Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Thanks.

I'm heavily considering buying a CNC machine to make templates for home made injection molding. And I was wondering if anyone has tried this before?

I'm trying to cost out resin vs plastic for production.

For resin I would first need a 3D printer than a vacuum chamber

With Injection molding I need a CNC machine to make templates (hopefully) and some way to inject hold plastic into mold template from the CNC machine.

Thanks for your help guys.

I have no personal experience but know that Proxy Models did a blog on their foundation, might be of interest to you. Not sure how back it goes either...

http://proxiemodels.blogspot.com/

Edit; might not contain specific info you are asking either! but they did what you are doing in founding a business so should be of interest anyway.

Resin casting can easily be done in a garage or shed as part of a small operation. Room temperature vulcanising rubber is a thing as are tin/platinum cure silicone rubbers. Pressure/vacuum systems for degassing resin are also good to have.
You can probably set up a decent resin casting sytem for under $2000. Scales, mixing gear, a couple of pressure pots 3d printer for masters and a good supply of resin/rubber.
(I have a small setup in my shed for casting up pieces I've sculpted myself. The resin/rubber are the two most expensive parts of it.).

Injection moulding of plastics - not unless you have access to industrial power (and the funds to run it) plus coolant systems (injection moulding machines run hot) and ventilation/ fume extraction systems (molten plastics put out some noxious fumes)
As well as a way to have your dies produced so you can do the moulding of the sprues. They are still carved out of blocks of metal. They are just cnc milled out these days from a 3d plan.

This will cost you into the multiple 10s of 1000s minimum. Even if you can get the injection machines second hand.