A small sized, used, injection moulding machine?????

[jplot1]

I am a long retired party who was in the waste removal business for most all of my life. This entailed solving many problems of mechanical, electric, and hydraulic nature.

I now have a patent on a toy like flying machine, and I would like to tinker with the idea of getting a hold of a small plastic injection machine, that would perhaps run on 240 current, to see if I could produce the fairly simple, various parts that I need.

I fully realize that I can get most any plastic company to do this work, but at a cost that is prohibitive. I have always loved the idea of learning new stuff, and this sounds like I could have a ball, and if I fail, so what.

I was thinking there surly is small equipment out there that might sell for one or thousand dollars. Am I wrong? Am I nuts? Perhaps.

I would welcome any help or comments.


jplot1

 

[jplot1]

Thanks for all the replies and info. I have learned a lot from my post.
Sounds like the best way to approach my search for a used small injection machine, is to see if I can find a heaavy machinery auction someplace close to Canton,Ohio.
I have recently revived my Google Sketchup program, and am going to see if I can draw an accurate 3D pic of the Base that I feel I need. Will make a new post then.

jplot

 

[btrueblood]

"For the price ProtoMold wanted to charge me for a short run, I could have had many many thousands made in China"

Sign on the machine shop wall: 'You can have it fast, cheap, or good. Pick any two.'

Protomold (and other prototyping shops) = fast, good
China = cheap, and <pick your 2nd criteria>

I would say, having dealt with some prototype shops that do SLA's, you can ask them for slower delivery, and some of them will discount accordingly. Dunno if the injection molders will do similar. One of the good features about some of these shops is the free engineering they can give you up-front (e.g. suggestions on changes to the part to allow for molding). Where you eventually go for actual part production is up to you.

 

[patprimmer]

China often is NOT cheap for small runs and in fact some local moulders here in Sydney are wining small run work from China on cost or minimum run number restrictions.

Regards
Pat
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