| Engineering Capability | Ability to convert 2D drawings, 3D CAD files, and casting-process requirements into accurate EPS pattern mould designs. | Design review should address shrinkage allowance, draft angles, parting lines, venting, filling, ejection, and cooling requirements. | Request a sample design review, tolerance analysis, and documented design-change procedure. | 15% |
| Dimensional Accuracy | Consistency between the approved CAD model, mould cavity, EPS pattern, and final casting. | A qualified supplier should state achievable tolerances by feature size, material, machining method, and inspection equipment rather than quoting one universal tolerance. | Review inspection reports, coordinate-measuring-machine results, capability studies, and first-article inspection records. | 15% |
| Mould Material Selection | Suitability of aluminium, steel, or other mould materials for cycle count, pattern density, steam pressure, corrosion exposure, and operating temperature. | Material documentation should include grade, mechanical properties, surface treatment, weld-repair limitations, and expected service conditions. | Request material certificates, treatment records, and a written material-selection rationale for the application. | 10% |
| Machining and Surface Finish | CNC machining quality, cavity smoothness, edge definition, corner radii, and surface treatment. | The required finish should be defined by the EPS bead size, pattern appearance, release performance, and casting surface requirements. | Inspect representative cavity samples and compare measured roughness, visual defects, and release performance with the agreed specification. | 10% |
| Filling, Venting, and Ejection | Design efficiency for uniform bead filling, air evacuation, pattern release, and reduced deformation. | The mould should include application-appropriate steam holes, vacuum or venting provisions, ejectors, inserts, and access for cleaning and maintenance. | Conduct a mould trial using the intended EPS material and record filling time, density variation, release condition, and visible defects. | 12% |
| Prototype and Trial Support | Availability of sampling, debugging, process adjustment, and corrective-action support before series production. | A complete trial package should include a sample pattern, dimensional report, defect record, corrective-action list, and final approval status. | Require a written trial plan, acceptance criteria, and response time for nonconformities. | 10% |
| Quality Management | Control of incoming materials, production processes, inspection, nonconforming products, and document revisions. | ISO 9001 certification is a useful indicator of documented quality processes, but it should be supported by product-specific inspection evidence. | Verify certificate validity, audit scope, inspection plans, calibration records, and sample corrective-action reports. | 10% |
| Lead Time and Delivery Reliability | Speed and consistency from drawing approval to design release, machining, trial, and shipment. | Evaluate lead time by mould complexity and quantity; avoid comparing quoted lead times without identical technical conditions. | Review recent on-time-delivery records, milestone schedules, production capacity, and escalation procedures. | 8% |
| After-Sales Service and Spare Parts | Technical support, maintenance guidance, replacement inserts, repair service, and availability of design records. | The supplier should define response times, warranty coverage, spare-part identification, and the process for mould modifications. | Check the service agreement, maintenance manual, spare-parts list, and documented response process. | 5% |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Purchase price plus tooling modifications, shipping, installation, maintenance, downtime, and replacement components. | The lowest initial quotation may not provide the lowest cost per acceptable pattern over the mould's operating life. | Compare a three-year cost model using identical assumptions for tooling, trials, maintenance, freight, and expected production volume. | 5% |