- April 18, 2025
CNC machining is a technique used to make precision parts and replicate amazing designs. There are a lot of advantages of CNC machining, such as increasing the speed of parts production. It also reduces human errors during manufacturing as it is being controlled by the computer. However, many people do not seem to understand the rationale behind its cost. The machine and material you use can affect the price. Today, many customers still struggle with CNC machining cost calculation.
With this article, we will explore the factors that affect machining cost, how to calculate it, and the strategies for reducing CNC machining pricing.
Factors Affecting the Calculation of CNC Machining Cost
CNC machining costs may vary depending on different factors, as discussed below:
1. CNC Machine Costs
Machining cost changes with the change of the type of machine. Mainly, there are two types of machines that are being used for manufacturing parts using CNC machining, i.e. 3 3-axis and multi-axis machines.
The machine cost is also dependent on various factors like the size & weight of the machine, speed, power, and machine configuration.
The machining cost is calculated per hour, and the approximate cost of 3-axis CNC machining is around 40$ per hour, while for CNC turning machines, it is about 35$ per hour. The hourly rate of CNC machining using multi-axis machines is comparatively higher, ranging between 75$ and 125$.
Due to the involvement of more complex parts, CNC milling is more expensive than other types of machining operations. The machining expenditures increase with the increase in axes of the milling machines. For example, in the case of 5-axis machining, it costs more as compared to 3-axis machines.
2. Machining Time
The time required for the complete machining of any CNC machined part also plays a vital role in the calculation of the CNC machining cost. It is the rule of thumb that the more time taken for machining more the cost of the machining, which adds up to the basic setup cost.
Software like CAM, which requires a 3D CAD design model, can provide the estimation of the time required for the completion of the project. A project with a high level of complexity requires more hours to complete.
3. Labor
One of the advantages of CNC machining, as compared to manual machining, is that it reduces the number of laborers that are involved in manufacturing. The primary cost of the labor is of the expert designer who designs the 3D CAD design model for the machining, which increases with the complexity of the desired product.
This cost remains the same even if you are required to manufacture more parts, which reduces the per-part machining price. Then, the additional cost is of the labor that operates the CNC machine, which also increases with the increased hours required for complete machining of the part.
The extra cost is added to the labor cost if manual work is done to assemble, finish, and post-process the parts. The extra labor cost is also added if the finished product is being delivered from the machine shop to the client at a different location.
4. Material Costs
The material costs are also imperative in calculating the cost of CNC machining. The price of the final product made by a CNC machine depends on the type of materials from which you are required to make the product is made. You may be required to make part of plastic or metal materials.
As the plastic materials are cheaper and less durable, the machining cost of plastic or aluminum material is less compared to stainless steel. As in CNC machines, the material is removed from the solid blocks to make the 3D object. So, the required raw material will be more than the material of the final product.
The machinists buy the materials in the form of solid blocks and calculate the expense of the product per block. The most commonly used metals in CNC machining are aluminum, stainless steel, and brass.
Due to the economical prices and excellent machinability of aluminum, most machinists use aluminum in CNC machines.
Stainless Steel and brass result in higher costs due to poor machinability relative to aluminum. The titanium alloy is the most expensive of all these metals, so the machining cost of this metal will be the highest because it may require some special tools to manufacture the parts.
In case of the plastics, the price of the bulk material is less, the tools required also cost less, and less time is required to machine the plastics like Nylon, Delrin, and ABS.
5. Surface Finish and Post-Processing
After machining, most parts come out with scratches and marks that may not be ideal for direct use at the time. This is where CNC machining surface finishes come in. This extra process will help conceal those unwanted marks and apply a protective coating to the part.
Although these post-processing activities are important, they usually attract extra costs. This process is totally separate from CNC machining and may even need extra tools and materials to be completed. Some of the common finishes include sanding, coating, anodizing, painting, chroming, blacking, galvanizing, brushing, and water transferring.
6. Quantity
The volume of the order tremendously affects the cost of the final product. It is true that the overall cost will increase with the increase of required finished parts, but the cost per part will decrease.
7. Tooling Cost
In some cases of manufacturing, standard tooling is not useful, so custom tooling is required, which also increases the manufacturing cost using CNC machines.
8. Design Complexity
It can be difficult to reproduce some designs, especially when they have unique lines and shapes. Most times, manufacturers spend many hours programming and setting up the machine and cutting tools. This long process would certainly affect the final CNC machining price.
To achieve features like deep pockets and undercuts, you may also need to get special tools or multi-axis CNC machines, which leads to a higher cost. A simpler design with fewer tool changes and repositioning would always be more cost-effective than a detailed one.
Understanding Hourly Rates of CNC Machining
Most CNC manufacturers charge their cost per hour while factoring in other occurrences. So, the next time you get an estimate, know that your process is unique and your pricing may differ from the next person.
The key factors that can influence the hourly rates for CNC machining include:
Types of CNC Machines
The cost of operating each machine differs. For instance, the hourly rate of a standard 3-axis CNC mill should be between $40 – $80, while a high-end 5-axis CNC machining tool will set you back by $75 – $200 per hour. Other specialized tools like routers, lathes, and EDM machines also have their unique costs.
Tooling and Maintenance
The type of material you use and the consistent use of the cutting tool can lead to wear and tear. A CNC machining expert will also include the cost for tool repair, replacement, and maintenance in the hourly charges.
Machining Speed and Efficiency
A fast CNC machine will take less time to shape a tool and reduce the time you would naturally use in setting up and arranging the machine. This efficiency causes them to be more costly than other slower machines.
Labor and Setup Costs
Although CNC machining is largely automated, there is still a need for programmers and skilled operators to control the process. Complex projects that require multiple setups and detailed programming can increase the overall machining cost per hour.
Overhead and Shop Location
The operational overhead, like electricity, rent, and insurance, can affect its pricing. A CNC machine shop’s location also affects the hourly rates; shops in a developed area will certainly have higher rates than those in developing areas.
How to Calculate CNC Machining Cost?
Have you ever wondered why the CNC machining cost for each project is different? The secret lies in the details that go into the CNC machining cost calculation. From raw materials to labor costs and machine time, several factors affect the price.
If you’re looking to calculate CNC machining cost, ensure you:
Factor in Material Costs
Your choice of CNC machining materials would directly affect the amount of raw materials you will get. To calculate the material cost, you need to multiply the volume of the material you need by its cost per unit.
For example, you may need up to 20 kg of aluminum to bulk produce multiple parts, and it costs $10 per kg. With no extra preparation cost, the material should cost $200 ($10 x 20 = 200)
Determine the Machining Time
The amount of time you spend creating a part will definitely affect its price. You can, on your own, calculate the machine time by dividing the total length of the material by the machine’s cutting speed.
For instance, if the volume of material the machine will remove is 20 cubic inches and the average material removal rate is 0.5 cubic inches per minute, the total machining time for this process would be 40 minutes (20 cubic inches/ 0.5 cubic inches = 40).
Calculate the Machine’s Hourly Rate
Most CNC machines already come with a fixed hourly rate that factors in the type of machine, location, and the ease of operation. If the hourly rate for a machine is $100, you should have up to $300 to cover for 3 hours.
Include Labor and Setup Costs
Include the cost of hiring skilled labor to handle tasks like setup, programming, and production supervision. If you’re not sure, you can create an estimate based on the expected labor hours and the CNC machine shop’s hourly rate.
Account for Additional Expenses
Apart from the costs we’ve listed above, you should also prepare for additional expenses like surface treatment, tight tolerances, and other packages. Some special finishes may also lead to extra expenses.
Strategies for Reducing CNC Machining Costs
Before the start of the project, is calculated how much will be the CNC machine is calculated. While manufacturing the parts with the CNC machining process, one should try to minimize the machining cost.
There are some fixed requirements from the client that can’t be modified, but still, there are different methods to reduce the machining cost as follows:
1. Increase Batch Production
The more pieces you produce, the cheaper the cost of CNC machining will be. Before you start production, plan your schedule to minimize downtime and also use CNC programming to make bulk production easier. If you need repeat orders, work with a CNC machine shop that offers volume discounts.
2. Be Wise in Material Selection
In order to reduce the cost of the product, special attention should be paid to the selection of materials. Materials with good mechanical properties will have lower processing costs. Keeping in mind the function of the product, you must choose the best available material that is easy to process. There is a difference in price between plastic and metal materials. Of course, you can follow the needs of your project and let your manufacturer give you more advice on material selection.
3. Use the Right Type of CNC Machine
To ensure you get the best results, you should use a machine that can effectively handle your material and give you high-quality parts. For instance, a standard 3-axis machine may be cost-effective, but it does not match the versatility of a 5-axis machine. There are different types of CNC machines that can easily fit your budget and preferences.
4. Reduce Machining Time and Tool Wear
The longer a part stays on a machine, the higher the machining price is likely to be. So, the goal is to reduce the machining time without producing a substandard part. You can achieve this by prioritizing CNC programming; use the right tools, and you’re good to go. If possible, you can forego unnecessary surface finishes.
5. Design Optimization
If some features of the product don’t affect the functionality, the design should be optimized to avoid machining those features, which will reduce the production cost.
5.1 Consider Hole Sizes and Profiles
When fabricating your CNC parts, you should ensure that your part features (e.g., holes, contours, slots, threads, etc.) can be made with standard toolings commonly available. Custom hole and thread sizes will need special tools, which can be quite expensive. There are many references about standard sizes used in the machining industry available on the internet.
5.2 Avoid Thin Walls and Deep Cavities
Thin-walled parts and deep cavities are very challenging to achieve through machining, and they are usually prone to dimensional inaccuracies. These parts’ features tend to cause vibration on the part and sometimes lead to the scrapping of parts.
5.3 Avoid Requiring Very Tight Tolerances
Parts with tighter tolerances are significantly harder to achieve, hence making them expensive. Only control a dimension if it is essential to the part’s overall functionality. One great piece of advice we can give you is to design your part to have one common reference point or datum. This will both help you and the machinist. First, you, to minimize the dimensional controls you need to put on a part, and second, the machinist, to lessen the inspection time, which also reduces costs.
5.4 Convert One Piece of a Complicated Part into Modular Components Instead
When one part gets too complex, it is advisable to split the whole part into multiple components to be assembled. This will make machining much easier and simpler. It significantly reduces set-up time, lessens machining operations, and optimizes machining time. This is a strategy commonly used by designers to promote a part’s manufacturability and lessen its fabrication cost.f
6. Consider CNC Machining Outsourcing
If you’re a small business owner who cannot produce parts on your own, CNC machining outsourcing can be a cost-effective solution for you. There are several CNC machine shops with the equipment and expertise to handle your production. Compare the prices of different suppliers to ensure you get the best balance of price and quality.
Looking for more tips to save the cost of CNC machining? Let’s check this video.
CNC Machining vs. 3D Printing Cost
As we evaluate the factors that affect CNC machining pricing, it is also important to evaluate other manufacturing options available. 3D printing is a trusted technique that also offers unique advantages.
3D printing differs from CNC operations as it is an additive type of manufacturing. For the production of plastic and lower-quality materials, 3D printing is preferred. However, when you are required to cut the products with precision is required then CNC machining is preferred instead of 3D printing.
For better understanding, we will evaluate these methods based on the following:
Production Volume
If you want a technique that requires minimal setup, quicker turnaround time, and reduced initial costs, 3D printing is your best bet. It is highly cost-effective for prototypes.
CNC machining is also ideal for prototypes and small to medium production. The major difference lies in the types of tools used and the cost of setup. These factors can also determine a machine’s production volume and influence the final costs.
Part Complexity and Design
With 3D printing, it’s easy to produce complex and intricate designs that a CNC machine may not be able to create. It can create parts with internal lattices, assembly parts, and simple organic shapes with free-form surfaces.
On the other hand, CNC machining uses specific material types to produce parts with tight tolerances. With its specialized tools, it can produce parts with precision parts with specific properties and a smooth surface finish.
Material Selection and Cost
The materials that often go well with 3D printing are plastic and some specific metals; the cost depends on the type and quality of each material. Unlike other techniques, material waste is generally lower with 3D printing.
CNC machining is compatible with a wider range of materials, including metals and plastics. Unfortunately, material costs here may be higher because the process cuts away the material during machining, leading to more waste. You can reduce these costs by recycling and effectively utilizing the material.
Get Cost-Effective CNC Machining Solutions at WayKen
By adopting the strategies we’ve listed above, you’ll surely save costs on CNC machining. Whether you want to produce a few parts for personal use or you want to start a business with the finished parts, you can adopt these strategies to lower your expenses.
At WayKen, we offer CNC machining services tailored to your needs. Our team of specialized engineers is always available to provide expert support and give you great value for your money! We follow DFM and are committed to providing cost-effective CNC machining solutions with an average of 30% lower quotes than competitors. Please feel free to get an instant quote!
FAQs
What materials are most cost-effective for CNC machining?
The most cost-effective materials for CNC machining are aluminum and certain plastics like Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or POM (Polyoxymethylene). This is because they are durable, lightweight, and easier to machine.
Is there a cost difference in CNC machining for experimental prototypes versus production parts?
Yes, there is a cost difference. CNC machining for prototypes is usually costlier because the price of setting up, programming, and tools is spread over the small batch. On the other hand, production parts tend to be cheaper as the per-unit cost reduces significantly.
Does geographical location influence CNC machining price?
Yes, factors like differences in labor costs, material availability, and overhead expenses can affect the CNC machining price in different locations.
How much do CNC machines typically cost?
The type, size, and capabilities of each CNC machine directly affect its price. Entry-level CNC mills and lathes start around $5,000 – $10,000. However, advanced 5-axis CNC machines cost $200,000 or more, depending on their specifications.
How do you effectively reduce CNC machining costs?
The cost of CNC operations can be minimized by optimizing the design without affecting the complete functionality of the product. It can be done by adding radius in internal vertical edges of the part, limiting the depth of the cavities, increasing the thickness of the walls, properly limiting the length of the threads, optimizing the tapped holes, by splitting the complicated parts into simpler separate parts, by choosing only essential surface finishes, and minimizing the number of the machine setups for operations.
