\n\n| Cost element<\/td>\n | What it covers<\/td>\n | How it behaves with quantity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| Setup and programming<\/td>\n | CAM programming, fixture design, first-part checks<\/td>\n | Fixed per job, so it shrinks per part as quantity rises<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| \u0648\u0642\u062a \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0627\u0643\u064a\u0646\u0629<\/td>\n | Cutting time \u00d7 shop hourly rate<\/td>\n | Roughly constant per part<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0648\u0627\u062f<\/td>\n | Bar or plate stock, cut to size<\/td>\n | Constant per part, small for aluminum<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| \u0627\u0644\u062a\u0634\u0637\u064a\u0628<\/td>\n | Anodizing, bead blasting, powder coat, plating<\/td>\n | Lot charge plus a per-part rate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| Inspection and paperwork<\/td>\n | Measurements, CMM reports, certificates<\/td>\n | Fixed for FAI, small per part after that<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n For aluminum, machine time and setup dominate. Aluminum cuts several times faster than steel or titanium, and the stock itself is inexpensive, so the material line is usually the smallest item on the quote. Cutting time and the programmer’s hours are what you are really paying for.<\/p>\n Machine Hourly Rates: Why Quotes Differ So Much<\/h2>\nShop rates are the single biggest reason two quotes for the same part look so different.<\/p>\n Published rate ranges vary widely between sources, and many sites contradict each other, so treat any number you read online as a rough guide only. What’s consistent across them:<\/p>\n \n- 3-axis milling\u00a0is the cheapest hourly rate.<\/li>\n
- 4-axis and 5-axis milling\u00a0cost more per hour but can finish a part in fewer setups, so the total can end up lower.<\/li>\n
- CNC turning\u00a0is usually cheaper per hour than milling for round parts.<\/li>\n
- Region matters.\u00a0Shops in China generally charge lower hourly rates than shops in the US or Western Europe for comparable equipment.<\/li>\n
- Shop type matters.\u00a0A platform adds its margin on top of the partner shop’s rate. A factory-direct supplier doesn’t.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The best way to compare is not to ask for a supplier’s hourly rate at all. Ask for a quote on the same drawing at the same quantities and compare the totals.<\/p>\n How to Calculate Aluminum CNC Machining Cost: Three Worked Examples<\/h2>\nThe examples below use a simple, transparent model so you can see the arithmetic. They are illustrative, not quotes from any supplier.\u00a0Every assumption is stated so you can swap in your own numbers.<\/p>\n Shared assumptions:<\/p>\n \n- 3-axis shop rate: $60 per hour<\/li>\n
- 5-axis shop rate: $90 per hour<\/li>\n
- 6061 stock: $10 per kg, including cutting to size<\/li>\n
- 7075 stock: $14 per kg, including cutting to size<\/li>\n
- Aluminum density: 2.7 g\/cm\u00b3<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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