Resources for OEM Buyers

Compiled for OEM Buyers of Die Cast Components, Purchasing Managers and Supply Chain Executives

The die casting specification and sourcing aids, briefs, and reference materials listed are compiled from casting industry resources and CWM research. They are published to assist OEM buyers in achieving optimized production results and more cost-effective sourcing of custom designs. Also see selected items downloadable elsewhere in the Resource Center, originally created for an engineering audience, that offer buyers a better understanding of designers' concerns to aid collaborations. Documents are in PDF format for immediate download by Resource Center registered OEMs. Adobe Acrobat Reader required for viewing.

Die Casting Spec & Sourcing Aids for OEM Buyers
(No. 01) A comprehensive one-page resource compilation for OEM buyers to aid in reviewing die cast custom part specifications for production and guiding optimum sourcing decisions. The location of each resource, bulletin, tech brief, guide and checklist is listed, all either directly viewable on the Internet or available for immediate Web downloading. This useful guide contains direct live web links for accessing all listed resources. PDF, 1 page. Download Buyer Resource No. 01.

NADCA Commercial Practices for Die Casting Buyers
(No. 03) Comprehensive resource on accepted contractual purchasing practices for purchasing die casting and related services based on established industry trade customs. Prepared by the North American Die Casting Assn. Contains guidelines for developing proposals and contracts plus helpful checklists for printout on Tooling, Production and Finishing Specifications. Covers defining quality requirements; die casting die and production tooling; transferred dies; die cast production part orders; purchased components; price adjustments; patent obligations; die casting warranties and product liability. PDF, 16 pages. Download Buyer Resource No. 03.

Hidden Costs of Sourcing Die Castings Offshore
(No. 02) Summary of detailed findings of OEM offshore sourcing based on research by the North American Die Casting Assn. Drawn by the promise of low prices, many North American OEM buyers and product specifiers who have engaged in offshore sourcing of die castings have learned hard lessons: the transoceanic pipeline can be very long and filled with unforeseen—and costly—twists and turns. Most OEMs who have purchased die castings overseas have at least one horror story to relate. These documented NADCA findings are true stories. PDF, 5 pages. Download Buyer Resource No. 02.

Guides of special interest to OEM buyers, listed in the Resource Center's Design Guides section:
(Also review other listings in the "Design Guides" section):

12 Ways to Reduce the Cost of Custom Die Cast Parts
(No. 4310) 6-page guide outlines 12 key cost drivers that design engineers can leverage during the product design stage to yield significant cost savings in the custom production of die cast components. These specific planning steps aid in integrating the realities of die cast manufacturing. Printed copy available on request from your CWM Sales-Engineer Representative. PDF also available by immediate download--3MB: (Design Guide 4310).

OEM Quick Guide to Surface Finishes
for Die Cast Components
(No. 3318) 8-page condensed resource on evaluating finishing alternatives and optimizing component finishing decisions for Al, Mg and Zn die cast products. Features a comparison table rating 32 surface coatings on relative cost, appearance, wear and corrosion resistance; Presents recommended finishing for a range of typical die cast components. Printed copy available on request from your CWM Sales-Engineer Representative. PDF also available by immediate download-- 293K: (Design Guide 3318).

Checklists, Bulletins & Application/Tech Briefs of special interest to OEM buyers, listed in those sections:
(Also see other listings in the "Engineering Bulletins" & "Applic/Tech Brief" sections)

NADCA Collaborative Engineering White Paper
(No. 5115) In-depth White Paper from the North American Die Casting Assn. details how collaborative engineering between OEM engineers and custom die caster engineering can improve production efficiencies and reduce part costs. Discusses cost-saving opportunities for existing parts at tooling replacement or required product design revisions, as well as for clean sheet designs. PDF, 6 pages: (Engrg. Bulletin 5115).

NADCA Die Cast Production & Finishing Checklists
(No. 090) Key factors in specifying the production and surface finishing of die cast parts, based on NADCA Product Standards Manual guidelines. Helps assure clearer communication between OEM purchaser and die caster. (This checklist included in NADCA Commercial Practices for Die Casting Buyers, No. 02, above.) PDF, 2 pages: (Engrg. Bulletin 090).

Functional-Build Approach Offers Lower Production Costs, High User Scores
(No. 35) Using the "functional build" methodology in part production, widely embraced by Japanese engineers, many North American OEMs are now making higher performing end-product assemblies at lower costs with greater customer satisfaction: (Tech Brief 35).

EPA-Compliant Chromate for Al, Mg & Zn Parts
(No. 34) Latest information on Trivalent chromium which is now a proven alternative to hexavalent chromium coatings and meets new U.S. and European Union environmental mandates. Economical, with a cosmetically pleasing finish, it offers high corrosion resistance for CWM Al, Mg & Zn die castings: (Tech Brief 34).

Achieving Superior EMI Shielding with Die Cast Housings
(No. 24) More densely-packed housings, faster processing speeds, and new EMI regulations call for changes in electronic housing designs. This paper frames the EMI shielding challenge, the importance of attention to shielding concerns well before the prototyping stage, and outlines the pros and cons of shielding alternatives in metal and plastic housings: (Tech Brief 24).

Die Cast Heat Sink Can Be a Cost-Effective OEM Choice
(No. 31) Presents data on heat sink materials comparisons and the strengths and weaknesses of heat sinks produced as stampings, extrusions and die castings. Of special interest to designers less familiar with integral incorporation of heat sinks into a housing design or the potential of custom die cast sink designs: (Tech Brief 31).

Designing for Servicing & Recyclability
(No. 024) Facts on the material recycling infrastructure long in place for die cast metal parts and recyclability questions designers should ask in selecting materials and manufacturing processes for "green" component design. PDF, 2 pages: (Design Guide 024).

OEM On-Demand Webinars:
These Mini-Seminars include 12- to 15-min. concise overviews of the die casting process and its closest competitive processes. Immediately viewable at the "On-Demand Webinar" section.

Webinar No. 1:
The Die Casting Process: A Designer’s Overview (Excellent for both experienced buyers and those new to the die casting process).
Webinar No. 2:
High-Precision Die Casting vs. 10 Competitive Processes.
Webinar No. 3:
Die Cast Product Design Strategies: Part 1
Leveraging DFM Prior to Part Design Commitment

FAQ: "Purchasing Guidelines for Die Cast Parts"
Valuable Q & A at the Resource Center's "Die Casting FAQ" section

In addition to providing die cast component buyers with additional specific information regarding die cast part production, this Resource Center sub-section on “Purchasing Guidelines” will help to assure more accurate quotations and answer questions regarding ownership of tooling and responsibilities for die maintenance, repair & replacement.

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