CNC machining, or computer numerical control machining, has transformed the manufacturing industry. Through automated technology, metals and plastics can be shaped by milling, turning, drilling, and other actions to create a wide variety of products with extraordinary precision and efficiency.
CNC machining costs can vary widely based on a number of factors, including material, order quantity, design, and more. Here are a few factors that play a role in determining the cost of CNC machining projects.
The raw materials used can greatly vary in price and significantly impact the costs of a CNC machining project. The lower end of the pricing spectrum can include plastics such as PVC and ABS while metals such as copper and titanium often come with a premium price tag. Market fluctuations can mean varying CNC machining rates at different times.
Another significant factor that impacts CNC machining costs is product design. Highly detailed designs will cost more to produce than products with a simple shape.
Products with tight tolerance designs are generally more expensive to produce than products with looser tolerance numbers. This is because tight tolerance products allow for very little variation and often produce more waste and the need for more stringent quality control measures. Surface finishing processes such as passivation or powder coating can also increase CNC machining costs.
The total volume of units being produced will impact the final cost of any CNC machining project. Mass production of tens, hundreds, or thousands of units almost always comes at a lower price per unit than a single volume production run.
Many CNC machining companies require volume mininums in order to take on a project. Schantz Machining & Fabrication is proud to offer CNC machining services at competitive CNC machining rates for all order volumes, from a single unit to 10,000 units or more.
Despite its strategic use of computers and technology, there is still a significant amount of labor that goes into CNC machining and associated CNC machining rates. Labor costs are another factor to consider when pricing out a CNC machining project. This includes the design team, machine operators, quality control, and more.
CNC machines require a significant upfront investment. These machines are highly intricate and require routine maintenance, cleaning, and repairs. With all of this said, there are still ways to optimize your CNC machining costs to ensure you get the best possible price.
Design for Manufacturability (DFM) is a practice used by many CNC machinists to help customers optimize the production process. Implementing DFM can help reduce costly errors that will eat up your manufacturing budget.
Be sure to consolidate orders in an effort to reduce the cost per unit whenever possible. Storage space for excess product can often be more economical than the cost of multiple production runs of the same product.
Talk to one of our CNC machining experts today to get an estimate on your next CNC machining project.
From initial design, to prototypes and full production,
you can count on us to deliver quality parts,
on time and on budget!
Quality Parts on Time and on Budget!
