PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16 Jewel case reproduction

[segamer]

Take this with a grain of salt. I've been exploring the idea of re-manufacturing Turbografx-16 Hucard jewel cases. Currently, I'm having a friend do the autocad work and crunching the numbers to see if it's financially viable. I'm making this post to see how many cover project members would be interested. The TG-16 has only ever enjoy a small market, and I don't think demand will be high enough to warrant the project. But it's worth exploring!

[TDIRunner]

I'm in for sure. I can't decide how to store my hu cards, but I would prefer the original cases if possible.

[wiggy]

Seeing as you only need the backside (the front is just a standard jewel case lid), I can't imagine you'd be looking at a low volume tool costing more than $1,000-1,500.  Still, don't think it's worth it personally.  I think you'd be better to come up with a die or laser cut insert for a regular jewel case to hold the hucard games.

[KalessinDB]

I have very few hucards honestly, but I'd love to get in on this.  Probably not more than 50 on the initial order for me (and even that's way more than I have loose cards)

Strongly suggest cross-posting this to pcenginefx.com's forums.

[marioxb]

I think you'd be better to come up with a die or laser cut insert for a regular jewel case to hold the hucard games.

I agree with this. Instead of making a whole case, just make an insert that would go in a jewel case to replace the black part (on most cases its black, sometimes clear like PS1) where the CD would normally go. For one, this would be less work, less plastic to make, two, I hate the original case backs, all black with no artwork. Did they originally have a cardboard sleeve?

[Bear78]

I think you'd be better to come up with a die or laser cut insert for a regular jewel case to hold the hucard games.

I agree with this. Instead of making a whole case, just make an insert that would go in a jewel case to replace the black part (on most cases its black, sometimes clear like PS1) where the CD would normally go. For one, this would be less work, less plastic to make, two, I hate the original case backs, all black with no artwork. Did they originally have a cardboard sleeve?

Someone started working on this over on a TG16 site but never got all the way into production with them. I think they got as far as the prototype stage then I don't know what happened.

[TDIRunner]

Seeing as you only need the backside (the front is just a standard jewel case lid), I can't imagine you'd be looking at a low volume tool costing more than $1,000-1,500.  Still, don't think it's worth it personally.  I think you'd be better to come up with a die or laser cut insert for a regular jewel case to hold the hucard games.

This.  As much as I would like it to be exactly like the original, it's going to be really important to keep the costs down.

[SegaNomadman]

I don't even have a TG-16 yet but I'm liking the idea! Part of the reason for why I don't collect them yet is casing. (the other is of course money.)

[segamer]

Seeing as you only need the backside (the front is just a standard jewel case lid), I can't imagine you'd be looking at a low volume tool costing more than $1,000-1,500.  Still, don't think it's worth it personally.  I think you'd be better to come up with a die or laser cut insert for a regular jewel case to hold the hucard games.

I would only have to have the CD/Hucard tray made. I agree, I'm not sure if it will be worth it.

[Heartkill]

I would love to see the trays get reproduced just like the originals. Even if they were a few dollars each, it's cheaper than buying complete TG-16 sports games or PCE commons just to gut them for a case.

I have a set of replacement spine labels printed up that I'm saving to use as I acquire more HuCards.

[segamer]

So, I was PMed today regarding this post. So, I thought I'd explain. I worked with a woman whose husband was in the manufacturing business. I started exploring what it would take to reproduce TG-16 jewel cases. Through his company, it would require a minimum order of 5000 units. I considered a Kicker starter but the problem of storage and the time it would take to sell them was an issue.

To make a long story short, she moved on to another job and that kind of ended the exploration since I lost my connection.

[sheep2001]

I wouldn't imagine 5000 trays would be too difficult to shift to be honest.  Did she indicate what's the unit cost would have to be in order for you to make some cash on it?

[pcenginefx]

Hi all - Aaron Nanto here from Pcenginefx.com.  Just wanted to let everyone know that I recently started offering 3D printed HuCard cases (in multiple colors) over at the Pcenginefx forums: http://www.pcenginefx.com/forums/index.php?topic=18661.0



If you have any questions please let me know but all of the details are over there on the thread.

[oatmeal flavor]

I would be interested in these if it ever happened. 

[TDIRunner]

Is there a way to get pricing info or make orders without becoming a member of the forum?  I'm not saying I wont become a member, but I'm just curious.

Thanks.