7 replies to this topic

[calmcookie]

Have been playing with the idea of making this new device (tell you later, what it is) ... actually purchased a provisional patent. It's a simple, small, two piece item that I want made out of plastic. Been looking for a place that will make a prototype. Came across the emachineshop.com website and downloaded their drawing software. I'm impatient about learning to use CAD drawing techniques (think that's what it's called) ... so I went to another site to try and hire someone to submit the design to emachine shop. Engineer in India responded, but he is now telling me that my initial costs for a prototype will be (in his words) "HUGE." Perhaps I misunderstool what emachine shop can do ... will have to go back and read up again ... but my initial impression was that they could make a single prototype for not much initial investment. Just tossing this out here ... in case anyone has experience doing this. Comments sought and welcome. Thanks ! C.C.

Edited by calmcookie, 07 October 2007 - 01:38 PM.

[calmcookie]

Just read this on emachine shop: (so I don't see what the HUGE cost are that this engineer is referring to) Pricing How are your prices? Low! The software performs many of the functions normally performed by people. Our processes are highly efficient we have a high processing volume. Our savings are passed on to you whether you order one part or one million. The cost of fabricating your job depends on your design, material selection, quantity, machine used etc. Simple jobs on simple machines generally start at around $150 for setup and as low as $1 per part (or even lower) for simple parts.

[newportsurf]

Calm Cookie, I have also invented something a few months ago. I have hired an attorney, and filed all the papers with the patent office. Anyway, I have also done alot of importing from Taiwan. For example, about molds. Molds are pretty expensive. Lets say a mold for a gas tank for a motorcycle, average size is roughly 50K. My invention, which is the size of a small 1-2 gallon bucket (mold will be injection, since it is made out of ABS plastic) The price here in So Cal is roughly 30K. I will be going back to Taiwan, and am sure to get the mold made for 15-20K. Then its cheap, each peice will be around 2-3 dollars. Also, many manufacturers will eat the cost of the mold if you purchase a certain amount, yet the own the mold, and can sell your product as if it was there own. Especially if you are not protected by Intl rights..... Anyway, I hope that helps..... Brock Also... There are different grades of the tooling(mold) one is for low production(say 200k pieces), and the other for high production....... say 900,00+ or so)

[libertas]

Just read this on emachine shop: (so I don't see what the HUGE cost are that this engineer is referring to)

Pricing
How are your prices?

Low! The software performs many of the functions normally performed by people. Our processes are highly efficient we have a high processing volume. Our savings are passed on to you whether you order one part or one million.

The cost of fabricating your job depends on your design, material selection, quantity, machine used etc.

Simple jobs on simple machines generally start at around $150 for setup and as low as $1 per part (or even lower) for simple parts.

Without knowing what it is that you are making it is hard to comment. However, if you want a CAD monkey just put an ad on Craigslist, or search "resumes" with keyword CAD or Pro/E or Solidworks. I just checked the local (SF Bay Area) list and CAD drafting is running $30/hr. If it is simple as you say, it is probably just a few hours work to enter the design. Then use the rapid prototyping machine to make your pieces and verify your design before you worry about molds.

Edited by libertas, 07 October 2007 - 02:02 PM.

[gorydog]

I have a product made in China. $750 for the CAD, $6600 for steel mold good for 100k , product in 3 parts about 1 foot long, abs, $1.20/part. I tried to find a cheap US manufacturer, but was unable to get an affordable price. GD

[calmcookie]

Thanks for all your comments. I have to do some more investigating. I appreciate your input. C.C.

[ty250]

I am a toolmaker. I work for a large battery manufacturer,and work on plastic injection molds. The molds can be very complex it depends on the shape of the parts, and size. If I can be helpful I will get you the info you are looking for. It is also possible a few samples can be machined before you buy a mold. TY

[calmcookie]

I am a toolmaker. I work for a large battery manufacturer,and work on plastic injection molds. The molds can be very complex it depends on the shape of the parts, and size.
If I can be helpful I will get you the info you are looking for. It is also possible a few samples can be machined before you buy a mold. TY

Hello ty250,

Thanks so much! Have a few options at the moment, but will PM you once I've finalized my design plan and come up with what I believe is the most reasonable solution (might be able to construct it from parts that already exist - will know by the end of the day).

C.C.