The most common question from our customers: "Why is the single part so expensive?" The answer lies in the cost structure of CNC manufacturing. One-time costs like programming and setup are incurred regardless of quantity – and that makes all the difference.
Cost Example: A Typical Turned Part
| Item | 1 piece | 10 pieces | 100 pieces | 500 pieces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Programming | €120 | €12/pc | €1.20/pc | €0.24/pc |
| Setup | €80 | €8/pc | €0.80/pc | €0.16/pc |
| Material + Runtime | €15 | €15/pc | €14/pc | €13/pc |
| Total per piece | €215 | €35 | €16 | €13.40 |
The Sweet Spot: 5-500 Pieces
At Strobel Industry, the sweet spot for small series is 5-500 pieces. In this range, unit costs drop dramatically without committing to large series of 10,000+ pieces.
Prototype → Pre-series → Series
Our approach: Start with 2-5 prototypes for functional testing. If approved, we produce a pre-series (20-50 pieces) for process validation. Only then do we move to series production – with optimized programs and minimal unit costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are single CNC parts so expensive?
A single part bears 100% of fixed costs: CAM programming (~€120) and machine setup (~€80) are charged to one piece. At 100 pieces, these €200 spread across all parts – just €2 per piece.
At what quantity does CNC series production pay off?
From 5 pieces, unit costs drop 80%+. The sweet spot is 5-500 pieces. Important: material selection also strongly affects pricing.
What is a framework agreement for CNC parts?
A framework agreement sets an annual total quantity that you call off flexibly in partial batches. Programming costs are incurred only once. Tips on optimal ordering here.