| 1. Alloy and process experience | Confirm experience with high-chromium cast iron and the buyer’s required grades, charge materials, and production process. | Relevant project references, process descriptions, and sample melt or commissioning records. | Ask for references in comparable applications and markets; alloy requirements and operating practices can differ by foundry. |
| 2. Furnace type and application fit | Compare the proposed furnace type—such as induction, electric arc, or cupola—against the required melt schedule, plant layout, and utilities. | Process-flow diagram, equipment list, layout drawings, and stated operating assumptions. | The best choice depends on local electricity or fuel supply, emissions rules, existing equipment, and the foundry’s operating model. |
| 3. Capacity and performance guarantees | Check rated capacity, expected melt rate, operating cycle, and the conditions under which quoted performance is measured. | A written technical offer defining charge material, starting conditions, measurement method, and acceptance-test criteria. | Compare offers on the same basis; capacity or energy figures without test conditions may not be directly comparable. |
| 4. Chemistry control and process monitoring | Review temperature measurement, power control, sampling procedures, and how the proposed process supports the buyer’s chemistry-control plan. | Control-system description, instrument list, sample procedures, and documented commissioning checks. | Specify measurement units, data access, calibration responsibilities, and operator training in the purchase contract. |
| 5. Refractory and wear-part support | Confirm refractory recommendations, installation requirements, inspection practices, and the supplier’s guidance for the intended alloy and operating conditions. | Refractory specification, maintenance instructions, consumables list, and replacement-part lead times. | Check availability of qualified local installation support and the cost and shipping time of recurring consumables. |
| 6. Safety, emissions, and compliance | Identify required guarding, interlocks, cooling or extraction systems, and applicable electrical, workplace-safety, and environmental requirements. | Risk assessment, equipment documentation, compliance declarations where applicable, and emissions-system specifications. | Confirm local regulatory requirements before ordering; responsibility for permits and site approvals should be clearly allocated. |
| 7. Installation, service, and total cost | Assess installation scope, commissioning, operator training, warranty terms, remote support, and access to spare parts. | Itemized quotation, delivery schedule, warranty exclusions, service response terms, and recommended spare-parts list. | Compare total landed and operating costs, including freight, duties, installation, utilities, maintenance, and service availability. |