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[spacephrawg]

So I have me this plan to produce maybe 150 copies of something for sale, based on a 3d model that i would have CNC'd. How much can I expect the R&D plus production to cost?

The object in question would probably be about 40.6 length, 24.1 width, and 14.5 height and would be a multi-part affair and I'd want to get it made of aluminum.

I spoke to a guy on an RC forum who produced 100 copies of a body and R&D plus mold prep, production, and further refinement cost a grand total of 11grand and he didn't make it all back in profits either. he started with a prototype that he created by hand and then had someone 3d scan and refine on a computer; I am going to cut out the middle man and design it all on a computer first. I don't know how much that would save me since i will still need to have the thing CNC'd.

The mold I'd make would be multi-part.

Is there any way to keep the costs lower than 11grand or should I expect to shell out at least that? Is that normal?

Thank you for your patience with my ignorance!
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please pardon my apparent newbie ignorance!

[ahillworks]

Well I do not see it costing that much. The most on cost is going to be that mold. Even if you create the 3d image of it in cad the company that makes the mold using the cnc is going to have to edit it for the cnc anyways. So you save some money by making it yourself instead of someone else doing it.

I would call around and get a price on what it would cost a company to make a mold for it and you may want to look into what other material they can use. There are some resin molds less in cost that would work just as good as a metal mold.

The former should cost you around 500 - 1000 in parts. That’s for a really good former. You could go less but from what you’re doing may want to keep your options open.

Hope all this helps allitle.
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[trapperdale]

Lets' say you already have your business license / sellers permit and know how and where to buy all your materials wholesale...the cost is much lower! most new guys buy at retail and it kills them!

you say you want an aluminum tool 40 x 24 x 15
billet cost $1200.00-$1500.00 and 1000 lbs -2000 lbs
the machine size you need is 48" x 72" min.

In thermoforming we have what is called material thinning!
as the plastic is pulled over the tool and down to the platen the plastic stretches and thins out.
the deeper the pull the more this happens!

To help control this i use a 1:1 ratio with my tools.
that is tool hight to clamp frame edge.

2nd.

100 copies is not high production!
100 copies per day is low end high production!
that said, no need for the aluminum tooling!

I produce 1000's of parts per month!
I still use MDF on many of my tools. Very cheap to reproduce as needed!
R&D can be a money pit! this all depends on you!

machine cost for production machines...600.00-1200.00

As for multi-part tools....bad idea!
parting lines show up on part!
NOT PRODUCTION THINKING!! to slow! Your size of part
4-6 parts per day max

remember you have a 1000 lb tool that requires a fork lift or sky Crane for each pull....

I bring new items into production under $1,000.00 each
many for under $100.00

My advise to to look into other production meathods!!!!

Hot or Cold rotational casting would be a better match for your part.

[spektr]

I find that scaling up hobby ideas doesn't work well either.
Production means different things to those who do it.
If you want good results pulling toms of lexan RC bodies
you will neet to get away from sheet fed machines and work roll
fed machines. way more productive, less waste.

For RC bodies, epoxy tools will run thousands of parts if cooled.
aluminum tools will run forever IF COOLED. Cooling is critical for transparencies. I know I do it for real.......

SPEKTR..

Always looking for a good beer, not just beer, GOOD BEER.