chris_f Posted 13August, 2015 Report Share Posted 13August, 2015 Over the last year I've been working with an industrial designer friend of mine to bring an aluminium gear knob to market.We've been through the r&d phase and have a shape locked off ready for production. We've been very disappointed with prototype samples from two different Sydney based tool-makers - poor surface finishes, and incorrect dimensions etc.Is anyone able to recommend a manufacture? Brisbane or Sydney based would be fine. I'd really like to get these made in Australia but so many headaches thus far...Thanks for your help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fraz Posted 13August, 2015 Report Share Posted 13August, 2015 I have a mate Dave who does exactly this, he is the owner and operator. He comes from an aircraft machining background and is a car guy too.Except he is in Melbourne, if you check out his Face book page that will give you an idea of what he does.http://cncmanufacturing.com.au/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_f Posted 13August, 2015 Author Report Share Posted 13August, 2015 Thanks for the suggestion Fraz, I'll check him out... Melbourne might still be workable Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hughesy Posted 13August, 2015 Report Share Posted 13August, 2015 TRY PROGRESSIVE TOOL AN DIE IN TUGERAH NSW 43532260GOOD GUY, RETIRING SOON BUT KNOWS EVERYTHING ENGINEERING Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TINGY Posted 13August, 2015 Report Share Posted 13August, 2015 Sounds to me that you need to find someone who has a passion to make exactly what you want and not just for the paycheck, i know the paycheck will always be the bottom line but i am sure you will find someone who will deliver exactly what you need, it may not be a big company either it may well be a back yarder that you find through word of mouth, good luck with it Chris. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orion03 Posted 14August, 2015 Report Share Posted 14August, 2015 I only know guys in Melbourne, and some in China and Taiwan, give me a PM if you want to know more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OZ930 Posted 14August, 2015 Report Share Posted 14August, 2015 Apparently there is a good one in Tamworth……so my son tells me. I will ask. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_f Posted 15August, 2015 Author Report Share Posted 15August, 2015 appreciate the help thus far, thanks guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stew F Posted 16August, 2015 Report Share Posted 16August, 2015 Over the last year I've been working with an industrial designer friend of mine to bring an aluminium gear knob to market.We've been through the r&d phase and have a shape locked off ready for production. We've been very disappointed with prototype samples from two different Sydney based tool-makers - poor surface finishes, and incorrect dimensions etc.Is anyone able to recommend a manufacture? Brisbane or Sydney based would be fine. I'd really like to get these made in Australia but so many headaches thus far...Thanks for your help!Chris, having been in this industry for nearly 35 years, as a qualified tool & die maker then as a designer (for the last 18 yrs in automotive, commercial goods, & mechanical systems), any place worth their salt should be able to machine a part like a gear knob properly with good surface finish and dimensional accurately. Don't take any of this the wrong way, but since you're so close to hitting the market now could be a good time to do a review. regarding the poor quality issues so far, consider these things. 1. Is the part over complicated or difficult to machine? In our line of business (design) people do occasionally over-design simple items, because with 3D design software you can - me included. 2. Is the correct material grade being specified? IMO, something in the 6000 series (6061 T6), or at minimum 2011 T6 which is a bit cheaper from memory, but still anodises well. Anything 5000 series has quite poor machinability because of it's inherent hardness and you will never achieve a half decent finish. 3. Is the price and leadtime negotiated reflected in the quality required? Consult the Time/Cost/Quality triangle.Have you talked to the machinist about the quality issues with the prototypes? Ask them what needs to happen to improve the quality of the end part. Good luck with your item. With the company i work for we manage projects from concept design to commercialisation. If you want any advice or info flip me a PM. We need more locally made products for our cars. I've been working on a number of items for a guy who is planning to bring to market over the next 6 - 12 months. No gear knobs tho. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_f Posted 16August, 2015 Author Report Share Posted 16August, 2015 Chris, having been in this industry for nearly 35 years, as a qualified tool & die maker then as a designer (for the last 18 yrs in automotive, commercial goods, & mechanical systems), any place worth their salt should be able to machine a part like a gear knob properly with good surface finish and dimensional accurately. Don't take any of this the wrong way, but since you're so close to hitting the market now could be a good time to do a review. regarding the poor quality issues so far, consider these things. 1. Is the part over complicated or difficult to machine? In our line of business (design) people do occasionally over-design simple items, because with 3D design software you can - me included. 2. Is the correct material grade being specified? IMO, something in the 6000 series (6061 T6), or at minimum 2011 T6 which is a bit cheaper from memory, but still anodises well. Anything 5000 series has quite poor machinability because of it's inherent hardness and you will never achieve a half decent finish. 3. Is the price and leadtime negotiated reflected in the quality required? Consult the Time/Cost/Quality triangle.Have you talked to the machinist about the quality issues with the prototypes? Ask them what needs to happen to improve the quality of the end part. Good luck with your item. With the company i work for we manage projects from concept design to commercialisation. If you want any advice or info flip me a PM. We need more locally made products for our cars. I've been working on a number of items for a guy who is planning to bring to market over the next 6 - 12 months. No gear knobs tho.Stew, thanks very much for your input. Definitely not taking any of that the wrong way, it's good advice. The gear knob was specified in 6000 series aluminium and is of a simple / classic shape. My designer friend is having another meeting with them this week to see what can be done.I'll share some more details via PM. I agree 100% when it comes to more locally made products - I really want to find a local manufacturer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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