The five line items in every CNC quote
Every legitimate quote breaks down into the same five components. If you can estimate each one, you can validate any supplier's number — or spot when they're overcharging.
- Raw material cost — billet weight × material $/kg + ~15% scrap allowance
- Machining time — cycle time × programmable rate ($60-$120/hour typical for China)
- Setup + programming — one-time per part design ($50-$300 typical)
- Surface finish — anodize, plating, polish, etc.
- Inspection + packaging — usually 5-10% of total
Quick formula
Total = (Material × qty) + (Machine time × rate × qty) + Setup + (Finish × qty) + QC
Worked example: aluminum bracket, qty 50
| Line item | Calculation | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Material (6061-T6 billet, 50×50×20 mm × 50 pcs) | 0.135 kg × $7/kg × 50 × 1.15 scrap | $54 |
| Machining (12 min cycle × $90/hr × 50) | 10 hrs × $90 | $900 |
| Programming + fixturing (one-time) | $120 | |
| Anodize Type II clear, 50 pcs | $1.50/pc × 50 | $75 |
| QC + packaging | ~7% | $80 |
| Total | $1,229 | |
| Unit price | $24.58 |
Where quotes go wrong
- Material lookup wrong — supplier quoted titanium price as Ti-6Al-4V but actually has commercial-pure stock; refuses to honor when you specify the right grade.
- Machine rate inflated — China shops should be $60-$120/hr fully-loaded. Anyone quoting at $200/hr is either using a premium machine you don't need or padding.
- Setup buried in unit price — at quantity 1 the setup dominates; at quantity 100 it should drop out. If unit price stays flat between qty 10 and qty 100, you're paying setup twice.
- Hidden minimums — "$500 minimum order" reveals after quote acceptance.
Use the Ginwate instant calculator
Our quote engine applies this exact formula automatically. Enter material + dimensions + quantity + finish and you'll see the breakdown in seconds — the same line items, transparent pricing. The formal quote then refines with engineer DFM review at no extra cost.
Written by
Admin User
Senior CNC engineer at Ginwate · 20+ years aerospace & medical machining
