Just Curious

[contractdesign]

Hello all. I am a custom machine builder and automation specialist. I am curious what the demand or marketability of a line of varing sizes of 3 axis router / engraving machines would be. I would like to find a standard line of machine to manufacture for resale. I am thinking of building a quality steel / aluminum ball screw actuated machine to test the waters. Any feed back would be appreciated.

[ViperTX]

Well....I would look at ShopTask, ShopSabre and others....see what they are offering and at what price point, then determine if you can provide an equivalent or better machine at a much lower price point.

Ocassionally you can contact each manufacturer...inquire about a machine and how popular it is.

Each machine size caters to a specific range of clientele....personally I would focus on the small business user that most companies avoid because they require alot of handholding.

Look at your local area first.....make contact with sign companies, metal fabricators (plasma table customers) and try to gauge interest level.

You could also....look at the cost associated with a basic machine, steppers/servos, drivers, computer, lead screw (ballscrew, acme, etc.) then determine what each incremental increase in table size will cost.

[contractdesign]

I have already done some cost analysis and have a good feel for how much a project like this would cost. I also have experience in rebuilding knee mill 3 axis type machines. I watch Ebay alot and have come to the conclusion that any router angraver machine listed recieves an awful lot of hits and bids. I'm not tring to steal information from competition but I know my company can build something for less $$$. As I said, bieng a custom build house, it would be nice to build a standard line of equipment. I would like to build a complete machine and control that a customer would only have to plug into a laptop utilizing Mach software.

[ViperTX]

Well you're not stealing information....you ask for it and if they give it to you....you haven't done anything wrong.

If you have all the answers....then I'm puzzled by your original request.