CNC machining is a phenomenal technology that comes up with cost-efficient manufacturing solutions for metal fabrication and prototypes.
It is amongst the most economical and technologically advanced machining technologies for ondemand production.
But calculating the project cost can be a stumbling block for you due to the involvement of various tricky factors.
These factors include Labor Cost Machining Cost Design Complexities Materials Many Others to Consider
This video covers
Important factors being contemplated before calculating project costs.
How you can reduce cost.
Some useful tips for optimizing your budgets.
Factors Influencing CNC Machining Cost
There are some important factors that you must take into consideration before starting the process. They are
1: Part Features
Part features govern CNC machining cost calculation in many ways.
If your part has complex features, then your cost will increase.
Because you will have to spend more financial means in achieving that complex geometry.
2: Appropriate Material Selection
Appropriate material selection is extremely substantial for accurate cost estimation.
Go for the one that proffers your project necessities in optimal way.
There are two types of CNC materials that are used frequently i.e. metals and plastics.
3: Machining Cost
To calculate the machining cost:
One must estimate the type of the machine (3-axis or 5-axis) will be used and the number of hours for which it will be running.
To calculate the cost per hour,
Divide the machine’s price by the number of operating hours per year.
4: Labor Cost
A major chunk of the money from the customer goes to labor.
It should be estimated precisely and accurately. It includes the following
Designing and Programming Cost Machine Set-up Cost Quality Control Cost Post-processing
Cost
5: Others
There might be some additional expenses during the process. These include
Special Tooling Cost
Surface Finish
Ways to Reduce CNC Machining Cost
The CNC machining cost can be reduced by applying the following recommendations.
But keep in mind, do not go for too much cost reduction otherwise your product quality may suffer.
Reconsider Material
Once you’ve chosen a particular material and before finalizing it just consider it again.
Make sure that the selected material fulfills the requirements properly.
Revisit the price and the wanted functionality of the material. If a cheaper material does the job, then go for it. Leave the expensive one.
Optimize Your Design
Before you send your design, just ensure if it fulfills the following criteria
Check whether your design complies with the machinability guidelines.
Check if your design has any extra design features. Try to remove them without disturbing the actual design.
Check if your design needs to be divided into further parts to reduce complexity.
Check if you can optimize your design that can help to eliminate the use of multiple machine
setups or special tooling.
Check if a cheaper material fulfills your part requirement.
The first thing we do is meeting with our clients and talk through their goals on a future project.
During this meeting, feel free to communicate your ideas and ask lots of questions.
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