What does CNC turning cost?
Transparent costing instead of a black box. We explain which factors set the price, how hourly rates come about, and how to have your turned parts made more economically.
What does CNC turning cost? The unit price depends on material, complexity, tolerances and batch size, and varies with the part and the quantity. Setup costs spread out over larger series, and material certificates (3.1) add around 25 euros.
What sets the price?
The price of a CNC turned part comes from four main factors: setup time, cycle time, material cost and programming effort. Depending on complexity and quantity, the balance between them shifts.
On single parts and prototypes, setup time dominates the price: the machine has to be set up, tools changed and the program proven out. From around 100 pieces the cycle time per part becomes the deciding factor.
Machine hourly rate
The machine hourly rate varies with machine type, machining complexity and equipment. Our rates are based on the DMG MORI NLX 2000|SY and the Traub TNL 32, modern CNC turning centres with driven tools and a Y axis.
| Machining type | Hourly rate |
|---|---|
| Simple turning | On request |
| Complex geometries | On request |
| Complete machining (turning + milling) | Premium |
More pieces = less per part
Setup costs are spread across every part in a series. At 1 piece, that single part carries the full setup cost, often 75 to 80% of the price. At 500 pieces it comes down to a few cents per part.
From around 20 pieces we bring in the bar feeder, and from around 500 it runs unattended around the clock. That lowers the unit price again, because no operator time is involved.
How turned parts get cheaper
Review the tolerances
Not every surface needs IT6. Where ISO 2768-m is enough, you save measuring and machining time.
Bundle the quantity
Order annual volumes as call-offs rather than separate orders. The setup happens only once.
Choose the material
Free cutting steel (11SMnPb30) instead of tempered steel saves up to 30% cycle time through better machinability.
Radii instead of sharp corners
Internal radii from R0.5 mm can be made with standard tooling. Sharp corners need special tools.
Use complete machining
Turning plus milling in one setup saves re-clamping time and eliminates positional errors.
Improve the drawing
Unambiguous dimensions, complete tolerances and clear surface specifications avoid queries and speed up the costing.
Frequently asked questions
The hourly rate varies with machine type and machining complexity. We calculate individually and transparently.
The unit price is made up of setup costs (spread across the quantity), machining time and material cost. On single parts the setup time dominates; in series it is the cycle time.
On a single part the entire setup time (setting the machine, changing tools, proving the program) has to be carried by that one part. That often accounts for 75 to 80% of the price.
CNC turning pays off from 50 pieces; below that, setup costs dominate the unit price. From around 100 pieces the price per part drops noticeably. From around 20 pieces we use the bar feeder, and from 500 it runs unattended around the clock.
The biggest levers: only tighten tolerances where they are needed, bundle quantities, choose readily machinable materials, and supply a complete drawing that raises no queries.
Standard lead times are 3 to 5 weeks depending on complexity and quantity. Since our machines run at steady capacity, that applies to single parts too. Express production is possible on request.
Have your turned part costed
Send us your drawing. We cost it transparently and give you a fair quote within 24 hours.
Request a quote