Estimating production cost bicycle inner tube

[Ghentstudent]

Hey

I studie the feasibility of manufacturing bicycle inner tubes with multiple compartiments. First I want to make a rough estimate of the production costs for making classical bicycle inner tubes. At this moment I experience problems with finding reliabe unit prices for some basic materials (Butyl rubber,Zinc Oxide,Mercaptobenzothiazyl disulfide (MBTS) and 13-Dibutylthiourea (DBTU)). I also want to estimate the purchase of typical machinery (internal mixers, strainers, extruders, valving machines, splicing machines and vulcanization machines).
Can anyone give me an idea about the rough prices of this type of machines, or alternatively tell me who are the main suppliers?

Thanks in advance!

Niels

 

[GrahamBennett]

Niels,

About 99.999% of all inner tubes are made in South Korea or China. Only a very, very small percentage is made in other countries in asia. Virtually none are made outside this geographical area these days due to costs.

Exxon polymers should be able to give you some guide prices on the materials used and the specialist equipment needed for splicing the tubes together.

Other equipment needed include an internal mixer (~US$500k) plus cooling line, a suitable extruder complete with a strainer head and take off line (~US$ 350k to 450k), moulds and curing presses, etc.