CNC Machining has been around for a long time, longer than you might think. And today, it is a tool used globally. It has been refined and streamlined throughout the decades to create a process that is quick and efficient at producing tools, parts & prototypes.
But before you consider CNC machining. It is essential that you know the costs involved to make sure that the price you are getting is something that is financially feasible for you. Let’s start from the beginning.
What is CNC?
Computer Numerical Control Machining, or CNC Machining for short, is a process of producing tools, parts, and prototypes by using a tool that cuts out and shapes those parts.
CNC or computer numerical control is a method of digitally designing a product and using this design to cut out the product parts.
The design for these parts or prototypes is created either manually, and then inputted into a computer or it is designed digitally using a CAM program.
After the design is decided upon, the computer uses it as a guideline to shape the material put in front of it. The exact CNC machine that you use depends upon the material that the machine will be working with.
CNC machining has cut production times and costs by a massive margin, and with the improvements in computer design, it has also reduced human error to the point where the parts produced through CNC machining are almost flawless.
Uses of CNC
There are many industries that employ the use of CNC machinery.
The first use of CNC machinery on this list is producing copies of the same part. Due to the pinpoint dimensional accuracy of CNC machining, you can produce copies of the same part as many times as you want and with the same accuracy. The automotive industry has adopted CNC machining to produce important parts such as gears, shafts, and much more. This is done with relative ease through CNC machinery.
CNC machinery is also critical in the firearm industry because it can produce accurate designs repeatedly. This accuracy is helpful because the margin of error in firearm design needs to be as low as possible.
It is the same with the aerospace industry as many parts for planes, and other machinery are produced through CNC.
How Much Does CNC Machining Cost?
The tricky thing with CNC machining costs is that a huge chunk of it depends upon the use you are looking to get out of the machine.
There are many factors that go into figuring out the cost of CNC machining. Such as:
- The size and dimensions of the part you are producing.
- The material that is being used
- The machine that you are using
- How many units are being produced
- The time it takes to produce one part
And many more factors.
If you are looking for out-of-house CNC machining services,,then keep in mind to compare market rates. You should also get a quote.
What Affects the Costs of CNC Machining?
The Specifics of Your Order
As listed above, these aspects can affect the pricing of your order. The complexity and the dimensions that the CNC machinery needs to tackle are the biggest factors, followed by the material being used in the CNC machining process. More complex and intricate designs will take more time to G-code and produce.
The volume or quantity of your order will also impact how much it costs your design to be machined. Smaller orders will surely be cheaper than bigger volume orders. But another thing to consider is that the bigger the order, the lower the price is per unit.
There are also other factors to consider when trying to figure out CNC Machining costs:
- 3 Axis Machining Vs. Multi-Axis Machining
There are different types of CNC machines that you can hire. And the type of machine you hire can either increase or reduce the cost for your project. So, choose wisely. Companies usually set the machine rate at a per-hour-basis.
The two main types of CNC machines that are used are 3-axis machines and multi-axis machines.
A 3-axis machine costs less to produce a design than a multi-axis machine. Although, the work of a 3-axis machine is much more limited in its movement than that of a multi-axis machine.
- Computing Costs
There is the computing part of the design which has its own separate cost. The coding of the design depends upon how complex or intricate the part is. The more complex it is, the longer it takes to code the design.
- Finishing
The kind of finish you want also affects the final cost as a smoother finish requires the machine to work more while a less smooth finish doesn’t require as much work.
Conclusion
If you are looking for CNC machining services in Australia and want to get a quote, then contact us, and we will provide you with the rates according to your needs.
