Rapid prototypes: What kind of costs am I looking at?

[Jeff7]

If I'd want to get a rapid prototype of a candidate extrusion design made, maybe ABS or something of the sort, what kind of costs am I looking at? Let's say the piece is 1x2x12 inches, for a start, and this would be for just a simple one-off run.
For some projects at work, this might come in handy, depending of course on the price, as well as process capability.
For a 1x2x12" piece, with some interesting internal geometry, $20? $200? $2000, or what?

I've tried getting quotes from a few places online, but none are willing to provide a price, which is to say, no one ever gets back to me with any information.

(As you can probably tell, I'm quite new to rapid prototyping, and likely don't even know the right questions to ask. I know that there are various technologies available, with different capabilities and such, but I'm not sure where is best to get started.)

 

[chusteczka]

...
I've tried getting quotes from a few places online, but none are willing to provide a price, which is to say, no one ever gets back to me with any information. ...

Some American companies will treat an individual like you and I, with open arms. Unfortunately, most (but not all) American companies have ignored me. This led me to Alibaba.com where a search for Chinese manufacturers returned many companies. I would contact 10-14 of those for price checks and have 3-4 interested in my business.

Create an account at Alibaba.com, then search for manufacturers for your item, or broadcast a message stating you are looking for a manufacturer for a certain type of item. Interested manufacturers will then message you, asking for your business.

There is no need to remain patriotic with domestic manufacturers if they are not interested in your business, or are possibly no longer able to provide for your needs.

Also, when starting out, we do not yet have the cash flow to afford domestic manufacturers. Therefore, build your prototypes in China. Make sure to find a contact you can communicate with well. There are many variables in creating an order that involve quantities, materials, dimensions, shipping arrangements, and more that need clear communication. A Chinese contact with poor English language skills could easily get a detail wrong and ruin your prototype.

Express air freight with 3-4 day delivery for an item weighing 1lb or less costs about $75, from China. You can expect an express shipping cost of about $150 for a 2lb item. Alternatively, postal mail to and from China costs about $25 and takes 10-14 days.

 

[Dubb]

China? seriously? Not the path I would take, but I've only worked with Domestic RP shops

For the dimension-like ABS 3d printers (since you're probably not looking to tool a mold), it's usually done by the cubic inch (volume of part + support material), and there are some limitations on the build size. The 12" length might exceed the limits of the smaller/cheaper shops and printers, so if there's a way to do it in two parts i'd be easier. Powder printers (zcorp style) often have bigger beds, so if you don't need it in plastic, that's an option

I have a place here that'll do commercial ABS printing at $25 / cubic inch, and I think their bed is 8x8x10. I can print any non-commercial stuff at my university for $4 /cubic inch + setup costs, either on a 10x10x10 dimension ABS or an 8x10x15 zcorp.

there's also the online places: http://www.shapeways.com/ and the like.

 

[MotF Bane]

Build yourself a reprap?

 

[Bignate603]

Give these guys a call. I know for a fact that they do rapid prototyping services for individuals.

http://www.padtinc.com/rm/default.htm

 

[chusteczka]

China? seriously? Not the path I would take, but I've only worked with Domestic RP shops.

Yes, you are correct. My work has not needed rapid prototyping and I had to ask my partner for more information about this since I do not have experience with it. The company websites referenced above also helped me to realize that my advice was not entirely relevent for the situation. My advice is more related to manufacturing orders where a prototype is not necessary and domestic companies are not being helpful.

 

[dullard]

In my experience, a piece that size runs about $2000. The costs are coming down and I haven't priced a rapid prototype in about a year, so you may do better. They charge by volume of material used, but there is often a setup fee, delivery fee, and if you don't do the CAD yourself, a sizable CAD fee.

 

[Jeff7]

In my experience, a piece that size runs about $2000. The costs are coming down and I haven't priced a rapid prototype in about a year, so you may do better. They charge by volume of material used, but there is often a setup fee, delivery fee, and if you don't do the CAD yourself, a sizable CAD fee.

😱

Wow.
Yeah, that's way too rich for this company.

This was intended to be for quick printing out a representation of extrusion design candidates. A die can cost anywhere from $800-$4000, with averages of $1000 being more common here. For us, that's a lot of money to risk on the hope of something being right the first time. I was hoping for something more in the $20-$200 range. I guess it's not quite there yet. :\
Against that price, we'd save money just getting the production-grade extrusion die made.

 

[Evadman]

How often do you need prototypes done? It may be cheaper in the long run to get a rapid prototype machine.

 

[edro]

http://www.protolabs.com
They do CNC machining too, so you could have a real aluminum part.
Their quote system is fast and their turn around time is blazing fast.

I have been very happy with their service on molded parts.

www.3dproparts.com does more SLA/FDM type one shot rapid prototypes, but they are expensive.

 

[Jeff7]

How often do you need prototypes done? It may be cheaper in the long run to get a rapid prototype machine.

Maybe once or twice a year.

I'd have a hard time even justifying the expense of something like a RepRap machine.