{"id":4477,"date":"2023-05-19T09:20:40","date_gmt":"2023-05-19T09:20:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ultimakerstage.wpengine.com\/learn\/"},"modified":"2023-05-26T06:53:25","modified_gmt":"2023-05-26T06:53:25","slug":"cost-efficient-functional-prototypes-for-small-bore-motorcycle-parts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ultimaker.com\/ja\/learn\/cost-efficient-functional-prototypes-for-small-bore-motorcycle-parts\/","title":{"rendered":"Cost-efficient, functional prototypes for small bore motorcycle parts"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Cost-efficient,<\/div>\n

Cost-efficient, functional prototypes for small bore motorcycle parts<\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n

With Ultimaker, MNNTHBX found a more efficient way to design and produce prototyped parts in the small bore motorcycling industry. By switching from traditional methods of manufacturing to 3D printing, the team replaced dozens of hours at the CNC mill and saw a 90% reduction in raw material cost.<\/p><\/div>\n

Reducing raw materials costs by 90% and saving thousands on design<\/h2>\n

3D printing on Ultimaker mitigates risk, and opens the door to creating working concepts on extremely low investment. Long gone are the days of spending thousands of dollars running multiple prototypes through traditional CNC machining methods. When we take a design to the machine shop, we know before we start that it\u2019s a fully functional design meeting our standards.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

– Greg Hatcher, Owner of MNNTHBX<\/p>\n

Challenge and solution<\/h2>\n

Challenge<\/h3>\n

MNNTHBX previously outsourced prototype production of small bore motorcycle parts to CNC mills, which was a costly and time-consuming solution to their product needs. This process cost the team anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 per part, and required a week of production time before they were able to see a finished prototype. MNNTHBX needed a faster, more cost-efficient option for the design process\u2014one that would allow them to secure prototypes directly onto motorcycles for tolerance and fitment testing.<\/p>\n

Solution<\/h3>\n

After purchasing an Ultimaker 2+ in April of 2016, Greg saw an immediate return on investment. There was a measurable 90% savings on raw material costs as they switched from aluminum to PLA filament for their 3D printed parts. Additionally, prototype production time decreased from one week at the CNC mill to 12 hours on average per part. Greg estimates that they now spend approximately $200 prototyping on their Ultimaker 2+ printer; and average of $1,800 savings for each new design.<\/p>\n

Cost comparison<\/h2>\n

With parts prototyped on Ultimaker, they experienced immediate ROI and have continuous cost savings.<\/p><\/section>\n

<\/th>\nUltimaker 3D printer<\/th>\nExternal CNC supplier<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n
Costs<\/td>\n$200 per part, including man hours and material<\/td>\n$1,500 – $2,500 per part, including man hours and material<\/td><\/tr>\n
Time<\/td>\n12 hours per part<\/td>\n1 week per part<\/td><\/tr>\n
Iterations<\/td>\n1-5 iterations per part<\/td>\n5-10 iterations per part<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/section>\n

As owner Greg Hatcher states, \u201cThe simple truth is that our return on investment was nearly instant. Our printer basically paid for itself the first time we saw a product through prototyping. Being that we prototype roughly 15 products annually, the costs savings become apparent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Results<\/h2>\n