scope — supplier qualification level, X-ray zones, CMM datum scheme
• +Export and packaging notes — Incoterm preference, packaging requirement

Incomplete Drawing

What to send if the drawing is incomplete

An incomplete or preliminary drawing is still a useful starting point for an early process discussion. Mark the drawing clearly as preliminary or for-review and note which dimensions, tolerances, or features are still under revision.

For early-stage drawings, a brief description of the part function and operating context helps the supplier ask the right clarifying questions. DFM feedback — wall section targets, draft requirements, parting line options — can reduce the number of drawing revisions needed before tooling decisions are made.

Replacement or Second Source

What to send for replacement or second-source projects

For replacement or second-source projects, include the current supplier drawing if available, a note on which dimensions and interfaces are fixed versus open to modification, and photos of the existing part if the drawing does not fully communicate the surface finish or geometry intent.

If tooling currently exists at another supplier, note whether the tooling is transferable or whether new tooling is expected. This significantly affects the tooling cost estimate and the time-to-first-sample in the quote.

After the RFQ

What happens after Bohua receives the RFQ

After receiving an RFQ package, Bohua reviews the drawing for process fit, wall section, draft, alloy compatibility, and secondary operation scope. If the package is complete, the typical response covers process recommendation, tooling cost estimate, sample lead time, production unit price range, and any open assumptions that need buyer confirmation before the quote is final.

If the drawing has open questions or the package is incomplete, the response will include specific clarification questions so the buyer can provide targeted information rather than a full package re-submission.