| Sinker EDM experience | Relevant experience with the workpiece materials, cavity shapes, and mold or tooling applications in your project. | Request anonymized examples of comparable work, including material, feature geometry, and inspection method. | 15% |
| Accuracy and inspection | Documented inspection procedures and the ability to measure the critical dimensions specified on your drawing. | Ask for sample inspection reports and confirm how datum references, tolerances, and measurement equipment are handled. | 15% |
| Surface-finish capability | A process plan that connects the requested surface finish to the material, cavity geometry, and EDM finishing sequence. | Specify the required Ra value and measurement location; request a representative sample when finish is critical. | 10% |
| Electrode design and wear control | Experience selecting electrode materials and planning for electrode wear, flushing, and multiple machining stages. | Ask how electrode design, wear compensation, and any electrode replacement costs are included in the quotation. | 10% |
| Workpiece and feature suitability | Confirmation that the part material is electrically conductive and that the cavity depth, shape, and access are suitable for sinker EDM. | Provide the 3D model, material specification, and critical-feature list; request written confirmation of any geometry limitations. | 10% |
| Process planning and lead time | A realistic schedule covering programming, electrode preparation, machining, inspection, and any agreed finishing work. | Request a step-by-step lead-time estimate and ask which design or material changes could affect delivery. | 10% |
| Quality management and traceability | Clear handling of drawing revisions, material identification, inspection records, nonconformities, and corrective actions. | Ask for relevant quality-system documentation and a description of how production and inspection records are retained. | 10% |
| Communication and engineering support | Timely technical responses and early identification of risks involving tolerances, access, flushing, or electrode design. | Evaluate the supplier’s response to a technical inquiry and confirm who will manage engineering changes. | 8% |
| Quotation transparency | A clear breakdown of machining, electrodes, setup, inspection, packaging, and any additional charges. | Compare quotations using the same drawing revision, material, tolerance requirements, finish, and delivery terms. | 7% |
| Packaging and shipping readiness | Packaging appropriate for protecting precision machined parts during the agreed shipping method. | Confirm corrosion protection, part identification, packaging method, and responsibility for export documentation where applicable. | 5% |