Explaining the Gantt Chart
From the Gantt chart several obstacles become apparent. Due to the complexity and length of testing required along with the sourcing method, time becomes of the utmost essence. If we were to fall behind on one of the testing stages we could be set back over a week or so due to shipping and printing times. This leads us to the first obstacle: shipping time. With our supplier located in Toronto, Canada, we are left with higher than normal shipping costs and high shipping times due to the need to import into the country. In addition, there is the chance that not only could a large shipment be delayed or damaged, but also seized or lost in customs. This would cause us to lose a lot of time and money. A possible contingency for this scenario is to reorder the parts. However, this would cost us a week and lead to use falling even farther behind. Another possibility is to drive to Toronto to pick up the parts ourselves or deal with any possible mishaps at the border.
Another obstacle brought up by the Gantt chart is materials lab availability. It is possible that we might not be able to gain access to the materials lab due to weather or absence of MAE personnel which would also set us back greatly. A contingency for this is to have at least two group members available at all times in order make use of any openings in the materials lab.
Cost
The previous section brought up the point that a lost or damaged shipment would cost us a substantial amount of money. Cost has also been sighted as the reason for our choice in material and printing method. In this section we will look at the overall cost of the project. Through contact with our supplier and estimating shipping costs we have come up with the following cost estimates for the initial quality check and the first two stages of mechanical testing:
Material cost is included due to the need for the supplier to procure high quality ABS filament in order to maintain part quality and repeatability over a large order. Based on this information our initial cost estimate for the first two stages is $652.06. Considering that only one to two prototypes will be created for the third stage or testing with the possibility of a couple of smaller models also being ordered, the cost for stage three could be estimated at $250 for two prototypes. This brings the total project costs to $902.06 unless part quantities are changed in the near future.
(Note: Stage 2 part quantity is an estimate and not final)
Material cost is included due to the need for the supplier to procure high quality ABS filament in order to maintain part quality and repeat ability over a large order. Based on this information our initial cost estimate for the first two stages is $652.06. Considering that only one to two prototypes will be created for the third stage or testing with the possibility of a couple of smaller models also being ordered, the cost for stage three could be estimated at $250 for two prototypes. This brings the total project costs to $902.06 unless part quantities are changed in the near future.
Material cost is included due to the need for the supplier to procure high quality ABS filament in order to maintain part quality and repeat ability over a large order. Based on this information our initial cost estimate for the first two stages is $652.06. Considering that only one to two prototypes will be created for the third stage or testing with the possibility of a couple of smaller models also being ordered, the cost for stage three could be estimated at $250 for two prototypes. This brings the total project costs to $902.06 unless part quantities are changed in the near future.