Key Factors Affecting CNC Turning Costs
1. Material Costs
The type of material used has a major impact on pricing. Common materials and their relative costs include:
- Aluminum ($): Affordable, easy to machine, lightweight.
- Stainless Steel ($$): More expensive due to hardness and tool wear.
- Brass & Copper ($$): Moderate cost, good machinability.
- Titanium ($$$): High cost due to difficulty in machining.
- Plastics ($): Cheaper but may require special tooling.
2. Part Complexity
- Simple parts (basic cylinders, minimal features) → Lower cost.
- Complex parts (threads, tight tolerances, undercuts) → Higher cost due to longer machining time and specialized tooling.
- Multi-axis machining (e.g., live tooling, 5-axis CNC turning) → Increases price but allows intricate geometries.
3. Batch Size (Economies of Scale)
- Prototyping (1-10 parts): Higher per-unit cost due to setup time.
- Small batches (10-100 parts): Reduced cost per part.
- Mass production (100+ parts): Lowest per-unit cost due to optimized runs.
4. Machining Time
- Longer cycle times = higher costs.
- Factors affecting time:
- Cutting speed & feed rates.
- Number of operations (e.g., turning, drilling, threading).
- Tool changes and setup adjustments.
5. Tolerances & Surface Finish
- Standard tolerances (±0.005" or higher) → Lower cost.
- Tight tolerances (±0.001" or less) → Higher cost (requires precision tooling and inspection).
- Special finishes (e.g., polishing, anodizing) → Additional charges.
6. Labor & Overhead
- Machine shop location (labor rates vary by country).
- CNC operator/programmer costs.
- Machine depreciation & maintenance.
Estimated CNC Turning Costs
| Factor | Low Cost | Medium Cost | High Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material (per part) | 5–5–20 (Aluminum, Plastic) | 20–20–100 (Stainless Steel, Brass) | $100+ (Titanium, Exotic Alloys) |
| Simple Part (1-10 pcs) | 20–20–50 per part | 50–50–150 per part | 150–150–500+ per part |
| Medium Batch (50-100 pcs) | 10–10–30 per part | 30–30–80 per part | 80–80–200+ per part |
| High Volume (500+ pcs) | 5–5–15 per part | 15–15–50 per part | 50–50–150+ per part |
Additional Costs to Consider
- Setup fees (50–50–300 for initial programming & fixturing).
- Tooling costs (custom inserts or special cutters may add 20–20–200).
- Post-processing (deburring, coating, heat treatment).
- Shipping & logistics (if outsourcing to a machine shop).
How to Reduce CNC Turning Costs
✅ Optimize design for manufacturability (avoid unnecessary tight tolerances).
✅ Choose cost-effective materials (e.g., aluminum over titanium).
✅ Order in larger quantities (lower per-unit cost).
✅ Use standard tooling (reduces setup expenses).
✅ Compare multiple machine shops (prices vary by supplier).
Conclusion
CNC turning Machining Service range from 10–10–500+ per part, depending on material, complexity, and order volume. For the best pricing, provide detailed drawings, consider material alternatives, and request quotes from multiple suppliers.