Spare parts we source from China

Identify the replacement before choosing the process

Start with the equipment and part function. A current manufacturer part number, controlled drawing or documented approved alternative may be more useful than a damaged sample. Describe mating components, installation constraints and the problem you are addressing.

For obsolete parts, compare feasible local repair, documented supply and manufacture to an approved definition. Do not assume reproduction is appropriate merely because the original is unavailable. Rights, safety, material uncertainty and the cost of validation can change the decision.

Machined parts: control geometry and material together

Bushings, shafts, brackets and similar components need a drawing revision, units, material grade and condition, tolerances, threads and finish. Identify mating dimensions, datums and any characteristics whose acceptance depends on measurement after coating or heat treatment.

A three-dimensional model may not contain every requirement. State the governing technical definition and obtain engineering approval for changes. Ask suppliers to explain how the required features will be made and measured, with first-article evidence separately agreed.

• Prepare a machined-parts enquiry →

Seals and gaskets: include the operating conditions

Provide the specified compound, hardness range, geometry and housing or groove dimensions where available. State the fluid or medium, pressure, temperature and motion. A material-family name, colour or nominal diameter alone does not establish suitability.

Record the condition of any used sample. Swelling, compression set and wear can alter dimensions and properties, so an old seal should not silently become the manufacturing specification. The responsible technical owner must approve material selection and compatibility requirements.

• Define a seal or gasket request →

Castings and structures: make tooling and acceptance explicit

For housings, castings and fabricated structures, provide material, geometry, interfaces, machining allowances and relevant load or pressure requirements. The production process must suit the approved design and quantity, rather than being chosen solely for a lower unit price.

Agree tooling charges, ownership, maintenance, storage and transfer rights before commitment. Define permissible defects, repairs and any required weld, pressure or other specialist checks with a qualified technical owner. Visual photographs cannot establish every internal defect or structural property.

Send a complete sourcing package

Send every supplier the same package so price differences can be traced to scope. Mark unknown grades or tolerances openly rather than guessing.

• Controlled drawing and revision, compatible model if available, units and governing-file rules.
• Material grade, condition, heat treatment, coating and relevant traceability evidence.
• Mating dimensions, critical tolerances, inspection methods and acceptance criteria.
• Quantity now, justified future demand, destination and required recovery milestones.
• Application risks, brand/source requirements and any restricted contents.

Compare the cost of accepted, usable parts

Include setup, tooling, material, manufacture, agreed checks, packing, service and delivered freight in the comparison. Samples or first articles, specialist review and destination charges need explicit lines or exclusions. Scope and fees are agreed per request.

Safety-related components need qualified engineering and regulatory review. Branded goods require suitable source evidence; unusual materials, oils, batteries or magnets may need carrier assessment. The category list does not guarantee feasibility, interchangeability, testing capacity or acceptance of every part.