Commercial foam model moulding ?

[solentlife]

I'm really interested in how todays models are actually moulded up .... the equipment ... materials ... methods ....

I'm not talking profile types as that's basic cutting. But the full body RTF's, ARF's etc. that we have available today.

I've looked online but cannot find any decent site that explains or shows it ...

Why would I ask ? I live in a country that has serious unemployment - yes its part of the EU !! - and labour costs are generally lower than most other European countries ...

How much would it cost to set-up a few model forms ? Is it possible ... feasible etc.

Given that most models and gear that gets sent in - shipping is often more than the model price ... it makes me wonder if any market and possibly sending out to others ....

Pipe-dream ? Henry Ford had a dream one day !!

igel

[earthsciteach]

This link may be of help. http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1712928

The foam molding process is definitely not something that is easily found online.

[kenchiroalpha]

Hi

PMPF- EPO FOAM PLANE KITS MOULDING PROCESS

PMPF- EPO FOAM PLANE KITS MOULDING PROCESS1

Take care dear friend
Yours Hank

[solentlife]

Will have to wait till I get home ........ various links are blocked here in China ...

Nigel

[quorneng]

solentlife
It the cost of making the moulds and the moulding machine itself that are the killer.
Once that is done the actual mouldings only cost pennies, providing of course you run the machine 24/7 and can sell all the output created.

China has the skilled cheap labour that can make both the machines and the moulds at a fraction of the cost in the west as well as the cheap unskilled labour to pack and ship the boxes.

Injection moulding, whether or not it is foam, is a relatively high capital cost, high volume process.

[typicalmale78]

I read a post somewhere, (perhaps this site) where an individual built a mini fighter jet out of carbon fiber and created his own molds etc. That might be a more realistic start-up in my opinion. There could be a nice niche market for high performance carbon fiber planes.

[cyclops2]

Short runs can be made with common insulating foam. Molds can & have been made with common plasters.

You can not directly compete with a Hobby King.
You could probably sell anything that is NOT a ARF or RTF on the web & any local get togethers.

Just the foamed plane parts.........Yes

Try doing it.........Or you will never know. Web sites are a great place to hear why you can not succeed as a small start up company.
You have to substitute unlimited money for crafty intelligence.

Go for it........ON THE CHEAP........Do NOT give up a day / night job !!