Build the cost stack
A CNC machining cost calculation should show each cost source instead of hiding job work inside a single hourly number. Keep these lines available for review:
- Material and any recorded stock or yield treatment.
- Machine time from CAM, a process plan, or a qualified job record.
- Labor allocation and tooling consumption from shop records.
- Job-level setup and programming, allocated with the quoted batch quantity.
- Inspection and secondary operations as their own inputs when applicable.
- Overhead and quote markup according to the shop policy.
Quote workflow
- 1Lock the job scopeRecord part dimensions, material, quantity, revision, and required operations.
- 2Enter time evidenceUse CAM output, a process plan, or a measured job record; do not infer real toolpath time from geometry alone.
- 3Separate job and part costsKeep programming and setup job-level, then allocate them across the quoted batch without double counting.
- 4Review the resultCheck every component, markup policy, assumptions, and export before releasing a quote.
Batch allocation and boundaries
Batch pricing changes when fixed setup and programming are spread across more parts. The allocation quantity must match the quote quantity. Inspection or secondary operations may be job-level or per-part; record the chosen basis explicitly.
The calculator is a cost model, not a CAD or CAM engine. Replace example inputs with your own records before using a result for production quoting.