Computer-aided tool cost estimating: an evaluation of the labour content of injection moulds

Abstract

The accurate cost estimation of major production tools, such as for presswork or injection moulding, is important for successful toolroom management. This paper describes how a British tool-making company, working with a university department, is changing to a computer-based tool cost estimating system for injection moulds. The new system is mainly concerned with the labour content of tool manufacture. It uses component shape and tool structure analyses based on conventional coding principles. The resultant data base is classified and subdivided by cluster analysis. Estimates are then derived by multiple linear regressions which use the relevant cost characteristic tool group.