Die Casting Supplier Audit Checklist

An audit should answer a specific question: can this supplier produce this part family, at this volume, with the required quality and documentation?

The scope should therefore include the machines, the process controls, the inspection capability and the project management process, not only the quality certificate.

• Define the audit question
• Cover equipment and process
• Include inspection capability
• Review project management

Check the machine range and tonnage against the part size, the melting and holding practice, the die maintenance process and the cooling and ejection setup.

Ask how process parameters are set, monitored and recorded, and how a change is controlled once the process is released.

• Match machine range to the part
• Review melting and holding
• Check die maintenance practice
• Understand process control and records

Review the quality system certificates, the calibration process, the inspection equipment and how measurement results are recorded.

Traceability from material to finished lot is important for export and automotive programs, especially where PPAP or first-article documents are required.

• Verify certificates and calibration
• Review inspection equipment
• Check material traceability
• Confirm document control

Ask how DFM feedback, sample approval, engineering changes and corrective actions are managed, including who approves a change and how it is communicated.

A supplier with clear change control is usually easier to work with than one that only performs well when nothing changes.

• Review the DFM process
• Check sample approval discipline
• Understand change control
• Look at corrective action history