Amazing Engineering Breakthrough!

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iain53

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Apparently a major armament manufacturer (I can't name them yet) has developed a method for manufacturing AR15 type rifles for less than 50% of the current industry standard prices.

Smith & Wesson and Remington are not commenting, but an industry insider who spoke on the condition of anonymity stated that it cannot be done.


:rolleyes:
 
iain53 said:
Apparently a major armament manufacturer (I can't name them yet) has developed a method for manufacturing AR15 type rifles for less than 50% of the current industry standard prices.

Smith & Wesson and Remington are not commenting, but an industry insider who spoke on the condition of anonymity stated that it cannot be done.


:rolleyes:
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I'm trying to figure out how one could cut costs from the process. In 50 years of production, I tend to think any method to drive cost from the bottom line that still results in the same quality has been done.

Forging dies are costly to design and make, but pay off in reduced delivered cost of reciever blanks and a reduction in machining steps and tool wear.

CNC machines are costly to purchase and program, but save a mint in labour costs and QC.

Hammer forging machines are uber spendy, but make high quality barrels cheaply.

Where else can they save money?
 
"Free" Labour, No benefits, Retirement packages, Health insurance, etc, etc, etc.

Unions, what's that?

The Norc M4's are very well put together and already 1/2 price.

I think the last many years have had a 'Dem' upcharge on the AR's. I suspect, prices for this rig to drop as demand tapers down.

Jerry
 
mysticplayer said:
I think the last many years have had a 'Dem' upcharge on the AR's. I suspect, prices for this rig to drop as demand tapers down.

Jerry
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It's a mixed blessing. With such demand, a lot of smaller shops have been putting out product, and for the most part it's of good quality. It will be interesting to see how they cope if the demand for AR-15's and accesories drops down to the 2005-2007 levels.

I trust that many of the new breed will stick around.
 
The main cost savings would be found in some form of injection molding of the metal parts. Certainly possible.

We use investment casting now, which is a form of injection molding.
 
And the inventor who wanted to patent a light bulb that was to last forever... was murdered... as there woudn't be much profit made by manufacturers...
 
CanAm said:
The main cost savings would be found in some form of injection molding of the metal parts. Certainly possible.

We use investment casting now, which is a form of injection molding.
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I would be interested to know the large volume cost breakdown to produce 1000's of recievers using the traditional CNC machining of forged blanks, versus the same number of MIM'd recievers.

I'm not convinced that even state of the art investment casting will reduce the unit cost, as there would still be a need to finish machine the pin holes and thread the buffer tube extention.

MIM might produce a nearly finished part, needing only blueing or anodizing, but I wonder about the unit cost? Also, I am not sure if you can MIM aluminum.
 
Yes, I believe MIM is generally used for steel. I had a long chat with the company in India that makes gun sights for the well known Italian company. The reading I have one indicates we are a ways off sintered MIM for aluminum as an option.
 
enefgee said:
MIM upper and lower, and all MIM trigger group? They did say it was a breakthrough. Polymer's been done.
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There's a guy on BE selling glass re-enforced AR-15 lowers including the FCG and stock for $129. I believe the FCG is also glass re-enforced plastic.

I think the Carbon 15 flop will keep most people from jumping too fast on the bandwagon.
 
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