Vietnam Foundry Procurement Guide

How to Source Steel Shot for a Foundry in Vietnam

A useful steel shot quotation requires more than a grade and price. Vietnamese foundries should compare particle size, hardness, blasting equipment, cleaning result, consumption and delivery requirements before approving a bulk order.

Start with the casting and cleaning objective

Cast steel shot is used for shot blasting, foundry sand removal and other metal cleaning applications. Its rounded particles deliver repeated impact against the workpiece. The correct grade depends on the casting rather than the country where the plant is located.

Describe the metal, casting dimensions, typical batch weight and material that must be removed. Sand removal from a robust casting may require a different operating mix from cleaning a smaller component with edges or detailed geometry. Also state the required appearance and whether another process follows blasting.

Steel shot specifications to compare

Qishun's product information lists common steel shot grades from S70 to S780 and SS-0.2 to SS-2.5. Listed routine hardness is 40–50 HRC, with special hardness of 52–60 HRC. These ranges describe available product information; the quotation should confirm the exact grade, hardness and packing for the intended order.

Do not choose a grade from particle size alone

A larger particle generally carries more individual impact, while a finer particle generally provides more coverage. That simple rule is not enough to specify a purchase. Machine power, separator performance, casting geometry, cycle time and the established operating mix all affect the result.

If the foundry already has a successful process, provide the current bag label or technical data sheet. If performance is unsatisfactory, identify the problem: incomplete sand removal, long cycle time, excessive dust, unstable finish or high replenishment. A clear problem statement is more useful than asking for “the best steel shot.”

For more selection detail, review the steel shot size and SAE grade guide. If the desired surface requires a more angular cutting action, compare steel shot with steel grit before requesting samples.

Match the media to the blasting equipment

Tell the supplier whether the plant uses wheel-blast or air-blast equipment. Include machine model, number of blast wheels or nozzles, current media and any known operating limits. The media must be suitable for the machine and its recovery system.

The separator and dust collection system also deserve attention. A new media grade enters an existing operating mix rather than working in isolation. Record the normal additions, carry-out and separator condition when testing. Without this baseline, a buyer may attribute a machine or process problem to the new media.

Use a controlled trial before changing suppliers

1. Select representative castings, including difficult areas and common defects.
2. Record the existing media, machine settings and cleaning cycle.
3. Agree on the proposed grade and trial quantity with the supplier.
4. Hold unrelated variables steady while comparing the trial.
5. Inspect cleanliness, surface appearance, processing time and downstream acceptance.
6. Document the result before approving a production order.

Compare total blasting cost, not only the quoted tonne price

A low unit price can be offset by higher additions, longer cycles, unstable cleaning or more rejected work. Compare the amount of media added over a defined production period, the number and weight of parts processed, machine time, dust handling and the accepted output.

Use the same measurement period for the current and proposed media. If production conditions change during the test, record the difference. This makes purchasing discussions more objective and helps the plant avoid a decision based on one attractive price line.

International RFQ checklist for Vietnam

• Company name and production location in Vietnam
• Workpiece metal, dimensions, weight and cleaning objective
• Wheel-blast or air-blast equipment and current media
• Required grade, hardness and applicable specification
• Trial quantity and estimated monthly or annual demand
• Required packing and pallet arrangement
• Destination port or full delivery location
• Requested trade term and purchasing schedule
• Documents that must accompany the shipment

Ask the supplier to state exactly what is included in the quotation. Product price, packing, inland transport, international freight and destination charges should not be assumed. Confirm the commercial terms before comparing quotations from different suppliers.

Frequently asked questions