Buying guide

You don't need every answer to get started.

A short description, an existing part or a drawing can start the conversation. Send what you have; we'll help work out what else is needed.

This guide covers questions that can come up when buying rolled or extruded aluminum. Your application may need a more detailed discussion, and our team is here for that.

Ask our team a question

A useful starting point

What do you already have?

You can share any of these. A complete set isn't needed for an initial conversation.

A specification or drawing.

Send the document with its revision, if there is one. Highlight any dimensions, finish or other requirements that are especially important to the job.

Material you're already using.

A product description, label or material document can help us understand an existing requirement. Tell us what works—and what you'd like to improve.

A new project.

Tell us what you're making, roughly how much material you expect to need, and where and when you need it. We'll help identify the details to confirm.

Questions about buying

Let's work through the details.

If your question isn't here, email info@foundaire.com. You don't have to fit your request into a form.

Can I inquire without knowing the alloy or temper?

Yes. Tell us about the application and share any drawing or existing material information you have. We'll help identify what needs to be considered and confirm the proposed specification with you.

If your customer or design already calls for a particular specification, include it. We won't assume that another material is an acceptable substitute.

What information helps with a quote?

The product form, approximate quantity, delivery location and required timing are useful starting points. If you know the alloy, temper, dimensions or finish, include them too.

For a custom profile, send a drawing if you have one. Tell us whether the quantity is for a single project or repeat production. We'll follow up on the details needed for a quote.

How do I describe sheet, coil, strip or an extrusion?

Use whichever description you already have. For flat products, thickness, width and length—or a coil requirement—help define the material. For an extrusion, the shape or profile drawing and required length help us understand the request.

A sketch or photo can help explain an unfamiliar form. Our team will work with you to turn that information into a specification for review.

Explore product forms
Can we discuss a custom extrusion?

Yes. A drawing, dimensions, intended use and estimated quantity give us a useful starting point. Please include any machining, finish or assembly requirements.

We'll review the requirement with a suitable extrusion source and discuss manufacturing details, tooling, approvals and timing with you before an order is agreed.

What if I need material cut, finished or prepared?

Include those needs in your inquiry. Cut lengths, blanks, slit material, finishing and machining can affect which source and supply arrangement suit the job.

We'll review the requested work with the relevant manufacturer or processing source and confirm the scope in the proposal. If you're unsure about the supplied condition, tell us how you plan to use the material.

How should we plan a repeat purchase?

Tell us about your expected usage, order quantities and production or replenishment schedule. If those numbers are still estimates, that's useful to know too.

We can review them with your team and the source so the proposal reflects how you buy and use the material. Any delivery schedule and release arrangements will be confirmed with you.

Can you discuss material documents or approval requirements?

Yes. Share any required material documentation, inspection, sample or approval requirements early in the conversation. We'll review them with the source and confirm what is included in the quotation.

If the requirement comes from a customer specification or quality procedure, sending that document helps us understand it accurately.

What should I do if there's a problem with an order?

Contact your Foundaire representative or email info@foundaire.com. Include the order reference, a description of the concern and photos where helpful.

We'll review it with you and work directly with the source to address it. Keep the material, packaging and relevant documents available while we investigate; they may help establish what happened.

Here to help

Still have a question?

Send it our way. A member of our team will help you work through the material and the purchase.

Get in touch