6 replies to this topic

[Baphomet69]

Looking around the Intarwebs, I see that molds for injection molding plastics are now below $5k. Could someone who understands such things explain the process of getting the CAD (or whatever) files for the sprue made to someone with no CAD experience or talent?

Example: say I want a sprue designed for an A1M1 Abrams tank in 15mm, on par with Plastic Soldier Company as far as quality, options, etc.. How do I go about getting the sprue designed? Are there forums where such talents can be found? What is the ballpark fee for such a service?

[papabees]

I'm curious. Where did you find that the prices were so low now. I've always heard their in the $100k range. Not arguing just curious.

[Baphomet69]

I used to hear at least 50k for steel, which is I assume the same you were referencing. Supposedly, the new aluminum alloys can sustain runs of tens to hundreds of thousands.

I got the numbers from www.dragonjewelinc.com. Note that they're the only ones I've saw prices from so far, so it could be something hinkey, but they seem to have some good info for the novice (me).

[Metalchaos]

That's precious manufacturing secrets you’re looking for. I’ve been thinking about using the very same techniques. I’m sure your questions will generate a lot of interest. It will surely be a nice way to produce Traveller’s minis. I’m sure someone can help explain the “secret spice from the sauce”.

Best of luck with your project.

[Baphomet69]

Stop it, that tickles! What are you smoking?

First, of course you know exactly what I'm looking for. I laid it out in my first post. Second, Reaper doesn't deal in 15mm, modern armor or injection molded plastics. As far as I know, Reaper doesn't even use CAD in their designs, they hire sculptors to sculpt greens. At least not yet that I'm aware of. It sounds like you see some nefarious subtext in my question. Boo! All I was trying to find out was the logistics of how the design process works regarding getting CAD designs made for injected molded models. Not some 'secret spice in the sauce'. If I wanted to know that, all I'd have to do is go to Denton and take the tour.

If you look at many of the threads I've posted in, many are requests for minis that I would like to see Reaper make. I have no desire to cover the same ground they do, infringe on their profits or compete with them in any way. I'm asking about items NOBODY offers and that I haven't even see anyone contemplating making. If I went to Plastic Soldier's site and posted this topic on their forums (if they had them), yes, that would be crass, even though they don't do moderns.

It just dawned on me since you mentioned Traveller. You think because I said I want Reaper to get the license to produce Traveller5 models that I'm now trying to jump on it ahead of them? Give me a break.

The only other reason for your attempt to chastise me that I can see is if my desire for injection-molded 15mm moderns stepped on the toes of some dream you had but never realized.

Perhaps you should consider the possibility in future that you are misconstruing something you're reading before you try to preach?

[Chrome]

As far as I know, Reaper doesn't even use CAD in their designs, they hire sculptors to sculpt greens. At least not yet that I'm aware of.

Almost all of the CAV models were designed in Rhino 3D. Only the first 10 or so were done by hand, and at least 2 of those were redone in CAD later on.

[Baphomet69]

Ah, that makes sense, I stand corrected.