Looking for Round Spacers 3/8" Dia x 1.75" Long w/ Drilled Core
I decided to post this here because it's something that apparently isn't designed and manufactured for some reason.
Okay, long story short, I make a product that requires round spacers that are approx 3/8" in dia and that are 1.75" in length. The spacers are female at both ends, and they are drilled and tapped with #10-24 all the way through. Current material is 6061 aluminum.
Right now we make these ourselves from 3/8" aluminum round stock since we can't find them in the correct size and length. They are fairly labor intensive to make since we don't have automated machinery to make them. They have to be done by hand, or actually, in a manual lathe.
I'm looking for a source where I could buy them in bulk instead of making them ourselves, but there doesn't seem to be anyone that makes them in the length that we need.
There are a few areas where I can budge as far as materials and dimensions IF I can find someone who makes them. Here's the areas where I can make some accommodations:
-I'd consider going as much as 1/16" smaller in diameter or as much as 1/8" larger in diameter (so basically anywhere from 5/16" to 1/2" dia).
-I'd consider using steel or other metal in place of aluminum. (Plastic won't work, too flexible).
-I'd consider other shapes instead of round such as hex, square, or whatever.
-If they aren't available in 1.75" length, I can always buy them a bit longer and trim them down.
-Ideally they would be pre-drilled and tapped using either #10-24 or #10-32 thread. I would consider buying them with smaller dia bore and re-drilling them to fit #10 screws. For example, if they were bored and tapped for a #6-32 screw, I would be okay with re-drilling/tapping them for #10 screws. They basically just need to have a hollow core of some kind so we don't have to drill a solid piece.
-I would also consider using a #12 screw instead of #10 if they can be found that way.
-Lastly, if nothing else, I would consider purchasing something like extruded aluminum round stock in (for example) 6 foot lengths, AS LONG AS it has a small enough hollow bore that can be drilled to size and tapped for #10 or #12 screw.
I am looking to purchase a quantity of anywhere from 500 up to 1000 pieces. I would appreciate any help with info on a supplier for pre-made parts, or even someone who could extrude a hollow aluminum or steel tube with a bore of appropriate size for tapping for #10 or #12 screws. I doubt that I would pay more than $3 per piece, meaning each 3/8" x 1.75" individual part, since that would exceed the current budget.
Thanks!
He is more machine now than man.....