Batch Size (Petite / Moyenne / Grande Série) and RFQ Expectations
2026-07-17
French federation listings often tag petite série, moyenne série, grande série and sometimes unitaire. Those words are commercial signals — not ISO definitions. European buyers should translate them into annual volume, call-off size and tooling amortisation before comparing quotes.
What lot tags usually imply
| Tag | Typical buyer interpretation | RFQ emphasis |
|---|---|---|
| Unitaire / prototype | Development, pattern changes | Soft tooling, revision control |
| Petite série | Low annual volume | Flexible setup, higher piece price |
| Moyenne série | Steady industrial programmes | Stable process + SPC discussion |
| Grande série | High volume / automotive-like | Automation, dedicated cells |
Browse tagged profiles from the directory and note when batch language is missing — silence is common and must be clarified.
RFQ fields that prevent mismatch
- Annual volume and peak monthly call-off.
- Expected design revision frequency in year one.
- Whether price should amortise tooling or invoice tooling separately.
- Machining included or cast-only — see CNC handbook and CNC-tagged listings.
Link lot size to process family
Grande série on green sand is not the same industrial reality as grande série on shell/Croning or pressure routes. Align process choice using sand vs shell guidance and Knowledge Centre process pages.
CTA
Filter the French foundry directory, state volumes in SI units on page one, and submit your RFQ with lot-size assumptions explicit.