CNC shops quote before any chips are made, usually in response to a drawing or a 3D model sent by email. Customers often send the same print to several shops and compare unit price at different quantities, lead time, and whether material and finishing are included. A clear quote with price breaks wins more work than a single number.
When to use estimates: Use estimates to provide project quotes and get client approval before starting work. Once approved, convert your estimate to an invoice with one click to collect payment.
Create an invoice for payment collection
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Invoice_1001_Client_2026-10-14.pdf
A quote tied to a specific revision protects you if the customer later changes tolerances or features.
Grade, temper, and stock form drive cost. State whether you buy it or the customer supplies it, and what happens if supplied material is out of spec.
Quoting 1, 10, 50, and 250 pieces shows how setup spreads out and helps the customer choose the right order size.
Tight tolerances or fine finishes add machining and inspection time. List the tolerance you priced to, such as plus or minus 0.005 in unless noted.
Anodize, plating, heat treat, deburring, and laser marking add cost and lead time. Say whether each is included.
First article reports, material certs, and certificates of conformance take time and should be priced up front.
Material prices change. A 30-day validity period, a stated lead time from PO, and the shipping terms such as FOB your shop prevent disputes.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| 3-axis CNC milling machine time | per hour | $60-120 |
| CNC lathe / turning machine time | per hour | $55-100 |
| 4- or 5-axis machining | per hour | $100-175 |
| CAM programming / fixture design | per hour | $65-125 |
| Job setup (fixturing, tool load, first part proof) | per setup | $75-400 |
| Simple prototype part (aluminum, small) | per part | $40-200 |
| First article inspection report (CMM or manual) | per report | $75-300 |
| Rush / expedited fee | percent of job | 25-100% |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Estimate setup, programming, and cycle time separately, then apply your machine rate. Check the result against material and outside costs so small parts with expensive finishing are not underpriced.
Listing setup apart from the per-piece price makes quantity discounts clear and supports a higher price on one-off prototypes.
Missing tolerances, deep pockets in hard alloys, or thin walls raise scrap risk. Build in a margin or note assumptions rather than guess low to win the job.
For large assemblies or reverse engineering, consider a quoting or engineering fee that is credited back if the customer places the order.
Thirty days is common. For metals with volatile prices, such as titanium or copper alloys, 14 days is reasonable. Always put the expiration date on the quote.
For new customers, large material buys, or custom tooling, yes. A deposit of 30 to 50 percent due on PO is common and covers raw stock and outside processing.
Requote against the new revision. State on the quote that pricing applies only to the listed revision and that changes may affect price and lead time.
Most simple quotes are free. For work that needs significant engineering, DFM review, or fixture design before pricing, a quoting fee is reasonable if you tell the customer in advance.
Use the CNC Machining invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
CNC Machining invoice template