In: Mechanical Engineering
You are looking to start a business after you inherited a rolling setup, like the one from problem 2. You did a test run and measured P = 250kW, you will use this next. Also, you call you local power provider in Colorado and fin that the energy cost is 11.2 cents/kWh.
From a metal producer, you can buy 3/8” thick by 12” wide 6061 aluminum in 36 ft lengths. These are delivered to your warehouse at a cost of $1169 each.
You decide to buy the 38” sheet and roll it into 1/4” a sheet. You hire a shop worker to do this and he charges $35/hr. You also need to add $20/hr overhead.
You want to sell 4 feet long sheet and you shop worker needs 2mins to cut the rolled sheet into the 4 feet lengths and place then on a pallet for shipment.
Question: McMaster-Carr sells 1/4” x 12” x 48” sheets for $93.79, will you be able to sell yours for less? What is your cost per 1/4” plate? Show your work.