Getting a prototype Heatsink Produced.

[JonSidneyB]

I have an idea for a mod. I plan on asking the right questions to learn to do it correctly. I think I will start with the heatsink.

Here is what I want to know. I would like someone to help me design a heat sink of a specific body, and would pay for a prototype to be built.

Here is the question that would determine if I want to go through with this. After I have the prototype heatsink, how difficult is it to get a machineshop to manufactured them, how many hoops will I have to jump through, what can go wrong when dealing with someone manufacturing my heatsink?

I do not want to give to many details at this time since my idea would be unique I think.

If I can find someone who can help with a proto type heat sink, I would want them to keep it a secret until I can get the heatsinks and some mods built.

Can anyone help???

 

[yclo]

I can help you do a drawing in a 3D software, but that's all I can do.

 

[Chief_Wiggum]

Jon,

What I've found is that most shops charge quite a lot for a single prototype. For example, I'm in the process of deciding how to make a heatsink for myself right now. I'm using:

http://www.emachineshop.com

For machining, these guys are great. You download their drawing program, draw your parts, and request an instant quote online. The have different machining processes and even anodizing options. After you submit your job, your parts show up a couple weeks later. Pretty cool.

The problem is that most heatsinks have to have very specific dimensions in both the width and the height. So that rules out things like laser cutting, since you have to pick from a selection of pre-cut thicknesses. Once you move to CNC machining, things get pricey. For quantities less than 5, expect to pay about $150.00

I'd be more than happy to draw something up for you if you're intested in getting just a quick quote from them (all Top Secret, of course /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif )

 

[Otokoyama]

Depending on what you need, I offer to do both workable engineering drawings (in Visio, which can be exported to CAD packages for production runs) and the work itself. I currently only have lathe capability, but will have a modest milling capability by next week. Cost? We'll worry about that after the work is done. Please email me at the address in my profile.

 

[shankus]

Is anyone else having trouble with downloading the emachine shop software?

 

[IlluminatingBikr]

Shankus,

I had no problems downloading and running the software.

 

[kakster]

Thanks for the great link Chief /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
Ive had a few ideas that need some custom parts machined up. That place will give me the chance to try some stuff out, despite my total lack of technical skills.

 

[Otokoyama]

That eMachineShop software is very interesting. I pretty quickly "designed" a battery holder and got a 3D view, though I already had this designed in Visio and knew exact coordinates and measurements. Prices ranged from $114 for a 41-day delivery to $299 for 12-day delivery.