The feasibility of using Corn Cobs as a thermal insulator is very dependent on the cost of

creating the insulator. Manufacturing cost is a very important factor in design and production of the
product. The model of added value states that the manufacturing cos must be less than the value added
to ensure a profit is made. Therefore, the costing of the design and manufacture of a product is crucial
for success. Costing of the design are in fact very often used for making decisions for the design and
manufacture of a product. The types of decisions that can be made based on costs include:

 The type of material to be used for a product;

 The type of manufacturing process to be used for a product;
 How many of a product to manufacture;
 Whether to make or buy in a product/part;
 The design of a product.

Accounting all the raw material, labor, and miscellaneous cost, the graph is shown in figure
4.4.1.

Cost type Cost per cc

Raw corn cobs 0
Wood glue for 300 kg/m3 0.066
Wood glue for 500 kg/m3 0.11
Wood glue for 700 kg/m3 0.154
PE Foam Insulator Price per m3 1.28

Cost per Cubic Centimeter on different densities

of CC thermal insulators

1.4
Php per cm3

1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
Raw corn Wood glue Wood glue Wood glue PE Foam
cobs for 300 for 500 for 700 Insulator
kg/m3 kg/m3 kg/m3 Price per
m3
Cost type

Fig 4.4.1 Cost per Cubic Centimeter on different densities of CC thermal insulators
COST – BENEFIT ANALYSIS

POLYETHYLENE FOAM INSULATOR

COST BENEFITS
Direct Labor cost Superb strength and tear resistance
Direct Material cost Flexibility

Packaging cost Slightly more effective thermal insulation properties

Manufacturing overhead Lightweight

CORN COB THERMAL INSULATOR

COST BENEFITS
Direct Labor cost Very cheap to manufacture due to zero direct material cost
Packaging cost Reduces corn cobs waste biomass
Good for the environment as recycling of the waste prevents
Manufacturing overhead
flood, epidemic hazards, and air pollution from burning
  Can be readily made at home