Hi all, I'm in the process of getting some Genesis PCB's produced so that I can make them available to the homebrew market in much the same way that Bunnyboy does for the NES scene. The next step is to source some Genesis compatible cart shells as well as some clam shell cases that are in the style of the original Genesis. I want to do one of two things: - Source a company that already produces blank cart shells and clam shells and purchase a bulk order. - Contact a manufacturer and have them produced specifically for me and to my specs. Option 1 would likely save me time and money, which would ultimately keep costs down for consumers. I have unsuccessfully attempted to find a company that currently makes these products, so I'm starting to explore option 2. Option 2 would likely produce a higher quality product, and I could go as far as adding different color shells and other things that consumers would enjoy. Unfortunately, the cost for the mold for both products would be high and may be prohibitive. So, I guess that's where I could use some help... - Does anyone know of a source overseas where I could purchase cart cases and clam shells? If you could provide me with your source and I do indeed do business with them, I could certainly compensate you for your help. - Has anyone had some solid experience with a plastics manufacturer? Who do you recommend? What are reasonable ideas for the cost of a mold? Cost per unit after? What is the cheapest method of production that will fit me with a decent product? I would like to stay under 1,000 units of each for my initial run if possible (likely closer to 500), but would go higher if necessary. Anyway, any help would be greatly appreciated!
for the batch sizes your talking i dont think any major manufacturer would give you a feasible price. maybe if your batch was 3 or 4 times the size. have you tried something like http://www.ponoko.com/? they take 3d models and can mold them in a couple of different ways, ie vacuum forming, 3d printing or CNC'ing. Cart cases are injection molded i think, so you will spend your money on tooling, actually making the cases is the cheap bit of the process. but i could be wrong
$5k is pretty spot on with what I've heard in the past, so good to know that's pretty much the benchmark number. Anyone use anyone in the past that they would/would not recommend as a manufacturer? Just to raise the question again; does anyone know of a pirate-esque company that sells bulk empty carts or clamshells? Unlikely, I know, but it would likely save a lot of cash on the front end. Thanks for the responses guys, very helpful stuff.
Perhaps it's an idea to contact the guys from Pier Solar? They have produced brand new mega drive/genesis-cartridges for it's release.
Out of curiosity, what's stopping you from reusing old cart shells? I know it's probably heretical around here to suggest it, but at a certain quantity it might be cheaper just to buy a pile of old sports games and clean off the label. Nobody is going to miss those NFL Quarterback Club carts. Not to be a dippy hippie about it either, but I'm personally starting to get worried about the costs of raw materials. For electronics in particular, rare earths and petroleum components are not only more expensive to use, but are actually worse for the environment since most manufacturers outsource the nasty jobs to countries with no enforcement of pollution laws. Any Genesis or Megadrive cart shell or casing you can reuse is one more that doesn't have to get dissolved, squirted, molded and stamped out.
manufacturing can be crazy expensive, if you wanted to go the 3d printing way of things youd might as well just get ahold of a reprap or you could also take the toy makers approach and try some silicon casting of an empty shell then fill with urethane, it'd take some time doing them by hand but you could do w/e colors you wanted and even crystal shells thatd be cool....if i ever get more plastics stuffs ill have to try that.
Good plan. The Super Fighter Team also produced cart shells and cases for their release of Beggar Prince.
Wombat: I contacted Watermelon initial, and although they were very polite and helpful, the minimum initial order for each product would be too large. kendrick: Excellent question. I've always used "donors" for past projects and have done I'd guess anywhere around 500 reproductions with used parts. This project is for a homebrew and I think it's really time to make the shift over to brand new products. Beyond that, I want to be able to offer blank PCBs, cart shells, and clam shells for people interested in their own homebrew projects. I'm hoping that this opens up the Genesis homebrew scene and introduces more talented programmers. ArgyleEyes: I've thought about that, but I think the size of this project would make that option an issue. For a few dozen carts, it's probably the way to go, but who knows? I'll definitely take a peak. SD: I haven't made an attempt to contact Brandon. Thanks again for the help guys, I'll see what I can do with what you guys have given me.
