What will your CNC part cost? Get a real number in 16 hours.
Use the planning estimate below to see the cost drivers, then send a STEP file for a firm quote. The estimate is free; so is the DFM note that comes with it.
- Bounding-box volume, not finished geometry
- Material + machining at a $45/hour planning rate
- Excludes finishing and freight
- A real quote in 16 hours
Planning estimate
This is a planning tool, not a quote. A drawing with pockets, thin walls, ±0.01 mm tolerances or a cosmetic finish can move the price well outside the range.
What actually drives the price
Setup and programming
Every new part needs a program, a fixture and a first article. On small quantities, this is often the largest line.
Tolerance
±0.05 mm is a different route from ±0.002 mm. Tight tolerances add inspection, slower cuts and sometimes a second operation.
Geometry
Deep pockets, square internal corners and thin walls add setups, EDM or support. A small design change can remove a whole operation.
Material
Titanium and PEEK cost more and machine slower than aluminum. The quote separates material from machining so you can see both.
Finish
Anodising, bead blasting, polishing and laser marking are quoted as one finished part. Cosmetic finishes add handling and inspection.
Quantity
Setup is spread over more parts. The per-part price drops sharply from 1 to 50, then flattens.
Five ways to reduce the price
- Relax tolerances on non-functional faces. Keep ±0.002 mm for the features that matter and ISO 2768-mK for the rest.
- Increase the corner radius in deep pockets. A larger cutter can reach the corner without a second EDM operation.
- Choose a freer-machining material. 6061 aluminum is cheaper and faster than 7075 or titanium for the same part.
- Accept a standard finish. As-machined or bead-blasted parts avoid polishing and masking costs.
- Order a quantity that spreads the setup. If the design is stable, 10–50 pieces usually cost far less per part than one.
What happens after you send the drawing
1. Engineer reads the drawing
The person who prices the part plans how it is machined, so the DFM note is real.
2. Price, lead time and DFM in 16 hours
Usually the same working day. We mark the features that drive cost and suggest changes.
3. You decide
No commitment. If the estimate and the quote differ, we explain why.
FAQ
Is this calculator a real quote?
No. It is a planning estimate based on bounding-box volume, material and quantity. A real quote depends on the drawing, tolerances, setups, finish and inspection plan. Send a STEP file and we will return a firm price in 16 hours.
Why is the estimate a range?
Because a bounding box does not show pockets, thin walls, tight tolerances or surface finish. Those features can move the price by 50% or more. The range is deliberately wide so it is not mistaken for a quote.
What makes a CNC part expensive?
Setup and programming, tight tolerances, deep pockets, thin walls, hard materials, fine surface finish, and small quantities. The drawing calls that add cost are usually visible in the DFM note we send with the quote.
How do I get the price down?
Relax tolerances on non-functional faces, increase the corner radius in deep pockets, choose a freer-machining material, accept a standard finish, and order a quantity that spreads the setup.
Do you charge for a quote or DFM review?
No. Quotes and the short DFM note are free. We only ask for a STEP file and a drawing so the number is real.
What is the minimum order value?
There is no minimum order quantity. Small orders carry the actual setup and freight cost, which the quote shows separately.
Send the drawing. Get the real number.
The calculator is a planning tool. A STEP file and a drawing get you a firm price, a lead time and a DFM note within 16 hours.