Casting cost intelligence,
in plain language.

It is not just labour. Scrap markets, energy tariffs, moulding line investment levels, and overhead structures all vary - and compound. The gap between ex-works and landed cost tells a different story.

Every casting quote is built from the same four components. Understanding how each one behaves - and what moves it - is the foundation of any serious cost challenge or supplier evaluation.

When a supplier sends a price increase letter, most procurement teams negotiate by instinct. The ones who negotiate by data get better outcomes - and build more credible supplier relationships.

A Chinese quote that looks 25% cheaper ex-works often lands at 5% cheaper - or more expensive - once freight, duties, safety stock, and quality cost are added. Here is how to build a comparison that reflects reality.

Most casting cost is locked in at the design stage. Five geometric and specification decisions - parting line, wall thickness, cores, tolerances, material grade - account for the majority of avoidable cost.

Should-cost is one of the most useful concepts in procurement - and one of the most misunderstood. In foundry pricing it means something precise. Here is what it is, what it is not, and how to use it without damaging supplier relationships.