Cost Estimator Aids Plastics Manufacturers

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers' (SME) Injection Molded Part Cost Estimator is a new spreadsheet tool that evaluates plastics variables not always considered in determining total part costs, according to the Dearborn, Mich.-based organization. The downloadable, interactive Excel spreadsheet enables users to set up all costs involved with projects, including variables often overlooked (e.g., electricity and labor), according to SME member Glenn Anderson, principal engineer at Concordville, Pa.-based Southco Inc. Additionally, Anderson is part of the Injection Molding Technical Group at SME. Anderson notes that the spreadsheet allows users to run what-if scenarios and can show numbers based on different run rates. Major categories of process variables incorporated into the calculator include: part volume, part information, resin material, tooling equipment and maintenance, production, secondary operations and associated costs and direct labor. The Injection Molded Part Cost Estimator can be ordered through the SME Resource Center at 800-733-4763, or by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. The spreadsheet is free to SME members; $24 for nonmembers.