Estimate what a machined part costs by combining run time, material, tooling, and the one-time setup spread across the batch. Adjust the quantity to see how per-part cost drops as setup is amortized over more pieces.
An estimate for quoting and comparison; add margin, finishing, and inspection as needed.
How it works
Per-part cost is material plus tooling plus the machine time for one cycle, plus the setup and programming divided across the quantity: cost per part = material + tooling + (cycle time / 60 × rate) + (setup hours × rate + programming) / quantity.
Lowering the number
The biggest levers are cycle time and quantity. Faster, well-tuned feeds and speeds shorten run time, and larger batches spread the fixed setup cost thin. Looser tolerances and fewer setups help too.
FAQ
What machine rate should I use? Shop rates commonly run 60 to 150 dollars per hour depending on machine size and region; use your own shop rate for an accurate quote.
See the CNC Machining Cost Guide and estimate run time with the Cycle Time Formula.