In a message dated 97-04-29 00:43:10 EDT, you write:
<< Subj: Service Bureau Start-Up
Date: 97-04-29 00:43:10 EDT
From: pruss@flash.net (Phil Russell)
Sender: owner-rp-ml@bart.lpt.fi
Reply-to: pruss@flash.net
To: rp-ml@bart.lpt.fi
I am currently investigating opening a small 1-machine service bureau
with a SLA-250. As you can imagine, I have many questions. Has anyone
had any experience with the "Smart-Start" package currently offered by
3D Systems? The more I learn, it seems to be a very minimal package,
functionally. Does anyone have opinions of the feasiblity of a modeling
only operation, in the beginning? My plan includes the possibility of
later expanding into CAD services, Stress analysis (my profession), and
possibly small-scale plastics injection molding. I am currently trying
to find any information on cost analysis, marketing, other people's
perspectives on the service bureau business, etc. Is the service
contract that 3D offers worth the price? Does anyone have any
quantitative laser lifetime data, based upon power rating? I could go on
forever. Thanks, in advance, for all the help.
Phil Russell
pruss@flash.net
>>
I dunno Phil.
According to industry pundits prices charged by service bureaus have sagged
by
15 -> 20% in the last year, and there is definite consolidation of SB's and
much vertical integration going on. I have a strong suspicion that maybe
it's not the best time to go into the business at the low end.
You might want to look into the RPML archives to get some scuttlebut, and
Terry Wohlers '97 State of the Industry report before even thinking about the
technical details.
Best regards,
Ed
Ed Grenda
AutoFab Systems
19 Pondview Road
Arlington, MA 02174 USA
617-646-6280 (voice or fax)
EdGrenda@aol.com (email)
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