Most first-time buyers imagine an RFQ as a simple price question. In reality, it is the start of a documented engineering process that — done well — removes nearly all risk before the first part is poured.
Here is the exact path a drawing takes inside our factory, and roughly how long each step should take on a typical gravity-casting project.
Key Points
- Step 1 — DFM (day 1–3): engineers review wall thickness, draft, cores and tolerances; you get a written feasibility note, not just a number.
- Step 2 — Quote (day 1–3): tooling cost, unit price and lead time, with alloy recommendation (ADC12 / A356 / AC4B…).
- Step 3 — Tooling (15–25 days): in-house H13 / S50C mold, mold-flow check, then T1 sample in 4–7 days after first trial.
- Step 4 — Mass production (15–30 days): PPAP-style control, in-line checks, then surface treatment, OQC and shipment with full documents.