With the continuous development of technology, CNC machine tools are increasingly used in mechanical processing because they can automate processing, reduce labor costs, and improve processing accuracy. Therefore, CNC machining costs are higher than traditional machining costs. The cost of CNC machining services that everyone is most concerned about is mainly the cost of processing on CNC machine tools. Therefore, it will vary depending on many factors, including the complexity of the part, the material used, the required tolerance, the number of parts ordered, and the specific service provider.
Detailed explanation of CNC machine tool labor cost structure
The calculation method of CNC machining fees depends on factors such as the difficulty of machining, the materials required, the cost of the machine, and the labor of the employees. Generally speaking, CNC machining fees are calculated on an hourly basis, and the fees may vary depending on the complexity of the machining. In addition, the choice of materials will also have an impact on the machining costs, and high-quality materials may result in higher machining costs. Therefore, the cost of CNC machining will have the following factors as an overall cost.
- Material costs: Material costs are an important factor in determining the total cost of a part because they include the costs incurred in purchasing raw materials such as metals or engineering plastics. Using more expensive or more specialized materials will inevitably lead to higher prices.
- Quantity: CNC machining pricing is affected by the number of parts ordered. In large-scale production, the fixed costs of setup and programming can be spread over a large number of parts, so the price per unit tends to decrease.
- Machining time: Machining time includes setup, programming, and the actual machining process, which has a direct impact on cost. For complex components or tight tolerances, additional machining time may be required, resulting in increased costs.
- Labor costs: Skilled technicians or machinists are involved in programming, setting up, and operating CNC machines, and the labor costs associated with their expertise and time need to be factored into the total price.
- Tooling and fixtures: Additional costs may be incurred due to the need for specific cutting tools, toolholders, or fixtures to complete the machining process. These costs may vary depending on the complexity of the component.
- Type of surface finish: The choice of surface finish can have an impact on the total cost. Certain treatments, such as basic painting or powder coating, tend to be more cost-effective, while other treatments, such as plating with precious metals or special coatings or masking certain areas, may incur higher fees due to increased material costs and the additional machining steps involved.
- Quality and tolerance requirements: Achieving tighter tolerances often requires the use of advanced CNC machines, specialized tools, cutting tools, more precise machining operations, or additional inspection and testing. These supplementary processes may result in increased production time, higher scrap rates, and increased labor costs.
- Packaging materials: Customer customization and branding requirements can affect packaging prices, although this is usually a relatively small factor compared to other cost considerations.
Detailed explanation of CNC machining quotation fee
The charging standard of CNC machining is determined by many factors, generally including machining difficulty, machining time, material selection, equipment cost and machining quantity. Machining time is one of the important criteria for CNC machining, which is usually determined by comprehensive factors such as machining difficulty, material and equipment cost. Taking milling as an example, the machining time is usually determined by multiple factors such as machining route, tool diameter, machining speed and depth. Under conventional settings, the machining time may also be affected to a certain extent by the performance limitations of the equipment.
Material costs are related to the local supply chain. In addition, the machining difficulty of CNC machining increases, such as depreciation. Hourly wages + fixed costs to be shared. The above are all time factors, and the factory removes the machine tool cost in processing. For example, many existing CNC machine tools and processing ranges affect the basic factors of price.
Usually, the processing fee and milling machine processing fee of US$40 to US$50 per hour can be calculated as follows: hours multiplied by wages per hour + fixed costs to be shared. Factories with fewer machines usually charge higher fees, while factories with more machines may charge lower fees. Factories with fewer machines generally charge slightly more than $10 more. Therefore, most factories consider factors such as processing difficulty, precision, working hours, labor unit hourly wages, and quantity.
For example, when processing a product, the quotation of mechanical processing is a more complicated issue. The cost usually includes the material cost and processing cost of the parts, and the price is usually calculated per unit time. The quotation is generally as follows.
CNC lathe processing fee: The standard calculation for equipment above 200,000 US is 100 to 200 US dollars per hour. Equipment below 100,000 US is about 30-40 US dollars per hour. At present, most of the external quotations are based on working hours, that is, the accuracy level. Although the quotation is based on time, the price difference between processing a single product and processing in large quantities is very large.
Working hour calculation is commonly used in production. It includes machine tool depreciation + tool depreciation + profit. The higher the hardness of the material and the higher the precision, the longer the processing time required, and the higher the quotation will be. If it is a machining center, the milling machine with a machine size of about 1 meter or less is generally priced by the hour.
The processing time is also affected by the following main factors: the first is the processing batch problem, and the second is the complexity and precision of the workpiece, which also has a great impact on the quotation of the workpiece. In addition, the quotation will also depend on the size of the workpiece and the labor cost. Therefore, it is difficult to give examples of specific costs. Usually, the factory will calculate the processing fee of a single piece based on the processing time of the part. The processing hours of a single product should be converted into money, that is, how much money is one hour. Therefore, the longer the processing time of a single product, the higher the complexity and precision requirements, the higher the quotation. If the factory is rented, the rent will also be included.
Then, I would like to ask all readers how much money is generally quoted per hour for processing an outer diameter of 100 and a complex shape?
Elimold quotation details (prices vary depending on the machine tool and processing complexity)
1) Lathe: $60/hour.
2) Milling machine: $60/hour.
3) Grinding machine: $60/hour.
4) Fitter: $80/hour.
5) Machining center: $60~120/hour.
6) CNC lathe: $60~120/hour.
7) Spark machine: $80~150/hour.
8) Wire cutting: $60~150/hour; small parts start at $80, large parts are based on area: $0.06~0.08/mm².
9) Fine hole discharge: carbon steel, tungsten steel, φ0.3 and above 1 US dollar/mm, φ0.3 below 2~3 US dollars/mm; φ0.3 and above 1.8~2 US dollars/mm.
10) Management fee: cost price*0.2.
How to reasonably control the labor costs of CNC machining
After understanding the composition of CNC machine tool labor costs, you can start from the following aspects to control CNC machining labor costs:
- Reduce the time of part processing by reasonably arranging production plans and optimizing process flows.
- By selecting suitable materials, you can reduce processing time, material consumption and waste, and reduce material costs.
- Optimize part design and reduce the complexity of parts. If the hardness of the material used is very high, you can also consider replacing it with a material with a lower hardness to reduce the overall cost.
If the sample is confirmed, arrange for mass production, and mass production is also a way to reduce costs.
Notes
When choosing the charging method of the CNC machining center, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Understand the equipment performance and processing capacity of the machining center in order to determine the appropriate charging method;
- Carefully check the charging contract and details to avoid unnecessary disputes;
- Communicate and negotiate with the machining center in a timely manner to promptly resolve problems and difficulties that arise during the processing;
- When choosing the charging method based on materials, you need to pay attention to fluctuations in material prices to avoid cost increases and losses.
How to Get a More Accurate Quote
In order to get an accurate cost estimate for a specific project, it is recommended to contact Elimold and provide them with comprehensive specifications, including detailed drawings or 3D models of the parts, material requirements, quantities required, and any other specifications. They will be able to provide you with a personalized quote based on your precise needs. To ensure that you get the quality and service you need at a reasonable price. Also, remember that while cost is an important consideration, factors such as quality, delivery time, communication, and shipping should also be considered when choosing a CNC machining service provider.