I work doing Cad/Cam design, cutting molds, and casting processes. I would recommend white metal castings in a rubber centrifugal rig as being the most cost effective with very little startup cost.
In the beginning, the metal pieces will be far, far cheaper than plastic.
If you are not going to be going into full production immediately (200,000 + units), plastic pieces are actually quite a bit more expensive than metal.
Plastic injection molding dies are referred to as "tools", and even a simple one is US$ 30,000 +. Many are in the six figure range. Each plastic unit manufactured from the tool may only cost a few cents, but you have to amortize out the initial cost of the tool.
Per-unit cost for metal pieces is higher, but the initial setup costs are only a few hundred dollars, sometimes less.
I can do CAD/CAM master/mold cutting and get you in touch with a casting facility in your area if you are in need of one.
Slashdot Mirror
I work doing Cad/Cam design, cutting molds, and casting processes. I would recommend white metal castings in a rubber centrifugal rig as being the most cost effective with very little startup cost.
In the beginning, the metal pieces will be far, far cheaper than plastic.
If you are not going to be going into full production immediately (200,000 + units), plastic pieces are actually quite a bit more expensive than metal.
Plastic injection molding dies are referred to as "tools", and even a simple one is US$ 30,000 +.
Many are in the six figure range. Each plastic unit manufactured from the tool may only cost a few cents, but you have to amortize out the initial cost of the tool.
Per-unit cost for metal pieces is higher, but the initial setup costs are only a few hundred dollars, sometimes less.
I can do CAD/CAM master/mold cutting and get you in touch with a casting facility in your area if you are in need of one.