Z5 FILMS
Contributor
You can design and get the parts made yourself made at www.emachineshop.com. It even has a awesome calculator that tells you how much it's going to cost per part as you design it and toggle between different options such as quantity, resin type, etc. It's pretty neat. They also do CNC machining for aluminum parts (probably a better option for you on short run parts).
Be warned though. As with any plastic part, the molds are VERY expensive. Price per part drops significantly with larger quantities. Getting plastic parts made is small quantities is not cheap.
Another option you have is to order a really thin sheet of Kydex (12"x12" runs about $25) off the internet and play with that. It becomes malable(sp?) if you put it in the oven at about 350 for 30 seconds. You can bend it and cut it with tin sheers. After it cools (10-15 seconds) it becomes hard again. After it becomes hard again, you can round edges with a Dremel and drill holes.
If this is some invention idea that really interests you, talk to the folks at t2design.com. You give them your idea, and they will work with you on design and to get a good prototype made. Once you agree on the final design, they give you the engineering drawings and you can do what you want with them. They can also assist with introducing you to manufacturers, package design, etc. Keep in mind this is not a cheap option either and it's mostly for serious inventors.
Be warned though. As with any plastic part, the molds are VERY expensive. Price per part drops significantly with larger quantities. Getting plastic parts made is small quantities is not cheap.
Another option you have is to order a really thin sheet of Kydex (12"x12" runs about $25) off the internet and play with that. It becomes malable(sp?) if you put it in the oven at about 350 for 30 seconds. You can bend it and cut it with tin sheers. After it cools (10-15 seconds) it becomes hard again. After it becomes hard again, you can round edges with a Dremel and drill holes.
If this is some invention idea that really interests you, talk to the folks at t2design.com. You give them your idea, and they will work with you on design and to get a good prototype made. Once you agree on the final design, they give you the engineering drawings and you can do what you want with them. They can also assist with introducing you to manufacturers, package design, etc. Keep in mind this is not a cheap option either and it's mostly for serious inventors.