Yeah, and then there's the type that says because everything's expensive, none of the costs matter, just bend over and take it. You still have to manage every link in the chain. Everything's a compromise between a product that won't sell because it's imperfect and a product that won't sell because no one can afford it.
Matt you & I agree:
"Everything's a compromise between a product that won't sell because it's imperfect and a product that won't sell because no one can afford it."
Unfortunately, some "executives" shoot from the hip rather than from a spreadsheet of the total time (people) and costs, shall we say.
In my arena in disposable medical breathing products, the tools are not large or complex. I've never designed a part that would take a $200,000 mold to make a part. Nothing has been over $100k. I've seen attempts to save $s on a low cost supplier wind up costing far more than a Class A tool from the finest shop in the area, simply because of literal stupidity.
When you need to work in the quality arena for medical products today, you can't get away "cheap" without paying a price somewhere else in expenses peripheral to the tool price.
Delay in time to market is the worst possible price of all, as that one can be a silent killer.
Bo
Ironically I'm currently sub-contracting to a New Zealand Company that is doing the R & D for a Chinese Company.
The product is being designed in NZ the first 2 prototypes will be built here, then the production will go to China. I think the reasoning behind designing and making the first 2 here in NZ is that they will get a high quaility product that they can use as the standard to measure the quality of the products being manufactured in China.
There are no injection moulded parts at this stage of development, hopefully we will also get to design the next iteration.
NZ dollars are going back to be the South Pacific Pesso (the NZ $ has been quite high against the Greenback for the last few years) so we are becoming a cheap international outsourcing resource once again.
John Layne
Forgot to add, if that Palo Alto Company would would contract me at $85,000 US per year and I could still work from NZ and Travel once Month to the US for a day or 2, I'd be one happy little designer. Cost of living is somewhat cheaper here.
John Layne
"John Layne" doing the R & D for a Chinese Company.
John, we've talked a bit before, and indeed I've had European Tooling in Auckland do a couple small molds for me.
I see a definite possiblity that in the future with the right web site & directed promotion of the abilities of a good designer, that he can start to build up an international client base, one client at a time.
Terrific design is needed by a very large number of companies...judging by some of the cruddy stuff I see in the marketplace.
I myself may contract out the "finish work" on my designs with a tool shop who has a good designer-design team to offload some of my work. Indeed I may soon want to "contact Auckland" again.
Getting the word out efficiently and inexpensively is the game, and I see your web site is starting the process.
Bo
PolyTech Forum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.