Hello Gents,
I am in the beginning stages of building a new low volume business that will take small product ideas from conception to prototypes to small batch production (less than 100 parts), if the demand for a product is sufficient I would probably farm out the process to a real production shop or possibly sell the rights to another manufacturer.
I have several ideas for small products costing less than a few hundred dollars and not larger than a 12x12x12 envelope, generally out of plastic, aluminum, stainless, steel. These products will not generally have more than 10 separate machined pieces.
I want to start small until I can prove out the viability of my concepts. Initially, it will be just myself, I have a wide variety of design, computer, electronics, cad and manufacturing skills, but will eventually grow the business if demand requires it. I've owned a small home machine shop with high end, self refurbished manual machine tools, monarch, deckle etc for a decade or so and intend to farm out any work I cannot do myself.
I would love to have some input on the following thoughts/questions:
1. I'm looking for a small used CNC like a haas TM2p or equivalent to produce most of the parts? So far I like the Haas, but I've also considered Fryer, Trak, Southwestern ind., Tormach, should I be looking at any other manufacturers?
2. I am also considering an inexpensive 3d printer for the prototyping. I am new to 3d printing and am not sure how useful this would be, have you found them useful for this purpose and do you have a suggestion on a good model to start with?
3. If you've done something similar and have any advice to share I would welcome it greatly, either PM or here!
Any ideas are welcome, Thank you!
Steve
I am in the beginning stages of building a new low volume business that will take small product ideas from conception to prototypes to small batch production (less than 100 parts), if the demand for a product is sufficient I would probably farm out the process to a real production shop or possibly sell the rights to another manufacturer.
I have several ideas for small products costing less than a few hundred dollars and not larger than a 12x12x12 envelope, generally out of plastic, aluminum, stainless, steel. These products will not generally have more than 10 separate machined pieces.
I want to start small until I can prove out the viability of my concepts. Initially, it will be just myself, I have a wide variety of design, computer, electronics, cad and manufacturing skills, but will eventually grow the business if demand requires it. I've owned a small home machine shop with high end, self refurbished manual machine tools, monarch, deckle etc for a decade or so and intend to farm out any work I cannot do myself.
I would love to have some input on the following thoughts/questions:
1. I'm looking for a small used CNC like a haas TM2p or equivalent to produce most of the parts? So far I like the Haas, but I've also considered Fryer, Trak, Southwestern ind., Tormach, should I be looking at any other manufacturers?
2. I am also considering an inexpensive 3d printer for the prototyping. I am new to 3d printing and am not sure how useful this would be, have you found them useful for this purpose and do you have a suggestion on a good model to start with?
3. If you've done something similar and have any advice to share I would welcome it greatly, either PM or here!
Any ideas are welcome, Thank you!
Steve
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