A die casting supplier cannot prepare a reliable quotation from part weight and annual quantity alone. Tooling, casting, trimming, machining, finishing and inspection are interconnected. Missing requirements force suppliers to make assumptions, and those assumptions can produce major differences in tool price and unit cost.
This die casting RFQ checklist helps OEM buyers and engineers create a complete request for quotation for aluminum, zinc or magnesium die-cast components.
Why Die Casting RFQs Need More Than a Drawing
Die casting quotations depend on the complete manufacturing route. The same casting can have very different costs depending on:
- Alloy and raw-material specification.
- Part size, projected area and shot weight.
- Number of die cavities.
- Slide and core-pull requirements.
- Wall thickness and dimensional tolerances.
- Porosity and leak requirements.
- Trimming and deburring.
- CNC machining.
- Surface finishing.
- Inspection, testing and documentation.
- Packaging and annual volume.
A complete RFQ helps a supplier propose a process rather than simply estimate a price.
1. Send the Latest 3D Model and 2D Drawing
Provide both files whenever possible. The 3D model defines casting geometry, while the 2D drawing communicates tolerances and acceptance requirements.
The drawing should identify:
- Critical dimensions and GD&T.
- Datum scheme.
- Machined surfaces.
- Machining allowances.
- Draft requirements or restricted surfaces.
- Surface-finish requirements.
- Parting-line and ejector-mark restrictions.
- Threads, inserts and assembly interfaces.
- Leak-test or pressure zones.
- Revision and release status.
Use STEP or another widely supported neutral format for the 3D model. If you only have a sample or concept, Moldie’s mold design and engineering team can help evaluate the part before die construction.
2. Specify the Alloy and Material Standard
State the exact alloy and applicable standard. “Aluminum” or “zinc” is not enough. Include:
- Alloy designation.
- Required material standard.
- Mechanical-property requirements.
- Chemical composition limits, if special.
- Recycled-content restrictions.
- RoHS, REACH or other compliance requirements.
- Material-certificate requirements.
If the alloy has not been selected, describe the part’s function, temperature, corrosion exposure, strength, weight, conductivity and finishing requirements. Moldie offers custom die casting in aluminum, zinc and magnesium alloys and can help assess a suitable process route.
3. Provide Production Volumes and Program Life
Include:
- Prototype or validation quantity.
- First production order.
- Annual volume.
- Peak monthly demand.
- Expected program life.
- Total lifetime quantity.
Volume affects cavity count, die material, automation, trimming method, machining fixtures and inspection strategy. It also helps the supplier calculate whether a larger tooling investment can reduce the long-term unit price.
4. Define Dimensional Tolerances Carefully
Identify characteristics that affect fit, sealing, alignment and performance. Avoid placing machining-level tolerances on every as-cast dimension unless they are functionally required.
For each critical dimension, clarify whether it is:
- Required as cast.
- Achieved by secondary machining.
- Measured after finishing.
- Subject to a capability requirement.
- Checked on every part or by sampling.
The supplier should review whether the datum strategy and tolerance stack are practical for casting and machining.
5. Identify Cosmetic and Surface Requirements
State which surfaces are customer-facing and define acceptable limits for:
- Flow marks and cold shuts.
- Ejector marks.
- Flash and trim witness.
- Porosity visible after machining.
- Scratches and handling marks.
- Surface roughness.
- Color and gloss after finishing.
Photographs or approved appearance samples are useful for subjective requirements.
If the component needs plating, anodizing, powder coating, painting, polishing or shot blasting, include the finish specification, color, thickness and test requirements. Moldie can coordinate casting with metal surface treatment and other downstream operations.
6. Explain Porosity, Sealing and Leak Requirements
Porosity expectations must be communicated before die design because they influence gate, overflow, venting and process selection.
Include:
- Whether the part contains oil, water, refrigerant or air.
- Working and burst pressure.
- Leak-rate limit.
- Test medium.
- Test pressure and duration.
- Whether machining will expose internal porosity.
- Impregnation restrictions.
- Radiography or CT requirements.
Do not use “porosity-free” as a general requirement. Define the functional limit and inspection method so the supplier can design and validate the process appropriately.
7. Detail All Secondary Machining
Mark every feature requiring CNC machining, including:
- Sealing faces.
- Bores and bearing seats.
- Threads.
- Precision holes.
- Flatness-controlled surfaces.
- Datum pads.
- Connector or insert locations.
Specify thread standards, surface roughness, positional tolerances and any burr restrictions. Ask whether the supplier will design dedicated fixtures, gauges and error-proofing.
8. List Inserts and Assembly Operations
If the component contains steel inserts, bushings, studs or other components, provide drawings and material specifications. Clarify whether inserts are cast in, pressed in, welded or assembled after casting.
Also include requirements for:
- Thread locking.
- Seals and gaskets.
- Fasteners.
- Adhesives.
- Functional testing.
- Labeling or traceability.
- Final assembly.
9. Define the Die and Trim Tool Scope
Ask the supplier to describe:
- Number of cavities.
- Die steel and hardness.
- Slide and core-pull mechanisms.
- Die-life assumption.
- Cooling layout.
- Gate, runner and overflow concept.
- Trim die or trimming method.
- Replaceable inserts and wear components.
- Spare components.
- Die maintenance and warranty.
Moldie provides dedicated die casting mold design and manufacturing for aluminum, zinc and magnesium components.
10. Specify Inspection and Validation Documents
Depending on the industry, the RFQ may require:
- DFM report and die design review.
- Material certificates.
- Full-dimensional report.
- CMM inspection.
- First Article Inspection.
- PPAP documentation.
- Capability studies.
- X-ray or CT inspection.
- Leak-test results.
- Coating thickness and adhesion results.
- Salt-spray or corrosion testing.
- Mechanical-property testing.
- Traceability records.
State the sample size, reporting format and acceptance criteria so the supplier can include the work in the quotation.
11. Define Packaging and Delivery
Die-cast components can be damaged before they reach the assembly line. Specify:
- Individual protection or bulk packaging.
- Requirements for machined and cosmetic surfaces.
- Maximum container weight.
- Rust or corrosion prevention.
- Label and barcode format.
- Lot traceability.
- Delivery frequency.
- Incoterm and destination.
Reusable trays or dividers may be justified for high-volume parts with sensitive surfaces.
12. Ask for a Transparent Cost Breakdown
Request separate pricing for:
- Die design and manufacture.
- Trim tooling.
- Machining fixtures and gauges.
- Part casting.
- CNC machining.
- Surface finishing.
- Assembly and testing.
- Inspection documentation.
- Packaging.
- Shipping.
Part prices should show the assumed annual volume, alloy, material price basis and any order-quantity requirements.
Ready to quote a die-cast component? Upload your STEP file, drawing, alloy, annual volume and finishing or testing requirements. Moldie can evaluate tooling, casting, machining and finishing as one coordinated project. Request a die casting quote.
Die Casting RFQ Summary Checklist
Before sending the package, verify that it includes:
- Current 3D model and 2D drawing.
- Exact alloy or performance requirements.
- Annual and lifetime volumes.
- Critical tolerances and datum scheme.
- Cosmetic acceptance requirements.
- Leak, pressure and porosity requirements.
- Machining scope.
- Surface treatment.
- Inserts and assembly.
- Quality documentation.
- Packaging, destination and schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a supplier quote if the alloy is not decided?
Yes, but the quote will contain an assumption. Provide the functional requirements so the supplier can recommend an alloy. Confirm the final alloy before tool design because it affects shrinkage, process conditions and performance.
Should machining be quoted by the die caster?
It is often beneficial because one supplier can manage datum transfer, fixtures, porosity revealed by machining and final inspection. Ask for casting-only and finished-part pricing if you want to compare alternatives.
Why does the supplier need annual and lifetime volume?
Volume influences die design, cavity count, automation, trim method, machining fixtures and die-life requirements. It is necessary for both tool and unit-cost decisions.
What is the difference between die cost and finished-part cost?
Die cost covers the production tool and may also include trim tooling. Finished-part cost can include alloy, casting, trimming, machining, finishing, testing, assembly and packaging. Confirm the boundaries of each quotation.
Get a Complete Die Casting Proposal
A strong die casting RFQ defines the finished component, not only the raw casting. By communicating functional, dimensional, cosmetic and testing requirements early, buyers receive more accurate pricing and reduce late engineering changes.
Moldie supports die casting mold manufacturing, custom die casting and aluminum die casting for precision components. Send your project files through our contact form for a customized review and quotation.
