What are the Factors Affecting the Cost of Your CNC Machining Parts?
Today, the demand for CNC machined parts has reached an unprecedented high due to the advancements in the global industrial sector - CNC machining processes lead to the manufacturing of metallic parts used very commonly in everyday life. But is it costly? Well, there are many different factors affecting the price of CNC machined parts such as materials, the number of materials, design, size, the complexity of the prototype, etc.
Investors, customers, and workers want to know the reasons behind the capital-intensive nature of its high pricing. The following text contains more details regarding this topic, as understanding these factors would lead to better functionality, efficiency, and allotment of funds in these industries.
CNC machining can get very expensive as metals, alloys, and heavy machinery needed for the CNC processes are very costly. This process has become increasingly expensive due to advancements in technology.
Compared to manual, conventional machines, CNC machines require a central computer monitoring system leading to better functionality and accuracy. The computerized system also makes the CNC machine a lot more expensive and high-maintenance.
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3) Part Complexity and Size/a>
4) Equipment used in Production
1) Material
The above-mentioned is one of the primary factors that affect CNC machining as materials chosen for these processes affect the production cost due to two variables: the price of raw materials and the machinability of parts. Some metals are way more expensive than others while having different degrees of machinability inherent to them; the higher the machinability, the more expensive they are.
This increase in cost occurs if the metal has low machinability because the material removal and creating the desired prototype would call for more lubrication, machine involvement, and energy. That is why metals with higher machinability are preferred. Not only do they lower the overall expenditure of CNC machining metals, but they also form better products, despite being more expensive than the metals that are not very machinable. Metals like Aluminum and steel, are examples of metals with excellent machinability and are also cheaper options.
Worthy Hardware could produce more than 50 materials, including metal, plastic and wood.
2) Quantity of parts
This is one of the biggest factors affecting CNC machining prices. The scale of the output affects the production cost as there is an inverse relationship between the quantity and cost per unit. The larger order for machine parts gets, the lower the price is.
Usually, small orders require manmade production which increases the cost. With more parts, you can set the machine on automatic; hence, labour costs will be reduced drastically.
Furthermore, when CNC machine parts are ordered in bulk, the overall cost of production (cost per unit) falls as compared to producing a lesser quantity. Likewise, companies do not have to pay multiple delivery/shipping charges for individual orders, and with bulk production, all can ship at once.
3) Part Complexity and Size
The above refers to the dimensions of a prototype manufactured by a company as the bigger a prototype is, the more material it will require, due to which the production cost would increase. Moreover, as the complexity of the prototype increases, it will require higher precision and better machining. The price of a complex CNC machined part will be higher compared to a simpler prototype. Because: the intricate design would call for a skilled labor force and high machine investment.
4) Equipment used in Production
Modern technology and machining are extremely expensive. They promise great functionality and quality but come with notoriously extravagant price tags. It is, therefore, important to know whether a prototype will be completed by using a single multi-axle machine or if it will require many machines. This is one of the biggest factors in determining the cost of Production because by knowing the sort of machines needed, costs can be cut down without any loss to the manufacturers. Industries frequently use 3, 4, or 5 axle machines to make their Production cost-effective.
5) Tolerance
This refers to the accuracy required when determining the dimensions of a prototype. If the finished products have very tight dimensional restraints, greater machine incorporation comes into play. The prototypes may be measured to one-hundredths or even one-thousandths of an inch, which requires smaller probes and drill bits. This leads to higher energy costs as the CNC machines have to be worked constantly with great precision.
Worthy Hardware could make very small tolerances parts, normally the tolerance is +/-0.05mm, but if the customers request 0.01mm, then it is good for us.
6) Labor
The machinists involved in operating the CNC machines have to be paid for their work. The larger the output gets, the bigger the prototype size gets, and the more complex the design gets, labor costs go up. The accuracy and caution involved in these processes beg higher salaries. Moreover, personnel has to be employed to maintain the machines, and they all work in shifts. Therefore, the bigger the industrial setup is, the higher labor costs get. Companies also have to release bonuses and incentives to keep their laborers involved in the work and better health insurance in case of injury.
Note: Different labourers and companies charge different rates. Usually, a CNC machine and labourer cost a combined $35 per hour. However, the cost can increase if the machine used is a multi-axle machine. In this case, due to higher energy expenditure, the bill can go up to $75 to $120 per hour.
7) Additional treatments and finishing processes
If a certain product needs special finishing treatments, the production cost inevitably rises. These processes may include heat and cold treatments, anodization, surfaces coating, surface finishing, and shining. Painting, rust protection, galvanizing, and blacking may also be done. Galvanizing is a process by which the corrosion resistance of a CNC machined part may increase because, in this procedure, Zinc deposits on the surface of the CNC machined metal via electrolysis. This electrolytic process grants the metal excellent corrosion resistance, as the deposited Zinc coating the inner metal protects it from rust when the CNC machined part has a marine or household application.
These processes are not a requirement and whether or not they are involved in making the final product depends entirely on the buyer. These processes are only incorporated if the customer requires the product to be shiny, heat-treated, galvanized, or painted. These also entail extra costs. Therefore, these procedures are optional and are not available at every CNC machining plant.
Note: All these processes add greater value to the finished product, but at a higher expense to the manufacturer. Therefore, the allocation of funds also depends on this factor.
Worthy Hardware could handle more than 30+ surface finish, such as Anodize, Alodine, Sand-Blasting,Brushing, Chromate Plated.
8) Packing cost
A company gets a large part of its recognition from its packaging because that is what creates the first impression on customers. Therefore, this is another factor that leads to increases in production costs. The CNC machined part has to be properly packaged in boxes and sealed. If a prototype is fragile, greater protection is needed to ensure that it is not damaged during transportation. Some CNC machined parts may even need moisture and heat protection which further entails higher costs.
9) Design
Inaccurate or incomplete blueprints and CAD drawings may become very costly for the company. The above-mentioned mistake may result in a product that is not suited to the customers' requirements. Hence, more work would have to be carried out on the products to meet customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the part may have been rendered too small for the investor due to inaccuracy in the blueprints. In this condition, the company would have no choice but to waste the CNC machined material and start fresh. Naturally, they receive no compensation for this carelessness, which becomes a costly mistake for the company. The labor force, time, and energy incorporated in the wrong prototype are waste. The cost of CNC machining production receives an unnecessary increase.
Summary
CNC machining has undergone integration into the global industrial sector. A diverse range of metal alloys is now CNC machined as the finished products have improved properties and higher value. Therefore, the market is very responsive to the sale of CNC machined parts.
As in other businesses, some factors affect the cost of CNC machined metal production in a company dealing with machined parts. Hence, understanding these factors is paramount in keeping the manufacturing rate high while maintaining the most economical production cost.
Worthy Hardware is a CNC manufacturing and sheet metal fabrication company,including CNC machining services,CNC milling services, CNC turning services, laser cutting services and stamping services.Call us +86-76989919645 or email us [email protected] for more discounts for your projects.