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Supplier transfer

Changing casting suppliers: a transfer plan that protects quality

Buyers move cast parts to a new foundry for price, lead time, quality or tariff reasons, or because the current supplier is closing. The risk is that part of the know-how sits in the old supplier’s process and records. A planned transfer moves that information across, keeps supply running and proves the new parts before the switch.

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JK Casting · Buyer resource · Updated 26 October 2026

The transfer in outline

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Supplier transfer (schematic)
  1. Technical package
  2. Tooling decision
  3. Buffer stock
  4. First-article comparison
  5. Pilot batch
  6. Full supply

1. Collect the part’s technical package

Gather the current drawing revision, the material specification, recent inspection reports and material certificates, a few approved production parts, the packing specification, and the history of complaints or defects. If you have no drawing, the part can be measured and scanned instead; see making a casting from a sample.

2. Decide what happens to the existing tooling

If you own the patterns or dies and can recover them, the new foundry can inspect them and confirm whether they suit its process, need repair or should be replaced. Tooling that is worn, missing or owned by the current supplier usually means new tooling. Check the ownership documents before you plan the transfer around existing tooling.

3. Keep supply running during the transfer

Build buffer stock with the current supplier to cover tooling and first-article approval, and do not cancel open orders until the new parts are approved. A transfer that leaves the production line without parts can cost more than the price difference saves.

4. Qualify first articles side by side

A new foundry needs a new first-article approval even when the drawing does not change. Compare the new castings with the drawing and with approved parts from the current supplier: dimensional report, material certificate, critical features and a fit test on the assembly. Record every deviation and how it was closed.

5. Release in stages

Start with a pilot batch, check it on receipt and in assembly, then move the full demand. Keep the same drawing revision, inspection plan and packing specification so that the only change is the source. The repeat order release checklist helps keep later call-offs consistent.

Illustrative example: moving a steel bracket

A distributor buys a carbon steel bracket, 2,000 pieces a year, and the current supplier’s lead time has doubled. The distributor sends drawing revision C, three production parts and the last material certificates. The pattern belongs to the old supplier, so new tooling is quoted. Three months of buffer stock are ordered from the current supplier, the new first articles are measured and fitted against the old parts, and a pilot batch of 200 pieces goes through receiving inspection before the full volume moves.

Information to collect

  • Current drawing and revision, or a sample if there is none
  • Material grade, standard and required certificates
  • Recent inspection reports and approved production parts
  • Known defects, complaints and critical features
  • Tooling owner, location and condition
  • Annual demand, batch size and current stock
  • Packing and labelling specification
  • Target date for the first new batch

Use the quote comparison guide to compare the new offer with the current price on the same scope, or send the drawing for review.

Related guides: Making a casting from a sample · Casting tooling costs

Frequently asked questions

Can a new foundry use my existing tooling?

Sometimes. If you own the tooling and can recover it, the new foundry should inspect it and confirm whether it suits its process, needs repair or should be replaced before quoting.

Do I need new samples if the drawing has not changed?

Yes. A different foundry uses a different process and tooling setup, so the first articles need their own approval even with the same drawing revision.

How long does a supplier transfer take?

It depends mainly on whether new tooling is needed and how long the first-article approval takes. Lead time is confirmed in the quotation for each part.

What if the current supplier will not release the drawing?

If you have production parts, the part can be measured and scanned to prepare a new drawing for your approval. The sample-based guide explains this route.