CNC machining cost calculations can seem pretty complicated. There are a lot of factors to take into account, making the final cost assessment a little more difficult compared to other fabrication methods.<\/p>\n
For example, our own platform could calculate laser cutting prices<\/a> in seconds already in 2017, taking material usage, cutting time and geometry into account. Doing the same for CNC milling and turning services<\/a> is considerably more difficult as there are a lot more variables involved. But in 2021, automated CNC pricing was introduced to the platform as well and since then, we’ve kept on developing and tweaking our pricing algorithms to offer more and more competitive prices, in line with the current market situation.<\/p>\n In this article, we will take a closer look and explain what components make up CNC machining costs.<\/p>\n CNC machining<\/a> is a subtractive method<\/em> for producing parts. This means that the operations remove material. It is possible to use it for creating the necessary parts from a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, etc.<\/p>\n The first sentence pretty much encompasses the essence of CNC machining, differentiating CNC turning and milling from other manufacturing methods that use computer numerical control. Turning and milling both start with a larger block of material, carving away at it to arrive at the desirable result.<\/p>\n CNC machining price comprises of a few different aspects. Namely, labour & machine costs, tooling, tool wear, material and setup<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Taking all these into account may be difficult, as a precise assessment for each category is hard to get to. At the same time, there is no way to turn a blind eye to any of these components of the final price.<\/p>\n Almost all of these parameters are in direct relation to time, with material being the only exception. Before we can put a price tag to any of them, we need an assessment of time consumption. And this is also the most difficult part of the whole process.<\/p>\n Pretty much all proper workshops possess some kind of computer-aided manufacturing<\/a> programs. The most basic ones are CAD-CAM software<\/a> that have capabilities for both design and CAM at the same time.<\/p>\n CAM programs need input in the form of 3D models. Based on these, they generate the whole manufacturing process, using tool libraries and information provided by the workshop owner about the specifics of their machinery.<\/p>\n CAM software creates G code that is responsible for guiding the cutting heads, spinning speeds, etc. Basically everything related to the production side of the process. M Code determines tooling changes, use of coolant, etc. All this comes with time estimations for each operation.<\/p>\n Therefore, we can see how long the whole process takes, how much work a single tool does, how many tool changes occur, and so on. The machine operator can also adjust the program to better fit his machinery or when he sees a better way to produce the parts.<\/p>\n But the important part is here – CAM software can give an assessment of the time required for making a part<\/strong>.<\/p>\n And it is all based on 3D models. If you do not have them, the price quote often relies on a mix of using Excel sheets and common sense combined with previous experience. And while bringing intuition into the frame may seem hugely inaccurate, it is not.<\/p>\n That is also the reason why automating the whole pricing process is possible through AI<\/strong>. Using the part parameters and comparing them to previous works, their production times and costs can bring us to a fairly optimal price point.<\/p>\n Quick Introduction to CNC Machining<\/h2>\n
Calculating Machining Costs<\/h2>\n
Time Is the Basis<\/h3>\n
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