WOLFRAM|DEMONSTRATIONS PROJECT

Process-Based Cost Model for Sand-Casting Bronze Bells

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production volume
1000
reject rate
0.05
furnace price ($)
120000
crucible price ($)
50000
sand price ($/bucket)
200
copper price ($/ton)
1000
tin price ($/ton)
15000
labor price ($/hour)
80
production volume (number of bells)
materials cost
labor cost
equipment cost
A process-based cost model is used to inform technical decisions. This cost model for sand-casting bronze bells shows how the unit cost and cost distribution vary as a function of materials, labor, and equipment cost, as well as reject rate and production volume. A cost model can be used to identify cost drivers and to address the implications of change in a process or product. Varying the different inputs shows the different relevant costs and their effect on unit cost. The spikes in the cost model represent production volumes which, if exceeded, require purchasing another crucible.