I've done some research and obtained some quotes on having aluminium laser hosts machined. It seems to be impossible to avoid a ~$400 set up fee, so if I can get enough interest, I'll do a group buy. The hosts will cost roughly $60 US each, less if you want larger quantities, plus shipping (no more than $5 worldwide).
I am basing the dimensions on an 18650 battery (also fits two CR123) and a flexdrive. Approximate dimensions are 22mm OD and roughly 100mm long. Im still waiting on the flexdrives before I finalise the length. It will be 3 pieces, heatsink, body, and end cap. Speculative drawing attached. The switch is up to you. If you want a side-mounted switch you will need to drill the hole and make a button. If you want a tail switch, you will need to drill a hole in the tailcap and obtain the switch yourself.
There are a few options and things to consider, so IF YOU ARE GENUINELY INTERESTED please copy/paste and answer the following so it's easy for me to work out the best course of action.
How many would you purchase, assuming the cost is $60US per unit?
Would you prefer to have a hole in the heatsink that will press fit an entire Aixis module, or would you rather it be like the Kryton host, where the diode fits directly into the aluminium and the lense screws in the other side?
If the Aixis module presses in (as in the attached drawing), you will most likely need to do some light sanding as the modules vary in size (I will make the hole a fraction of a millimeter too small). I have not attached a drawing of the other option, but imagine it like the Kryton without the fins.
Would you still purchase if your preferred layout is not chosen? If so, how many?
As the aluminium is not finished coming from the manufacturer, would you pay extra for a polished finish or are you happy to do this yourself?
I could polish them for $5-10 or so, depending on the interest in this.
I think this is all the info I require at this stage. If you have any questions also please PM or post them here. Also any suggestions to the design are welcome, but as the cost is related directly to the machine time, nothing too intricate will be considered.
Edit: I forgot to add, if I get more than 8-10 orders, the price will start to come down, but please don't post things like "I'll have one if they're $50" just yet.
I am basing the dimensions on an 18650 battery (also fits two CR123) and a flexdrive. Approximate dimensions are 22mm OD and roughly 100mm long. Im still waiting on the flexdrives before I finalise the length. It will be 3 pieces, heatsink, body, and end cap. Speculative drawing attached. The switch is up to you. If you want a side-mounted switch you will need to drill the hole and make a button. If you want a tail switch, you will need to drill a hole in the tailcap and obtain the switch yourself.
There are a few options and things to consider, so IF YOU ARE GENUINELY INTERESTED please copy/paste and answer the following so it's easy for me to work out the best course of action.
How many would you purchase, assuming the cost is $60US per unit?
Would you prefer to have a hole in the heatsink that will press fit an entire Aixis module, or would you rather it be like the Kryton host, where the diode fits directly into the aluminium and the lense screws in the other side?
If the Aixis module presses in (as in the attached drawing), you will most likely need to do some light sanding as the modules vary in size (I will make the hole a fraction of a millimeter too small). I have not attached a drawing of the other option, but imagine it like the Kryton without the fins.
Would you still purchase if your preferred layout is not chosen? If so, how many?
As the aluminium is not finished coming from the manufacturer, would you pay extra for a polished finish or are you happy to do this yourself?
I could polish them for $5-10 or so, depending on the interest in this.
I think this is all the info I require at this stage. If you have any questions also please PM or post them here. Also any suggestions to the design are welcome, but as the cost is related directly to the machine time, nothing too intricate will be considered.
Edit: I forgot to add, if I get more than 8-10 orders, the price will start to come down, but please don't post things like "I'll have one if they're $50" just yet.
