Shaping material by a numerically controlled milling machine is still one of the most popular machining techniques. How much does CNC milling cost on average and what influences its price?
The popularity of modeling workpieces through the use of CNC milling machines focuses on precision and repeatability. The high quality of the process is ensured by a combination of recommended machines and highly skilled workers. A modern CNC milling machine requires the operator not only to be competent in the subject of metalworking, but also to have knowledge of programming.
The classic variation of CNC milling service takes into account free, incomplete and full machining levels; corresponding in turn to one-, two- and three-sided forms. The end result depends on the set combination. Although the machining configuration is an important aspect, it is only one of the numerous elements that affect the final price of the workpiece.
What does the cost of CNC milling depend on?
The cost of CNC milling services is a component of many links leading to the final preparation of the product. The price includes such factors as:Type of material to be processed
The physical characteristics of the raw material – including its thickness – and the length of the CNC milling line are very important points that determine the overall cost of the process. The price of machining PVC, MPB, MDF, HPL, wood, dibond, brass, aluminum or copper materials will be different. “Sculpting” in harder plastics costs at least a dozen zlotys more per meter than in the case of soft materials.
The price of the process increases as the thickness of the material increases, and depends on the nature of the modeling of the project – in two or three dimensions. It will be cheaper if the material to be processed is supplied by the customer, rather than purchased by the plant as part of the service provided.
Process of preparation for machining and inspection
Professional machining of a workpiece must be preceded by the programming of the machine, including: defining the machining plan and technology, preparing the program, replenishing the machine’s stock with the necessary tools or assembling the tooling. Also included in the price is periodic quality control, including measurements at various stages of production. This is important especially when the customer expects a measurement report and a certificate of conformity.Lead time
Time is money. It is no different in CNC milling service. If the level of complexity of the customer’s project is high, the production of the workpiece will take longer – even despite the high capacity of the machine. More time will ultimately produce a higher price. The cost of a man-hour is usually different for a 3-axis or 5-axis milling machine, and depends on, among other things:
- tool clamping time and the replacement of worn-out tools,
- the energy consumption of the CNC milling machine,
- depreciation of the machine and other components needed in the machining process.
Due to the longer lead time, a higher price is usually generated by small parts, which, contrary to appearances, are not simpler in machining than gabbros. They often require profiling with much greater precision. The price will further increase when the project involves the use of specialized equipment, such as those enabling ultraviolet printing or varnishing. Such equipment is not always on the basic equipment of the company. Sometimes it becomes necessary to purchase it for a specific implementation.
The scale of cooperation with various departments in the company
The need to involve specialists from many sectors of the company in processing will also translate into a higher price for CNC milling services. Such coordinated activities often require large-scale realizations, which are supervised by professionals from the following areas: production process design, measurement, quality control and maintenance.
Order size
The CNC milling process is repetitive, which is especially conducive to the completion of large orders. In this case – as in many other industries – the effect of scale works. The larger the order for a single machining operation, the less the customer will pay. A machine that works according to a single pattern does not require changeovers, making automatic cutting cheaper. If orders are regular, factories usually offer discounts.
Choosing a contractor
Companies, calculating the value of the service, usually rely on individual price lists of competitors. Hence, the cost of a standard CNC milling service at different contractors is sometimes similar. In the case of an atypical order, the customer’s publicly available tariff should be treated only as an indicative source, and not as information about the definitive cost of the service.
The need to involve subcontractors
The price of CNC milling services will also increase if the level of complexity of the process requires the use of subcontractors, such as for such work as:
- thermo-chemical processing (such as carburizing or nitriding),
- heat treatment (annealing, hardening, tempering),
- electrochemical machining (anodizing),
- electrical discharge machining,
- welding.
Transportation
Transportation is also an important component of the price. If the customer wants the machined part to be taken to the place he indicates, the price will be higher than if he decides to pick up the machined material on his own from the plant.
Is it always worth choosing a more expensive CNC milling service?
Remember not to be guided only by price when choosing a contractor. Cheaper – as well as more expensive machining option – does not guarantee high quality. There are often no leaps in the cost of services between companies (although this is not the rule). Given the considerable competition, companies try to optimize them so as to maintain a balance between a relatively low market price and a fair profit. The most important factors in choosing a contractor are his approach to the customer, references and sample implementations that can confirm or deny the suggested quality.
How much does CNC milling cost on average?
At present, the cost of CNC milling service of soft material up to 5 mm thick usually starts at PLN 5 per meter and rises to as much as several dozen (PLN 30, 40, etc.) for material up to 50 mm thick; with varying degrees of hardness. Prices for machining materials over 50 mm thick are not infrequently set individually.