Stop waiting 24 hours for a quote just to find out your design is over budget.
The biggest frustration for designers isn’t the price itself—it’s the uncertainty. “Why did this bracket cost $50?” “Why is Titanium 5x more expensive than Steel?”
In this guide, I will reveal the internal pricing formula used by machine shops in China. I’ll provide real 2026 market data on material prices and machining times, so you can estimate your part cost before you send the email.
1. The Golden Formula of CNC Pricing
Forget complex algorithms. At its core, every CNC quote follows this simple logic:
Total Price = (Material Cost) + (Machining Time × Hourly Rate) + (Setup Cost)
Let’s break down each variable with real data from our factory floor.
2. Variable 1: Material Cost (Don’t Be Fooled by Weight)
Material choice is the first cost driver. Below is the 2026 Material Cost Reference based on the Chinese supply chain.
2026 CNC Material Cost Guide
| Material Class | Grade | Density (g/cm³) | Est. Price ($/kg) | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild Steel | 1045 / A36 | 7.85 | $1.4 – $1.8 | 💲 (Lowest) |
| Aluminum | 6061 / 6063 | 2.7 – 2.8 | $4.0 – $5.5 | 💲💲 |
| Hard Steel | 2083 (Mold Steel) | 7.85 | $9.5 – $11.0 | 💲💲💲 |
| Brass | H59 / C26000 | 8.5 | $9.0 – $12.5 | 💲💲💲 |
| Titanium | TC4 (Gr5) | 4.5 | $30.0 – $35.0 | 💲💲💲💲💲 |
Pro Tip: The “Volume Trap”
Many engineers compare price by Weight ($/kg), but you design by Volume.
- Steel: Cheap ($1.5/kg) but Heavy (7.85 g/cm³).
- Aluminum: Pricier ($4.5/kg) but Light (2.7 g/cm³).
The Result: For a standard 100x100x100mm block:
- Raw material cost for Steel: ~$11.00
- Raw material cost for Aluminum: ~$12.00
Conclusion: They are almost the same price per part! Do not choose Steel just to save money on material. Since Aluminum machines 3x faster, Steel will actually cost you more in the end.
3. Variable 2: Machining Time (Rules of Thumb)
This is the hardest part to estimate without CAM software. However, you can use our “Face Milling Benchmark” to get a rough idea.
Scenario: Cleaning up a 100mm x 100mm flat surface.
- ⚡ High-Speed / Soft Material (Al 6061):
- Time: 24 – 40 seconds
- Condition: High-feed inserts, single pass.
- 🏭 Standard Industrial (Steel / Harder Al):
- Time: 2 – 3.2 minutes
- Condition: Standard zigzag strategy, full surface cleanup.
- 💎 Complex / Fine Finish (Ra 0.8):
- Time: 12 – 30 minutes
- Condition: Using small step-overs (scallop height) for high precision.
The Cost Impact:
If your shop charges $0.50/minute ($30/hour):
- A standard face mill costs $1.50.
- A fine finish requirement jumps the cost to $15.00.
Lesson: Only specify high tolerances (tight step-over) or fine finishes where absolutely necessary.
4. Variable 3: Setup Costs (The Volume Secret)
Setup is the “One-Time Engineering Fee”. It includes CAM programming, designing fixtures, and calibrating the machine origin.
- Average Setup Time: 1 – 2 hours for a standard part.
- Cost: $50 – $100 (Flat fee).
How Volume Kills Cost:
- Prototype (1 Part): You pay $100 setup for 1 part. Setup = $100/part.
- Low Volume (100 Parts): You pay $100 setup for 100 parts. Setup = $1/part.
This is why moving from 1 to 100 pieces often drops the unit price by 50% – 80%.
5. Case Study: Calculating a Real Part
Let’s calculate the estimated cost for a 100mm x 100mm x 30mm Aluminum 6061 Enclosure.
- Material:
- Volume: 300 cm³ x 2.7 density = 0.81 kg.
- Price: 0.81 kg x $5.00 = $4.05
- Machining (Standard Complexity):
- Time estimated: 30 minutes.
- Rate: $30/hour (China 3-Axis rate).
- Price: 0.5 hr x $30 = $15.00
- Setup (Amortized over 10 parts):
- Total Setup: $60.
- Per Part: $6.00
Total Estimated Price: $25.05 / part (for 10 pcs)
Ready to Verify Your Calculation?
While this calculator helps you budget, nothing beats a firm quote.
At Rapid Model, we use AI-driven quoting combined with senior engineer review to give you the most competitive price in China.
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