Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] REPRAP COST EFFECTIVE?

On 10/9/2011 8:42 AM, 556RECON wrote:

> I love gadgets and stuff like this machine. and I want one. but I have
> to know how much I would use it an if it would be cost effective.
>
> An example: A part I make for a company is a spacer. It is 0.500"
> thick, 1.625" by 2.500". there is 1.125" hole centered on the piece and
> 2 0.1875" holes one on each end. They cannot be wood or metal so that
> means plastic.
>
> Can any one give me an idea of what the cost of materials and time to
> make the parts.
>
> I realize that the faster the machine is the more they cost.
>
> I have a prototype probotix V90with a 8.5" X 12" XY axis and 3" Z axis
> OR a Sherline CNC milling machine that I could probably convert.
>
> How fast could the part be made and how expensive is the material.
>
> I would love to justify building one.
>
> OR
>
> Can some one suggest a better group to ask this kind of question?
>
> BOB

Do you have a CAD model or any drawings? Any specs?
A 3D model will tell you the volume, which is needed for raw plastic cost.
The requirements (specs) will help you determine suitable materials.
There are a number of manufacturing options including, but not limited
to, milling from solid, 3D printing, molding (casting).
The choice would be governed by such things as quantity over time or
total per order.
To make an intelligent decision you would need to explore the costs for
each method.

Typically, the first few of something (prototypes) are very expensive,
but production quantities can bring costs in line if the quantity is
high enough.
Prototypes are usually necessary to proof the part before production.
Even though they are pricy, it is much more costly to dump a bad
production run.

If you want to discuss this further, please email me off list.

--


Ron Thompson
On the Beautiful Florida Space Coast, right beside the Kennedy Space Center, USA

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