Materials and Manufacturing job costing

[topdotter]

Hi,

Pardon my relative ignorance, my training is in computer chip architecture.

I have an invention that I'm trying to put a business plan together for: a new type of whiteboard marker.

Where can I find out information about
-What markers are made of
-More holistically, how much a marker costs to manufacture
-Mold manufacture costs
-Costs of the raw materials for a marker. I.e. resins, solvents, nibs

Also, I'm guessing markers are made of PP or PVC...? Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Shmuel

 

[patprimmer]

I would think PP, or maybe PET to reduce solvent loss via diffusion through the plastic body.

I would buy and test existing products.

Pigment manufacturers should be able to help with ink formulations.

Toolmakers and moulders should be able to help with mould costs and part costs.

You will need a good idea of production numbers as this might substantially impact on mould costs.




Regards

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
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[dwightdixon]

The body of the markers is easy to test once you get them apart. Refer to test procedures at this link.

http://www.consultekusa.com/links.htm

Remember to obay all safety warnings while doing the tests. PVC and others can give off some bad gas.

The nibs will be harder, as you can not get the ink out of them and that confuses things.

I would go to local molding shop for a quote on what it would cost to produce the molds and the parts. They will need some preliminary designs and materials specified to give you a ballpark quote. Ads in the back of any industry plastics mag. would be a place to start as well as Thomas Register.

Complete business plan will also have to consider the cost of assy. as well as a plant and distribution costs.