Cost forecasting model for order-based sheet metalworking

Abstract This paper deals with a cost forecasting model for order-based sheet metalworking. The model has been developed on the cost analysis performed by comparing traditional manufacture of sheet metal parts (dies and presses) with rapid manufacture (RM) as CNC punching, laser cutting, and bending in terms of the cost per part unit made in various quantities. The findings show that it is more economical to apply RM methods for some sheet metal design geometries than traditional approaches in the production of thousand units. The developed cost forecasting model has been tested and adopted in two sheet metalworking companies. It furnishes the possibility for producer to find quickly and to estimate the product cost at an early stage of order-based sheet metalworking industry with satisfactory accuracy. The proposed model is being implemented both in industry and university education process.