How do I start ordering die casting and metal forming from a Chinese factory?
Confidence 4/5 Established practice · review by 2026-12-31
A workable first order follows the same sequence in every category: fix the specification in writing including tolerance and finish; decide the quantity against the minimum above; get a physical sample approved before any mass production; agree tooling ownership and payment terms in writing; arrange inspection before the balance is paid; and confirm the HS code and the destination labelling requirements before the goods ship rather than after. For die casting and metal forming the two details that most often delay a first order are ordering a die before confirming the design is frozen and accepting "aluminium" without an alloy designation such as ADC12 or A380.
Sources
- Die casting tooling and unit cost ranges — Industry practice; ranges vary widely with part geometry
- Aluminium and zinc castings under HS 7616 and 7907 — World Customs Organization HS nomenclature
- Section 232 derivative tariff extensions — US Department of Commerce
What goes wrong with die casting and metal forming
- Ordering a die before confirming the design is frozen.
- Accepting "aluminium" without an alloy designation such as ADC12 or A380.
- Not agreeing how metal price movement is handled between quote and production.
- Skipping a trial run and going straight to full production from the die.
- Assuming porosity control is automatic; it depends on process and is worth specifying for pressure-tight parts.
Related questions people ask
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