Re[2]: Future of RP Re:Further Comments

From: lblasch@opw-fc.com
Date: Mon Dec 14 1998 - 09:57:38 EET


Steve,

You forgot a few small factors in your equation, the cost of molding the
components used in the high volume production method is substantially
lower than the cost of RP-ing the same components due to the high
tooling investment. The same mass of plastic even at 1/4 the cost of the
current RP materials would still be more than the proposed selling price
of the vehicle and that doesen't include the metal and glass.

Take the same automobile scenario:

Estimate 180-250Kg Plastic/Rubber components in an automobile; divide
that into 20 groups of materials needing unique properties; and you now
need 20 of your 30 sets of machines just to make the required parts in
the appropriate materials.

Of course you could run some parts and change resins, but that will
incease the labor costs and lead time. The cost to produce the
equivalent part in RP as compared to most molding processes is much
greater due to the hand work necessary as well as the material costs.

What you save by not having tooling investments, you more than offset
with the increased cost and time required by freeform manufacture.

Next, the assembly of the vehicle is complex, in a high volume production
plant, hondreds of millions of dollars are spent on fixtures and
positioning equipment to reduce the assembly time. If you are building more
than one vehicle at a time, you need to factor that into the equation as
well. It takes a lot longer to build it without the proper tools.

By my estimate, the low volume manufacturer, even with high speed RP
capability would be producing an equivalent product at 8 to 10 times the
cost of high volume production.

Will you pay $120,000 for the $15,000 car?
     
Sincerely,

Larry Blasch
System Administrator for Engineering Services

OPW Fueling Components Voice: (513) 870-3356
P.O. Box 405003 Fax: (513) 870-3338
Cincinnati, OH 45240-5003 USA
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