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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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.
Cycle and batch timePart and batch costScrap and operator shareLocal calculations
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.
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, in-process inspection or sales margin. 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 calculate operations separately.
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.
Can labor cost model unattended running?
Yes. Set operator attendance to 0% for unattended production; setup time is still treated as attended.
Does the cost include margin and tax?
Not automatically. Add an allowance or overhead in the other-cost-per-good-part field when required.
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