| Material Identification | Common zinc die-casting alloys include Zamak 3, Zamak 5 and ZA-8. Typical zinc alloy density is approximately 6.6–6.7 g/cm³. | The alloy grade affects strength, ductility, dimensional stability, corrosion resistance and surface finishing performance. | Request the material designation, chemical composition report and a batch-based material certificate. | Critical |
| Mechanical Performance | Typical ultimate tensile strength varies by alloy and condition; Zamak 3 and Zamak 5 are commonly specified in the approximate range of 280–330 MPa. | Mechanical requirements must match the part’s load, impact, wear and service-life conditions. | Review alloy-specific technical data and verify production samples through an independent or accredited laboratory when required. | Critical |
| Dimensional Capability | Die casting can produce thin-wall components and repeatable dimensions, but achievable tolerances depend on part size, geometry, tooling design and measurement method. | Clear tolerances prevent disputes and reduce machining, assembly and rejection costs. | Provide a fully dimensioned drawing with GD&T, datum references and inspection points; review a first-article inspection report. | Critical |
| Applicable Standards | Use recognized casting and geometric tolerancing references, such as ISO 8062 for cast products and ISO 2768 where applicable to general tolerances. | Standards create a common technical language for drawings, inspection and acceptance criteria. | Confirm the standards listed on the quotation, drawings, control plan and inspection report. | High |
| Mold and Tooling Plan | Tooling life depends on alloy, shot parameters, mold steel, part geometry, maintenance and production volume; it should be defined contractually rather than assumed. | A documented tooling plan reduces unexpected repair charges and production interruptions. | Ask for mold-flow review, tool design approval, maintenance intervals, ownership terms and a repair or replacement policy. | Critical |
| Machine Capacity | The selected die-casting machine must provide sufficient locking force, shot volume, die dimensions and ejection capacity for the part and mold. | Incorrect machine selection can cause flash, incomplete filling, porosity, deformation or unstable cycle times. | Request the machine tonnage, shot-weight range, tie-bar spacing, maximum mold dimensions and equipment maintenance records. | Critical |
| Production Process Control | A controlled process normally includes documented parameters for melting, die temperature, injection speed, pressure, cycle time, trimming and inspection. | Stable process parameters are essential for repeatable quality across batches. | Review the process flow chart, control plan, work instructions, process records and corrective-action procedure. | Critical |
| Internal Quality Systems | A mature supplier should operate documented quality procedures, traceability and nonconformance controls; certification to ISO 9001 is a useful verification point. | Quality systems reduce variation and make root-cause investigation more reliable. | Check the current certificate scope and validity, audit the facility and review sample inspection records. | High |
| Porosity and Defect Control | Common die-casting defects include gas porosity, shrinkage, cold shuts, flow marks, flash and inclusions. Acceptance limits must be defined for each part. | Internal defects may reduce pressure tightness, strength, plating quality and long-term reliability. | Specify visual limits, cross-section requirements, leak testing or X-ray inspection when the application requires it. | Critical |
| Surface Finishing | Zinc alloy parts can commonly receive polishing, painting, powder coating, electroplating or passivation, subject to alloy and surface preparation. | Finishing affects appearance, corrosion resistance, wear resistance and customer acceptance. | Approve signed reference samples and define coating thickness, color tolerance, adhesion, corrosion and appearance criteria. | High |
| Testing and Inspection Equipment | Suitable equipment may include calibrated calipers, CMMs, spectrometers, coating-thickness gauges, hardness testers and leak-test equipment. | Capability to measure critical characteristics is more reliable than visual assurances alone. | Review equipment lists, calibration certificates, measurement-system records and sample inspection data. | High |
| Traceability | Production records should link raw material, mold, machine, operator, production date, inspection results and shipment batch. | Traceability supports rapid containment, warranty analysis and regulatory documentation. | Request a redacted example of a batch traveler, material record and final inspection report. | High |
| Prototype and Sampling | Before mass production, approve samples for dimensions, function, appearance, material and finishing using the same process intended for production. | Production-intent samples reveal tooling and process risks earlier than quotation-stage discussions. | Use a signed sample approval record and a first-article report covering all critical characteristics. | Critical |
| Packaging and Logistics | Packaging should prevent scratching, deformation, oxidation and contamination during handling and international transport. | Good packaging protects finished surfaces and reduces transit-related claims. | Approve packaging drawings or photographs and define carton quantity, labeling, palletization and shipping documents. | Medium |
| Commercial Transparency | A complete quotation should separate tooling, part price, finishing, inspection, packaging, freight assumptions, payment terms and lead times. | Transparent pricing makes suppliers comparable and limits unexpected charges. | Compare itemized quotations and confirm inclusions, exclusions, tooling ownership and engineering-change charges in writing. | High |
| Supplier Audit Readiness | A reliable partner should be able to provide facility access or a structured remote audit covering production, quality, storage and subcontracted finishing. | Audits verify whether quoted capabilities are supported by actual equipment and procedures. | Use a documented audit checklist and record objective evidence, open actions and completion dates. | High |