Last week, a Spanish client visited Qingdao to tour the CEX Casting facility.
The client has long been involved in the automotive parts industry, with some products previously manufactured using forging.
As his business expanded, he wanted to explore whether certain parts could be switched to squeeze casting while still meeting performance requirements and potentially reducing manufacturing costs.
This was the central topic of our meeting.
At the factory, the CEX team walked the client through the squeeze casting production process and discussed key considerations for the switch: part geometry, material and heat treatment requirements, areas requiring post-casting machining, and methods for validating final performance.
The client also toured the production and quality control areas, expressing interest in further evaluating the squeeze casting option.
Determining whether a forged part can be switched to squeeze casting requires more than simply comparing the unit prices of the forged and cast blanks.
We must analyze specific drawings, production volumes, and performance requirements to calculate the costs of tooling, materials, machining, and inspection, followed by sample validation to confirm feasibility.
This reflects the value CEX aims to deliver: carefully assessing which manufacturing method best suits each specific part, rather than simply recommending a process.
After the factory tour, Emily accompanied the client for a walk around Qingdao.
Stepping away from the meeting room gave us a chance to chat about our work and allowed him to experience the city.
Before leaving, the client gave the CEX team a box of chocolates. It was a small but thoughtful gift, and we truly appreciated it.
We appreciate the client taking the time to visit us and share his manufacturing needs so openly.
We look forward to further discussions regarding specific parts to evaluate whether squeeze casting can offer a more cost-competitive solution while meeting the required performance standards.
