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
Redowan Islam
Senior CNC engineer at Ginwate · 20+ years aerospace & medical machining
