I'm not allowed to say how cheap exactly but trust me on this, ....
I can... 500kg of extrusions should cost about AUS$3500-4000 or $70-80 per boat (assuming Wouter's 50). You'll pay a premium beyond that depending on the tolerances you demand. The premium is based upon wastage and also how often the die will need to be replaced.
From other endeavours I can tell that making a new die can cost in the order of 1000-2000 Aus$
Shipping (as one single batch) dependents on distance and whether you are close to a busy shipping route. In my experience the shipping costs were not higher per item then the extrusion+die costs.
High school arithmatic can now be applied to calculate the cost for each <15.0 kg mast or <10 kg set of beams when various percentages are disguarded because of dents, scratches, crookedness or other undesireable features (high tipweights).
These are indicative numbers only as indeed finding an extruder willing to produce 1.6 mm wallthickness can be challenging. However, from 2 mm onward even Chinese companies are willing to stand by their product. Hence one reason why most beams have 2 mm walls !
Happy calculating everybody !
Wouter
P.S. What an effort must be made to not run afoul of past agreements !
Last edited by Wouter; 03/19/1010:39 AM.
Wouter Hijink Formula 16 NED 243 (one-off; homebuild) The Netherlands
