RCDLtd
Automotive
- Jul 18, 2003
- 153
Is there anyone that has previously researched and crunched the numbers to determine cost effective, low-volume processes for plastic (or composite) exterior parts.
For instance, taking a mass-produced PP, Injection molded bumper as a starting point and looking for an alternative process to replace that bumper with a new deisgn for a total volume of around 3000 vehicles.
The new bumper must use a carry-over fixing strategy so the complicated B surface, requiring all the sliders, must carry-over to accomdate.
The volume, to me, seems is too high for traditional hand-layup methods to be cost effective so I've concentrated on "molded" options.
The volume, to me, seems too low to support expensive injection mold tools so I've looked at low-cost tooling options.
Where I've got to is RRIM using PU. The tooling cost is mid-priced so a good start. The molding price is very reasonable so it starts to look even better. But then there is the painting and finishing and it seems that so much hand finishing is required to get the bumpers to the standard of the OEM PP part that the piece price goes through the roof.
Anyone have similar experience with RRIM finishing or do I need to find another supplier?
Any alternative processess that can be suggested to be worth researching?
Thanks in advance.
For instance, taking a mass-produced PP, Injection molded bumper as a starting point and looking for an alternative process to replace that bumper with a new deisgn for a total volume of around 3000 vehicles.
The new bumper must use a carry-over fixing strategy so the complicated B surface, requiring all the sliders, must carry-over to accomdate.
The volume, to me, seems is too high for traditional hand-layup methods to be cost effective so I've concentrated on "molded" options.
The volume, to me, seems too low to support expensive injection mold tools so I've looked at low-cost tooling options.
Where I've got to is RRIM using PU. The tooling cost is mid-priced so a good start. The molding price is very reasonable so it starts to look even better. But then there is the painting and finishing and it seems that so much hand finishing is required to get the bumpers to the standard of the OEM PP part that the piece price goes through the roof.
Anyone have similar experience with RRIM finishing or do I need to find another supplier?
Any alternative processess that can be suggested to be worth researching?
Thanks in advance.