I've been looking at designing some custom pen kits. If I put the entire 3D design together and pass it to a manufacturer, I'm looking at 3,000 pcs minimum order. Not only is that a lot of pens, but if my design is off I'm out a lot of money. As a result I'm thinking about the possibility of CNC to mill the pen tips, center bands, and end caps. I figure I can order the mechanisms and inks from a pen manufacturer.
Can this be milled on a home / hobby CNC? Due to the size of the item, I think I'd need something with pretty accurate indexing, but a small size. Any recommendations on which CNC or whatever?
I'm sure there's a lot I don't know (especially with no CNC experience), what else am I forgetting?
These pictures aren't my designs, just something to help you visualize.
deco-centerband.jpg gent-rollerball_l.jpg