For cheapest possible CNC prices, check these vendors:
- https://www.plethora.com/
- Fictive.com
- https://www.hubs.com/ (select slowest / overseas)
- maybe xometry.com
But short of pro-bono no one is going to cnc any hubs of this size/shape for much cheaper than $1k, even China. Especially if you’re literally only ordering 4. That’s the cost of materials and time.
This is why @surfnacho’s infinity hubs are $1k per set, and his family owns their own full size cnc…
Ways to cut costs:
- Aggressively remove any design feature that adds time to cut - I’m talking super basic design here
- Minimize 3D features - 2D is your friend
- Make each hub 2 pieces of the same part (or more) - now you’ve doubled your qty and get bulk discounts
- No threading, very large radii, no tight tolerances at all
- Reduce overall part size (smaller max dia)
Ultimate way to cut cost:
- Design the hubs so they’re composed of a stack of 2D plates - skip cnc entirely and get them laser/waterjet → this would be a great way to continue prototyping for cheap, but balancing is going to be a real hassle.
Other option:
- Find a friend with access to an industrial 3D printer (like a Markforged) - print these in something like the Onyx carbonfiber reinforced nylon at material cost