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Machining, or parts sources — Parallax Forums

Machining, or parts sources

Erik FriesenErik Friesen Posts: 1,071
edited 2011-02-04 19:02 in General Discussion
I am trying to find an economic way to produce some parts. I received one quote for my probe as shown in the pdf, however, it came back -

Probe 3 for $975 total, or 10 for $2100 total
Cap 3 for $420 total, or 10 for $700 total.

This seems a bit out of line to me, I can build one probe on a standard lathe in less than a days work.

Anyway, first question, I have looked high and low for caps, I have a feeling the knurled cap is an off the shelf cap, but at this point I am unable to find any.

Second, what would be the minimum CNC setup I would need for this? This requires thread cutting.

Any other thoughts on parts sourcing or machining would be appreciated.
Probe2.jpg
1024 x 579 - 49K
pdf
pdf
Probe.pdf
20K
Probe3.jpg
860 x 744 - 143K
Probe1.jpg
1024 x 720 - 50K

Comments

  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2011-02-04 05:10
    There is at least one on-line CNC machining service that is quite cheap. You just upload the files from your CAD system, pay some money and wait for the parts to arrive - it's like getting PCBs made.
  • TonyWaiteTonyWaite Posts: 219
    edited 2011-02-04 09:24
    Hi Erik,

    I'll do it for less!

    I'll talk it through with my toolmaker on Monday and will PM you with a quote and leadtime ...

    Regards,

    T o n y
  • Erik FriesenErik Friesen Posts: 1,071
    edited 2011-02-04 09:34
    It looks like one of the partners found someone. Thanks though. PM me anyway, I would like to have your info for future stuff.
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2011-02-04 09:35
    Erik,

    You didn't mention anything about diameter, thread size, etc. How adaptable can you be as far as making something off-the-shelf work? For the knurled cap, I'm thinking of the screw-on collars from connectors like these:

    pRS1C-2265740w345.jpg

    -Phil
  • Erik FriesenErik Friesen Posts: 1,071
    edited 2011-02-04 09:40
    It has to be somewhat close. The inside diameter has to be at least 1.120. It all starts with the sensor, which is 20mm, so everything pretty much has to be built around that size.
  • pjvpjv Posts: 1,903
    edited 2011-02-04 10:12
    Hi Eric;

    I have passed the drawings to our machining group for a rough CnC production quote.

    Cheers,

    Peter (pjv)
  • Spiral_72Spiral_72 Posts: 791
    edited 2011-02-04 12:51
    Erik Friesen wrote:
    Probe 3 for $975 total, or 10 for $2100 total
    Cap 3 for $420 total, or 10 for $700 total.

    GOOD NIGHT!!!!! What are they thinking!!??
  • bsnutbsnut Posts: 521
    edited 2011-02-04 18:39
    Those prices are about average from a machine shop. The price they are quoting you is to setup the CNC up and machine time, which is the time the operator spents on your job.

    I don't have the problem that you have, because the trolleycar museum (Baltimore Streetcar Museum) that I belong to, we make our own parts. Because, we have our own machine shop.

    If, you want you can buy your own small mill,lathe, the tooling and you are in business making your own parts. The good thing is, you can find this all on internet under machine shop for hobbyists and even you can make your own CNC mill or lathe.

    You better off having a friend of yours make your parts for you.
  • Erik FriesenErik Friesen Posts: 1,071
    edited 2011-02-04 19:02
    Whats a typical rate? I figure they are charging somewhere between $200 and $400 per hour. My guesstimate is 4 hours on the first part, maybe 2 for the remainder parts. (per item)
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