CNC machining cost: what drives the price of a part
We do not publish a price list with amounts, because the price of a part depends on many settings you choose when ordering. Instead we show what affects it and how to lower it. You get the price of your part for free after uploading the file.
Price components
- Materialhigh impact
- Quantityhigh impact
- Geometry and setupshigh impact
- Tolerancesmedium impact
- Sizemedium impact
- Surface finishmedium impact
- Thickness and cut lengthmedium impact
- Lead timelow impact
How the price is set
Two ways to a price, neither with surprises.
Instant price
For simple parts the system calculates the price from the file: size, material volume, setups and holes, quantity and finish. You see it before ordering.
Quoted by shops
A complex part is quoted by 3-5 vetted shops. Each one calculates independently, and you get one price with a lead time. Quoting is free and non-binding.
The accepted price covers material, machining, quality control and delivery in Poland. It does not change without your consent.
Price components
How much does CNC machining cost: what affects the price
The same bracket can cost several times more or less depending on material, quantity and tolerances. This is how each parameter works.
Material
The raw material price and how fast it machines. Aluminium cuts several times faster than stainless steel, and titanium and PEEK are expensive in themselves.
How to save: If the part does not need stainless, choose aluminium or steel with a protective finish.
Quantity
Machine and program setup costs the same for 1 and for 100 pieces. In a larger batch it is spread over more parts.
How to save: Order a stock or several prototypes at once instead of one.
Geometry and setups
Every re-clamping is operator time. Deep pockets, thin walls and angled features make machining longer.
How to save: Design for machining from one or two sides, with rounded internal corners.
Tolerances
ISO 2768-m is included in the base price. Tighter tolerances need slower machining, better machines and more precise measuring.
How to save: Give tight tolerances only to dimensions that mate with another part.
Size
A bigger part means more material, a bigger machine and longer run time. Fewer shops can machine large parts.
How to save: Check whether a large part could be made from two smaller ones.
Surface finish
Anodising, plating, painting or blasting is a separate step, priced by surface area, plus a few days to the lead time.
How to save: Order a finish only where it is needed for function or looks.
Thickness and cut length
For laser and waterjet cutting, contour length, number of holes and thickness count. Thicker sheet cuts more slowly.
How to save: Choose the thinnest sheet that meets the part's requirements.
Lead time
Express shortens production and costs more. Without a rush the price is lowest.
How to save: Order ahead where you can.
What the price includes
- Material and machining
- Quality control with inspection report
- Edge deburring
- Delivery in Poland
- Invoice and claims handling
Payment
Card or bank transfer. You pay for ordered parts, not for placing an order or for the quote. The money goes to HexoParts, and the shop is paid only after your acceptance.
Questions
CNC milling and turning cost: frequently asked questions
How much does CNC machining cost?
It depends on material, setups, tolerances, finish and quantity, so we do not publish table prices. You see the price of your part for free after uploading the file, without an account.
Why do you not publish example prices?
The same part can cost several times more or less depending on material, quantity, tolerances and finish. An example amount without these settings would mislead, while the price from your file is exact and free.
Is there an hourly rate for CNC turning?
There is no single hourly rate, because the price depends on the part. A simple turned part in a common material gets an instant price after you upload the model.
How much does CNC machining of a single piece cost?
For one piece most of the price is machine and program setup. That is why the unit price drops noticeably at just a few pieces.
Can the price change after I order?
Not without your consent. The accepted price covers material, machining, quality control and delivery in Poland. If you change the order during production, you get the new price for approval.
Learn more about CNC machining cost
What CNC machining costs
The price of a machined part is made of setup, machine time, material and finish. When you ask how much CNC machining costs, look at the quantity first: setup is paid once per batch. On a single part it carries the whole price; on 50 parts it is spread across all of them.
CNC machining cost per hour
The hourly rate alone says little about the part price. A 5-axis centre costs more per hour than a 3-axis machine but saves setups and time. What matters is how many minutes your part needs on which machine, plus setup and material. That is why our price comes from the geometry in your file, not from a CNC machining price per hour.
Lowering the price of custom CNC parts
Aluminium parts usually cost less than stainless steel parts because aluminium machines faster. Generous tolerances where the function allows, internal radii instead of sharp internal corners and fewer setups lower the price noticeably. Instead of a generic CNC machining cost calculator, upload your file on get a quote and see the price of your own part. For printed parts see 3D printing cost.
How much does CNC machining cost per hour, and laser or waterjet cutting cost
How much CNC machining costs per hour says little about the price of your part, because setups, material and tolerances matter as much as machine time. The same applies to laser cutting cost and waterjet cutting cost: cut length, pierces, thickness and material set the price, and simple contours get a fixed price straight from the DXF file.
Have a part to make? Place an order.
Placing an order costs nothing, you pay only for ordered parts. Businesses and private persons across the EU order online, in EUR.
- No minimum order
- Invoice from HexoParts
- Claims handled by us
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