Cycle time
Cutting, rapid moves, tool changes and auxiliary time are shown separately so the dominant component is easy to identify.
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Free production estimate
CNC cycle time and machining cost calculator
Connect process and economics: estimate time per part and batch, then machine, operator, tooling, material and scrap costs.
From process to quotation
One calculation shows what actually builds the part cost.
Cutting time comes from distance and average feed. Rapid movement is corrected by an efficiency factor, while the batch model adds setup, expected scrap and direct costs.
Operator attendance
Setup is treated as attended; for production you define the percentage of cycle time that actually requires an operator.
Cost per good part
Scrap increases expected starts, machine time and material required to deliver the requested number of conforming parts.
Advanced mode
More capability only when you need it.
Expand the calculation workbench below the basic result without creating an account. Profiles stay in the browser and production inputs are not uploaded.
A/B variant comparison
Compare two machines or strategies, batch cost, lead time and the quantity at which one variant becomes more economical.
Batch sizes and selling price
Check several production quantities, then calculate a price with overhead, margin or markup and discount.
Profiles and operations
Save common machine assumptions or build a cycle from individual steps, their duration and operator attendance.
Transparent assumptions
The result is an explainable estimate, not a machine-time promise.
The model assumes a repeatable average cycle and statistical scrap rate. It does not automatically include axis acceleration profiles, pallet exchange, queues, downtime or tax. Add them to auxiliary time or other cost when relevant.
FAQ
Common CNC costing questions
How is cutting time calculated?
Cutting distance is divided by average cutting feed. For programs with very different feeds, use a time-weighted value or enable the operation list.
Why use a rapid-traverse efficiency?
A machine does not reach maximum rapid speed instantly. The factor roughly accounts for acceleration, deceleration and short moves.
How does the calculator include scrap?
Expected starts equal required good parts divided by yield, where yield is one minus the scrap percentage.
How does A/B comparison work?
Variant B uses the batch size and geometry of variant A. Its cycle time, setup, rates, scrap, material and tooling assumptions can be changed.
What is the difference between margin and markup?
Markup is a percentage of cost, while margin is profit as a percentage of selling price. The calculator uses separate formulas.
Can labor cost model unattended running?
Yes. Set operator attendance to 0% for unattended production; setup time is still treated as attended.
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