An RFQ for a solderable metal dome brought Valeo and Shanyo into their first technical discussions. The request called for gold plating with selective tin plating. One of Valeo’s first questions was about the manufacturing system behind the part: was Shanyo certified to IATF 16949?
That question set the direction for the work that followed. Shanyo submitted audit documentation, completed the requested CCL forms and prepared for a three-day on-site pre-audit. The review examined five areas: cleanliness, tooling, stamping, testing and electroplating.
A group photograph at Shanyo Precision, included in the project record.
The RFQ for A Solderable Metal Dome with Selective Plating
The starting point was a specific component requirement, rather than a standard catalogue selection. Valeo’s RFQ specified a solderable metal dome combining gold plating and selective tin plating.
For our team, the discussion extended beyond the part drawing. We also needed to provide the documentation and access required for Valeo to assess our manufacturing capabilities. Preparing the submission became an important part of the project, alongside reviewing the component requirements.
CAD reference for the solderable metal dome discussed in the RFQ.
Preparing for the On Site Review
Before the visit, we assembled the requested audit materials and completed the CCL documentation. The pre-audit took place from September 9 to 11.
Over those three days, Valeo reviewed cleanliness, tooling, stamping, testing and electroplating in detail. Our digital systems also formed part of the review, connecting the discussion of manufacturing operations with the information used to support them.
Reviewing production equipment during the on-site pre-audit
Discussing process details and supporting documentation on the production floor.
Reviewing digital information during the site visit.
The visit gave our team an opportunity to explain its work directly, answer questions and learn from the auditors’ observations. It also brought the different parts of the manufacturing process into one discussion, from tooling and stamping through to surface finishing and testing.
What Valeo’s Feedback Highlighted
In its follow-up feedback, Valeo identified three positive points:
- Management system certifications:IATF 16949, ISO 14001 for environmental management and ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety.
- Experience stamping thin products:previous work with material as thin as 0.02 mm.
- Willingness to improve and invest:a commitment to developing our capabilities further.
The 0.02 mm figure describes the thin-product stamping experience noted in the feedback.
For Shanyo, completing the pre-audit and receiving this feedback marked an important step in the evaluation process. It gave us a clearer understanding of the strengths Valeo had identified and reinforced the value of continued improvement.
Follow-up feedback after the September 9–11 audit, as reproduced in the project record. Redactions are retained from the source.
What We Took from the Process
The work began with a component enquiry, but much of the progress came through documentation, preparation and detailed discussions on site. Each stage required our team to explain how we work and respond to the customer’s questions.
We appreciated the time Valeo spent reviewing our operations. The experience underlined a practical lesson for our automotive work: confidence develops through specific evidence and consistent follow-through, from the first RFQ onwards.
An illustration from the original project summary, showing the stages of the evaluation process. It is not an audit result or approval notice.
Discuss Your Metal Dome Requirements
If you are sourcing a custom metal dome, share your drawing, plating requirements and supplier evaluation needs with Shanyo. Contact our team to discuss your project.
