CF8 First-Article & Pilot Batch Procurement Checklist (USA OEM)

Use this checklist when sourcing custom ASTM A351 CF8 (SS304) investment cast parts from India — from engineering review through first-article approval and a typical ~500-unit pilot lot. Applies to non-valve OEM bodies as well as valve-related castings.

1. RFQ package (before quote)

□ 3D model: STEP or IGES (preferred) plus 2D PDF with critical dimensions
□ Material callout: ASTM A351 Grade CF8 (or CF8M for SS316)
□ Process note: investment cast + list of machined features (threads, seats, faces)
□ Quantities: first-article count and pilot target (e.g. 500 pcs)
□ Thread specs: series (NPT, BSP, UN), class, and gauging standard
□ Seat/seal: taper angle, surface finish Ra if specified
□ USA ship-to location for Incoterms and freight
□ Required certs: EN 10204 3.1 MTC minimum; PMI, FAIR if needed

2. DFM & tooling gate (after award, before pour)

□ Supplier DFM report: wall thickness, draft, fillet, machining access
□ Wax pattern / tooling approval or first-article waiver documented
□ Heat treatment requirement confirmed (solution anneal per A351 practice)
□ Casting mark or lot traceability method agreed

3. First-article inspection (1–10 pcs typical)

□ Dimensional report on critical features (flange OD, height, bore, threads, seat)
□ Thread functional gauge pass per drawing class
□ Seat contact / leak test if assembly performance is critical
□ EN 10204 Type 3.1 MTC for first-article heat — ASTM A351 CF8 chemistry & mechanical
□ PMI on first article if required by your QMS
□ Formal first-article approval (sign-off) before pilot release

4. Pilot batch (~500 units)

□ Production inspection plan: sampling AQL or 100% on critical dims
□ Heat-lot traceability on packing list / certificate bundle
□ MTC 3.1 per heat shipped with lot
□ Packaging suitable for sea freight (VCI, partition trays if needed)
□ Commercial invoice, packing list, COO for US customs

5. ASTM A351 CF8 — quick reference

Item	Typical requirement
Wrought equivalent	SS304 / AISI 304
Casting process	Investment (lost-wax) common for small complex bodies
Certificate	EN 10204 3.1 referencing ASTM A351 heat analysis
Finish ops	CNC threads, tapered seats, flange faces, deburr

6. Common pitfalls

Under-specifying thread class — always state gauge standard on the drawing
Skipping DFM — thin sections or zero draft drive scrap on first pour
Mixing wrought SS304 cert with cast CF8 — MTC must reference A351 heat
Pilot quote without tooling amortization clarity — confirm what repeats on production