Die Casting RFQ Checklist for OEMs and Procurement Teams

A complete die casting Request for Quotation (RFQ) helps OEMs and procurement teams obtain accurate, comparable quotes from manufacturers. It gives suppliers the technical specifications, production volumes, quality requirements, and commercial details needed to evaluate a project.

Missing information about drawings, materials, tolerances, tooling, machining, or delivery can lead to pricing assumptions, additional costs, and delays.

Use this die casting RFQ checklist to define your requirements upfront, reduce supplier clarification cycles, and make more informed sourcing decisions.

What Information Should a Die Casting RFQ Include?

To obtain an accurate die casting quotation, provide the technical specifications, production requirements, quality standards, and commercial details suppliers need to assess your project. A 3D CAD model defines the component's geometry, while a 2D engineering drawing specifies dimensions, tolerances, datums, inspection requirements, and thread details.

The following table summarizes the key information to include in your die casting RFQ.

RFQ Item	What to Provide	Why It Affects the Quote
Technical Files and Formats	3D CAD model, 2D engineering drawing, and reference images or physical samples where applicable	Defines part geometry and acceptance requirements
Drawing Revision	Drawing number, issue date, revision level, and approval status	Prevents quotations based on outdated design information
Part Function	Application, mechanical loads, operating temperature, and environment	Guides material selection and manufacturing feasibility
Material and Alloy	Required alloy and applicable standard, or performance requirements if material selection is open	Affects material cost, casting behavior, and finishing requirements
Production Volume and Quantities	Prototype quantity, initial order quantity, annual volume, and program life	Influences tooling configuration, production planning, and unit cost
Critical Dimensions and Tolerances	CTQs, datum references, GD&T, hole tolerances, and inspection methods	Determines dimensional control, machining needs, and inspection scope
CNC Machining	Machined bores, flats, sealing surfaces, threads, and datum features	Affects machining time, fixturing, and inspection costs
Surface Finish and Appearance	Required finish, coating, color, cosmetic zones, and masking areas	Defines finishing processes and appearance acceptance criteria
Quality and Inspection	Dimensional reports, material certificates, leak testing, FAI, PPAP, or other applicable requirements	Determines testing, inspection, and documentation costs
Packaging and Delivery	Finished-part condition, delivery destination, packaging specifications, delivery schedule, and applicable Incoterms	Defines packaging, logistics, and delivery responsibilities

Die Casting RFQ Checklist: Key Requirements

A complete die casting RFQ should cover component design, material selection, production volumes, tolerances, tooling, secondary operations, quality standards, packaging, delivery, and commercial terms.

The following sections explain what to specify in each area so manufacturers can assess feasibility and prepare quotations based on a consistent scope of work.

Part Drawings and 3D CAD Data

Provide the latest 2D engineering drawings and 3D CAD models, preferably in a format such as STEP. Ensure the 2D drawing and 3D model reflect the same design revision, and provide native CAD files if required by the supplier.

Drawings should include dimensions, tolerances, datums, thread details, and manufacturing specifications. Clearly identify the drawing number and revision level to prevent quotations based on outdated design information.

Material and Alloy Requirements

Specify the required alloy and applicable material standard, such as aluminum alloy A380 or zinc alloy Zamak 3, in accordance with the project's material specifications.

If material selection is open to recommendation, provide the component's performance requirements, including mechanical loads, operating temperature, and corrosion resistance. Material choice affects casting feasibility, cost, weight, and finishing requirements.

Production Volume and Quantities

State the initial order quantity, expected annual volume, batch size, and estimated program life. Include future demand forecasts where available.

These details help manufacturers determine tooling configuration, production capacity, and unit costs.

Tolerances and Critical Dimensions

Identify critical-to-quality (CTQ) dimensions, functional interfaces, hole positions, threads, and mating surfaces. Include GD&T requirements, datum references, and inspection methods.

Clearly distinguish as-cast tolerances from machined dimensions to establish achievable precision and avoid unexpected costs.

Tooling and Die Requirements

Specify whether new tooling, an existing die, or die modifications are required, along with tooling ownership, expected shot life, maintenance, and repair responsibilities.

For existing dies, provide available tool drawings, specifications, and usage history.

Machining and Secondary Operations

List all required post-casting operations, such as CNC machining, drilling, tapping, deburring, grinding, coating, and finishing.

Identify the features requiring machining and provide machining drawings where available to help suppliers estimate costs accurately.

Quality and Inspection Requirements

Specify applicable quality standards, certifications, inspection procedures, and required documentation. Depending on the application, these may include First Article Inspection (FAI), dimensional reports, material certificates, leak testing, X-ray inspection, porosity limits, or PPAP.

Specify acceptance criteria, inspection methods, and AQL levels where applicable.

Surface Finish and Appearance Requirements

Specify the required surface finish or treatment, such as powder coating, painting, anodizing, or bead blasting, and distinguish functional surfaces from cosmetic areas.

Include coating standards, masking requirements, acceptable cosmetic defects, and reference samples where necessary.

Packaging and Delivery Requirements

Specify the delivery destination, packaging type, quantity per package, shipment frequency, and required delivery schedule.

Include protective packaging and special handling requirements to prevent scratches, deformation, contamination, or transit damage.

Commercial and Procurement Requirements

Define payment terms, quotation validity, currency, delivery terms, production lead times, and applicable procurement conditions. Request a cost breakdown for tooling, casting, machining, finishing, and packaging.

Specify applicable Incoterms, insurance requirements, and procurement policies to establish clear commercial responsibilities and support like-for-like quotation comparisons.

Benefits of a Complete Die Casting RFQ

A complete RFQ helps die casting suppliers:

• Understand component specifications and functional requirements.
• Assess casting feasibility and tooling requirements.
• Estimate material, tooling, and production costs.
• Plan machining, finishing, and inspection processes.
• Identify quality documentation and testing requirements.
• Reduce assumptions and unnecessary clarification cycles.
• Prepare accurate, comparable quotations.

Common Die Casting RFQ Mistakes to Avoid

Common die casting RFQ mistakes include:

• Incomplete or outdated drawings: Missing dimensions, revisions, or conflicting CAD data.
• Unclear material specifications: No alloy designation, applicable standard, or defined performance requirements.
• Missing production volume details: No annual demand, initial order quantity, or program forecast.
• Undefined tolerances: Missing GD&T, critical dimensions, or inspection criteria.
• Omitted machining requirements: Unspecified holes, threads, sealing faces, or other machined features.
• Unclear surface finish requirements: No coating specifications, cosmetic zones, or acceptance criteria.
• Incomplete tooling requirements: Unclear ownership, maintenance responsibilities, or expected tool life.
• Missing quality requirements: Undefined testing, inspection reports, or approval documentation.
• Incomplete delivery and packaging details: No destination, packaging specifications, or delivery schedule.
• Missing commercial terms: Unspecified payment terms, quotation validity, or delivery conditions.

Conclusion

A well-prepared die casting RFQ helps manufacturers evaluate technical feasibility, determine tooling and production costs, and provide quotations based on clearly defined requirements. Before submitting your RFQ, ensure that your drawings, material specifications, production volumes, machining scope, quality requirements, and delivery terms are complete.

Need a die casting quotation? Share your 2D drawings, 3D CAD files, annual volume expectations, and key technical requirements with our team to discuss your project and obtain a quotation.

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