Like practically all other industrial sectors, the automotive casting industry experienced a slowdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Supply chain bottlenecks across the world were also key problems. However, there are definite signs of recovery in this sector, and automotive casting manufacturer agencies are upgrading their portfolio of fully machined products – with a view to capture and retain customers (by delivering the best possible value). Buyers, on their part, need to pay heed to several factors – in order to make sure that they manage to select the best automotive casting manufacturer.

Here are aspects to look at, while looking for a suitable foundry for automotive casting solutions:

Industry Experience & Market Reputation

At the very outset, it is important to understand that automotive casting products are not like any other regular mechanical equipment. These casting products have to be designed as per the requirements of the underlying applications – and that’s precisely where the importance of working with a casting manufacturer with robust industry experience comes in. A top automotive casting manufacturer would be conversant with the varying customer requirements as well as the probable problems that the latter might face while using casting products. It is always advisable to work with a foundry that takes time out to understand the exact nature of requirements and delivers solutions accordingly.

The need to be able to source and use reliable and quality-assured automotive die casting solutions is immense – for bolstering the overall performance and efficiency. In keeping with the worldwide trends, the demand for premium-grade automotive casting products is rising rapidly in India as well. Here’s a roundup of the factors you need to consider, while looking for a top automotive casting manufacturer.

Technical Expertise and Machining Excellence

The hassles of having to hire a third-party machining agency/expert are immense. In case there is a mechanical defect in the casting product, conflicts can arise – leading to lengthy delays and other problems. To avoid such scenarios, the top automotive casting manufacturer companies include machining services in their portfolio. This enables them to detect and resolve problems (if any) promptly – ensuring that the supply chain is not disrupted in any way. As such, you should look for a casting products supplier that offers machining support too. A customer-centric manufacturer also provides guidance to buyers – regarding the selection of the ‘right’ automotive casting products, as well as regarding the maintenance and safekeeping of the same. You also need to ensure that your chosen foundry will be able to supply all the products and machine accessories required. Having to deal with multiple suppliers is a problem – you should work with a one-stop solution provider. Ideally, make a list of the value-added services (VAS) that you need – and look for a company that would deliver everything. The operational and business values of an automotive casting manufacturer should be in sync with your needs – for it to be a fruitful collaboration. Buying automotive casting products from a supplier is not a one-shot game. In most cases, you will need to develop a stable working relationship with the company you select. Hence, it is absolutely vital to clarify all doubts before finalising the purchase decision.

Quality Of The Products Supplied By An Automotive Casting Manufacturer

As the customer, you need to be absolutely certain about the quality excellence of the casting product(s) you purchase. Make it a point to ask about manufacturing facilities of the suppliers, and the quality parameters they adhere to. Do not try to cut corners by selecting a company that offers cheap automotive casting, but no product quality assurance. Find out whether the casting tools you are planning to buy have been rigorously tested and found to be okay. The best manufacturers and suppliers of automotive casting products have prestigious corporate certifications (like 14001:2015, ISO 9001:2015, OHSAS 18001:2015), underlining their service quality. Checking these certifications (often listed on the company website) is an important step. Always look for a casting product manufacturer that offers the best combination of quality, ease of doing business, superior specifications, and prompt response times. Make sure that there are no compliance-related issues either. Business integrity is a must-have for any good automotive casting manufacturer. The first couple of interactions with a company will give you an idea about the level of care, respect and technical skill it has – for providing ideal casting solutions. Also, check the sectors that a particular foundry caters to.

Ability To Meet Product Delivery Deadlines

The automotive casting manufacturer you select should be able to deliver the required products within the pre-specified deadlines. Timely delivery and quality of the products are the two most important concerns of any customer – and the supplier should meet expectations in this regard. You should also ideally ask about the mould designing techniques employed by a company. Make sure that moulds have optimal thickness and tough matching surfaces. Find out what materials are used for mould designing. Rapid prototyping is something many top automotive casting manufacturers do – in order to speed up the entire manufacturing process. Simulations and performance analyses, as and when required, should be performed in-house. Make sure that quality checks are conducted at every stage. Look for a supplier that doubles up as an expert engineering agency as well. That way, you can rest assured about all the engineering/machining requirements being easily and expertly resolved. Inquire about the metal alloy(s) that would be used in the automotive castings. Ideally, there should be a proper list of deliverables – in order to avoid uncertainties. When it comes to automotive casting applications, safety is a prime point of concern. To keep risks of unforeseen accidents and/or downtimes at an arm’s length, you should ask the manufacturers about the safety standards of their products. If possible, go on a visit to the manufacturing facility of the company. That will help you evaluate the supplier’s capabilities properly.

The Price Factor

While looking for an ideal automotive casting manufacturer, price should not be the sole factor you have in mind. Having said that, you need to make sure that you do not end up spending more money than required (thereby escalating overall costs). Make a shortlist of the companies that seem to be the best-suited to deliver the solutions you need. Compare their casting product portfolios, industries/sectors of expertise, quality parameters and other key factors. Ask for a detailed quote from these companies. The quote should have the breakdown of ALL expenses (and not just the price of the automotive casting product). There should not be any hidden cost whatsoever. Instead of simply looking for a ‘cheap’ casting product manufacturer, focus on finding a company that would be able to deliver holistic value. Working with a carefully selected foundry should deliver high ROI figures for you. The automotive casting supplier you select should be committed to quality maintenance, be comprehensive enough in its operations to serve different sectors/applications – and deliver the best products at competitive rates.

The need to be able to source and use reliable and quality-assured automotive die casting solutions is immense – for bolstering the overall performance and efficiency. In keeping with the worldwide trends, the demand for premium-grade automotive casting products is rising rapidly in India as well. Finding a top automotive casting manufacturer in India, USA, UAE, Africa is far from being difficult – keeping the above pointers under consideration would help buyers in selecting the foundry that would be the best fit.