In CNC machining, the cost of different machining projects varies. The cost of CNC machining projects is determined by many factors together
Determined by several factors. As cost is an important consideration in most projects, it is recommended to understand these factors and their impact on cost.
This article will help you understand the main factors that lead to CNC machining costs and optimize your project to fully utilize it. The important factors that affect the cost of CNC machining parts can be divided into equipment, materials, design, manufacturing volume, and precision machining operations.
The equipment cost is obtained before the processing begins. However, they set costs and affect the cost of processing projects. The higher the cost of purchasing, operating, and maintaining a machine, the more expensive the parts manufactured by the machine will be.
How to choose the type of CNC machine tool
CNC manufacturing involves various processing operations. These include drilling, boring, turning, and milling. Most of them are carried out on CNC lathes or CNC milling machines.
Another point is the efficiency of the machine itself. Over the years, CNC machine tools have undergone tremendous changes. Compared to the highly advanced modern CNC machine tools used today, early CNC machine tools and CNC machine tools are nothing. Modern machines are faster and more efficient. In the long run, this speed makes the production of parts cheaper.
How to choose cutting tools for CNC machining
In addition, the cost of cutting tools will also affect the total equipment cost. The tool material, coating, and geometric shape all affect this cost. For example, hard alloy cutting tools are harder, more heat-resistant, able to withstand extreme speeds, and their cost is more than twice that of tool steel cutting tools.
Why is CNC milling more expensive
Milling machines are usually more expensive than lathes because they have more complex moving parts; More difficult to set up, operate, and maintain; And it can perform more complex operations. Therefore, CNC milling is usually more expensive than any other operation.
There are different types of milling machines with varying degrees of complexity and capabilities. The more shafts a milling machine has, the higher the price. Most modern CNC machine tools have three or five axes. Although 5-axis machine tools can create very complex geometric shapes more accurately and quickly (thus requiring less processing time), they are usually more expensive than 3-axis machine tools.
Setting costs includes the costs incurred in preparing for actual processing. All CNC machined parts start with a 3D model. The 3D model is designed by design experts using CAD (computer-aided design) software. The resources required to create the 3D model to be manufactured account for a significant portion of the setup cost.
Setting costs also includes using appropriate CAM software for design optimization and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) preparation of the model to be manufactured.
How material prices affect CNC machining costs
The materials used to manufacture parts are one of the important cost drivers. There are several costs associated with the materials to be processed. The important factor is the cost of the material itself. The pricing of materials varies, and the price is determined by their availability, ideal performance, and overall production cost.
Metals are usually more expensive than other materials, and the following figure illustrates the relative prices of some commonly used engineering metals. Please note that metal prices fluctuate and the exact price may vary depending on locations. The prices in the following figure are relative.
The machinability of materials, a key factor
Besides material costs, machinability is another important cost determining factor. Materials with low processability require more time and effort to process, and in the field of CNC machining, time is money. The cost of machining parts is directly proportional to the time required for machining parts. Difficult to process materials also consume more resources, such as cutting fluid, electricity, and cutting tools.
Improving CAD design for CNC machining
The design and geometric shape of parts can significantly affect the cost of CNC machining.
Based on experience, the more complex the part, the higher the manufacturing cost. Highly complex parts may require more advanced machinery. They also require more processing time, multiple tool passes and settings, more resources, and more careful inspection. All of these will affect the cost of the parts.
In CNC machining, certain part features and designs inevitably increase costs. These include sharp inner corners, thin walls, deep cavities, non-standard hole sizes, and lettering. These, as well as other low-cost features we compile, will significantly affect costs and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. In addition, certain design specifications (such as surface roughness or tolerance options) may require multiple passes and checks.
In addition, large parts are logically more expensive to manufacture because they require more raw materials, resources, and manufacturing work and time.
Reduce CNC machining costs through mass production
As the number of parts increases, the unit cost of a group of identical parts significantly decreases. The corresponding reduction in costs is the result of eliminating duplicate setup costs. CAD design, CAM preparation, and machine setup handle all parts to be manufactured once and for all.
Using data from our real-time quotation engine, the following chart compares the cost per unit and quantity per unit of parts made of aluminum EN AW-6061/3.3211/Al Mg1SiCu in the above figure.
The above diagram proves that the cost of each part is inversely proportional to the number of parts being manufactured. The cost per unit of 1000 outputs is approximately 88% lower than the cost of independent units.
CNC machining produces parts suitable for use during machining. However, some applications require parts to undergo post-processing operations, such as heat treatment, surface treatment, and coating, to improve their functionality, performance, and aesthetics. All of these have increased the price of the parts.
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