Flexible plastic mold help needed.

[2Gunz]

Im looking to make or have made a platic mold and dont know where to start or what to ask for. And Im hoping somebody here can point me in the right direction.

This is a flexible plastic piece for the interior of the car.
Specifically its the "armrest" part just below and touching the window.

Its about 3 feet long and 4 inches wide, and has a curved shape to it running from the top to the bottom. It also has a simple design molded into the front. The material used is somewhat flexible with what seem to be foam behind it.

Im looking to copy it, any ideas?

 

[MikeHalloran]

How many copies do you plan to sell, and how much money do you expect to take in as a result?





Mike Halloran
NOT speaking for
DeAngelo Marine Exhaust Inc.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA

 

[patprimmer]

How many parts do you want to make.

Why can't you use an existing part?

Regards

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[2Gunz]

I dont plan on this being a serious money making venture. Basically I personally need this part for my car. Im looking to have the part made and then make enough more to sell and break even. If it so happens that the demand is decent and I can continue to sell them and make money that would be a bonus.

As for a number.... I dont know there are 4 per car and and maybe do enough to do 25 cars. So maybe 100 pieces or so. Alot of this depends on the cost to make and if its worthwhile. If its going to cost $5000 to make the mold or stamp or whatever, then its prolly not worth the trouble.

And as far as why I dont use an existing part, thats simple. This is for a 30+ year old car and the parts simply dont exist. You can have your old ones "redone" for $600-1000, bu t thats quite a bit of money for your average hot rodder. And you also have to have old ones that are in decent shape to begin with.

If I can make and sell some $600 new sets plus get mine and make a few bucks all the better.

Any thoughts?

 

[patprimmer]

The only option I can see is self skinning polyurethane foam casting resin.

An injection mould would cost at least $5000.00 and probably a lot more depending on size, complexity and finish required. Also there are probably some differences between each of the 4 parts, so 4 moulds will be needed. Make that now at least $15,000 for the moulds.

To cast a part, you can use a mould that is cast of an existing part by making the mould from polyester, epoxy or even silicone. Still expect to spend quit a few hundred dollars to experiment.

Regards

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[2Gunz]

There a website I can look at with a sort of "how to" on this?
Or at least someplace I can look so I get a better understanding it.

Im very new at this sort of thing. Im very good at mechanics and pretty much anything using my hands. To me this doesnt seem like a crazy project. And considering this part was made 30 years ago, it seems that today it should be fairly easy.

The only problem here is I dont know where to start. well I started here

Thanks for your time.

 

[patprimmer]

try searching sites of polyurethane resin manufacturers or suppliers

Regards

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[bluefrog]

hello

sorry bit late to catch your requirements but you could try:

rapid prototyping companies - they will be able to use your master model to produce 20-30 parts from silicon tooling in a range of materials.

regards