If you’re developing CNC machining prototypes, piezas industriales, or custom components, understanding machining design cost is critical for budgeting and avoiding unexpected expenses. Unlike material or machining fees, machining design cost has no fixed standard—it ranges from 500 RMB for simple parts a tens of thousands of RMB for complex, multi-functional designs. This guide breaks down the core factors shaping costs, provides practical price references, shares cost-saving strategies, and answers common questions to help you make informed decisions.
1. 6 Core Factors That Impact Machining Design Cost
Machining design cost is shaped by tangible elements, from the complexity of the part to the expertise of the design team. Below is a detailed breakdown with real numbers to illustrate their impact:
(1) Complejidad de diseño
Complexity is the single biggest driver of cost. Simple, regular shapes require minimal time and effort, while parts with special structures or functional requirements demand more resources:
| Nivel de complejidad | Rasgos clave | Design Time Range | Rango de costos (RMB) | Ejemplos típicos |
| Simple | Regular shapes (squares, circles), no assembly features, basic dimensions | 1 ~ 3 días | 500 ~ 2,000 | Small flat brackets, single-hole spacers |
| Medio | Superficies curvas, simple assembly structures (P.EJ., 2–3 mating parts), tolerancias estándar (± 0.1 mm) | 3 ~ 7 días | 2,000 ~ 5,000 | CNC-machined housings, gear blanks with basic teeth |
| Alto | Special-shaped structures (P.EJ., internal hollows, paredes delgadas <2milímetros), multi-part assembly, tolerancias apretadas (± 0.01 mm), functional simulations (motion/heat) | 7 ~ 15+ días | 5,000 ~ 20,000+ | Componentes aeroespaciales, medical device parts with fluid flow requirements |
Ejemplo: A simple square bracket (100mm×50mm×10mm) costs 500–1,000 RMB to design. A complex medical implant with internal channels and tight tolerances costs 10,000–15,000 RMB—10–30x more.
(2) Design Scope & Deliverables
The range of services included in the design package directly affects cost. Basic 3D modeling is affordable, while full-process design (including optimization and simulation) adds significant expenses:
| Design Scope | Key Deliverables | Rango de costos (RMB) | Mejor para |
| Basic 3D Modeling | 3D Modelo (STL/STEP format) based on client sketches/concepts, no optimization | 500 ~ 2,000 | Clients with clear requirements, piezas simples |
| Standard Design | 3D Modelo + 2D engineering drawings (dimensiones, tolerancias), basic design review | 2,000 ~ 8,000 | Most industrial prototypes, partes funcionales |
| Full-Process Design | 3D Modelo + 2D drawings + structural optimization (P.EJ., lightweighting) + functional simulation (strength/heat/dynamics) + assembly verification | 8,000 ~ 30,000+ | Partes críticas (aerospace/medical), multi-part systems |
Nota clave: Adding simulation alone can increase cost by 30–50%. Por ejemplo, a standard gear design (2,000 RMB) becomes 3,000–3,500 RMB with strength simulation.
(3) CNC Programming Fees
Programming fees are often bundled with design costs or charged separately, depending on process complexity. Simple programming for single-axis machining is cheap, while multi-axis or high-precision programming demands premium prices:
| Complejidad de programación | Rasgos clave | Rango de costos (RMB) | Aplicaciones típicas |
| Simple | Single-process machining (P.EJ., milling a flat surface), regular shapes, basic toolpaths | 500 ~ 2,000 | Splaces simples, spacers |
| Medio | Multi-process machining (molienda + perforación + ritmo), 3-varillaje del eje, materiales estándar (aluminum/ABS) | 2,000 ~ 5,000 | Alojamiento, engranaje en blanco |
| Complejo | Enlace multieje (4–5 axis), high-precision surface treatment (Real academia de bellas artes <0.8μm), special materials (titanium alloy/superalloys) | 5,000 ~ 15,000 | Componentes aeroespaciales, implantes médicos |
Ejemplo: Programming for a 3-axis milled aluminum housing costs 2,000–3,000 RMB. Programming for a 5-axis titanium alloy aerospace part costs 8,000–12,000 RMB—4x more.
(4) Selección de material & Pruebas
If the design requires material iterations or testing (Para verificar el rendimiento), costs rise with the number of tests and the type of materials used:
| Material Testing Scope | Key Activities | Rango de costos (RMB) | Impact on Total Design Cost |
| No Testing | Client specifies material; design uses standard material properties (no physical testing) | 0 (Included in design fee) | Ninguno |
| Basic Testing | 1–2 material iterations (P.EJ., ABS VS. nylon), simple performance checks (resistencia a la tracción) | 1,000 ~ 3,000 | Adds 10–20% to design cost |
| Advanced Testing | Multiple material iterations (3+ opción), comprehensive testing (heat resistance/corrosion/load), certificación de terceros | 3,000 ~ 10,000+ | Adds 30–50% to design cost |
Ejemplo: A design using client-specified ABS (no testing) costo 3,000 RMB. The same design with ABS vs. nylon testing and tensile strength checks costs 4,000–4,500 RMB—30% more.
(5) Design Team Expertise
The skill and experience of the design team directly influence cost. Junior designers or small studios offer lower rates, while senior engineers or specialized firms command premiums for their expertise:
| Team Type | Expertise Level | Rango de costos (RMB/Day) | Ventajas clave |
| Individual/Junior Designers | Basic CAD skills, limited industrial experience, simple part design | 300 ~ 800 | Bajo costo, suitable for simple parts |
| Small Design Studios | 2–5 years of experience, proficiency in CAD/CAM software, basic simulation skills | 800 ~ 1,500 | Balanced cost and quality, good for standard parts |
| Professional Design Companies/Senior Engineers | 5+ Años de experiencia, expertise in specialized fields (aerospace/medical), advanced simulation (ANSYS/Abaqus), industry certifications | 1,500 ~ 3,000+ | Reliable solutions, optimization for complex/critical parts |
Ejemplo: A simple bracket designed by a junior designer costs 500–800 RMB. The same bracket designed by a senior engineer (with design optimization) costs 1,200–1,500 RMB—2x more.
(6) Regional Variations
Design costs vary by location due to differences in labor rates and living expenses. First-tier cities have higher costs, while industrial hubs or second-tier cities offer more affordable options:
| Region Type | Rango de costos (RMB for Simple Parts) | Rango de costos (RMB for Complex Parts) | Key Cities |
| First-Tier Cities | 800 ~ 2,000 | 8,000 ~ 25,000+ | Beijing, Llevar a la fuerza, Shénzhen |
| Industrial Hubs/Second-Tier Cities | 500 ~ 1,500 | 5,000 ~ 18,000 | Dongguan (CNC hub), Suzhou, Guangzhou |
| Third-Tier Cities | 300 ~ 1,000 | 3,000 ~ 12,000 | Chengdu, Wuhan, Changzhou |
Ejemplo: A medium-complexity housing design costs 3,000–4,000 RMB in Shenzhen (first-tier) VS. 2,000–3,000 RMB in Dongguan (industrial hub)—25–30% cheaper.
2. Practical Machining Design Cost Reference Table
Para evaluar rápidamente si una cotización de diseño es razonable, Utilice esta tabla de tipos de piezas comunes y sus costos típicos.:
| Tipo de parte | Nivel de complejidad | Rango de costos de diseño (RMB) | Rango de costos de programación (RMB) | Rango de costos totales (RMB) |
| Soporte/espaciador simple | Simple | 500 ~ 1,500 | 500 ~ 1,500 | 1,000 ~ 3,000 |
| Carcasa mecanizada por CNC (3-eje) | Medio | 2,000 ~ 4,000 | 2,000 ~ 3,000 | 4,000 ~ 7,000 |
| Engranaje en blanco (con dientes básicos) | Medio | 3,000 ~ 5,000 | 2,500 ~ 4,000 | 5,500 ~ 9,000 |
| Componente aeroespacial (5-eje) | Alto | 8,000 ~ 15,000 | 8,000 ~ 12,000 | 16,000 ~ 27,000 |
| Implante médico (con simulación) | Alto | 10,000 ~ 20,000 | 5,000 ~ 10,000 | 15,000 ~ 30,000 |
3. 4 Proven Tips to Reduce Machining Design Cost
No es necesario comprometer la calidad para reducir los costos de diseño.. Prueba estas estrategias:
(1) Clarify Requirements Upfront
- Proporcionar bocetos detallados., 2D drawings, o modelos de referencia para evitar “diseño desde cero” honorarios. Por ejemplo, un cliente con un dibujo 2D claro puede reducir el tiempo de diseño entre un 30% y un 50%, reducir el costo entre un 20% y un 30%.
- Especificar no negociables (P.EJ., material, tolerancia) y elementos flexibles (P.EJ., Acabado superficial para piezas no visibles.) para evitar iteraciones innecesarias.
(2) Choose Phased Cooperation
- Dividir el proyecto en fases.: Comience con el modelado 3D básico (500–2.000 RMB), revisar y confirmar, luego pasar a optimización/programación. Esto evita pagar por el diseño del proceso completo si se necesitan ajustes tempranos..
- Paga por etapas (P.EJ., 30% por adelantado, 40% después de modelar, 30% después del parto) para gestionar el flujo de caja y garantizar la rendición de cuentas.
(3) Match Team Expertise to Project Needs
- Para piezas simples (soportes/espaciadores), Utilice diseñadores individuales o pequeños estudios. (300–1.500 RMB/día) instead of expensive professional firms.
- Para piezas complejas, prioritize experienced teams—poor design from an unqualified team can lead to rework costs (2–3x the original design fee) later.
(4) Minimize Material Testing
- Use standard materials (P.EJ., aluminio 6061, Abdominales) with known properties instead of rare or custom materials—avoids testing fees.
- If testing is needed, limit iterations to 1–2 options (P.EJ., ABS VS. nylon) en lugar de 3+ to cut testing costs by 50%.
4. Key Precautions When Hiring a Design Team
To avoid overpaying or facing disputes, keep these in mind:
(1) Avoid the Low-Price Trap
- A quote significantly below market average (P.EJ., 300 RMB for a medium-complexity design) may indicate inexperienced designers or hidden fees (P.EJ., extra charges for modifications).
- Ask for a detailed breakdown of costs (modelado, programación, pruebas) to ensure transparency.
(2) Clarify Contract Terms
- Confirm the number of included modifications (P.EJ., 2 free revisions vs. extra charges for each change).
- Specify deliverables (P.EJ., 3D model formats, 2D drawing standards) y apoyo postventa (P.EJ., help with machining issues).
(3) Protect Intellectual Property
- Sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) if the design involves trade secrets (P.EJ., medical device structures, componentes aeroespaciales).
- Confirm ownership of the design files—ensure you receive full rights to the 3D/2D models after payment.
Yigu Technology’s Perspective on Machining Design Cost
En la tecnología yigu, creemos transparency and targeted design are the keys to fair machining design costs. Many clients overspend by hiring top-tier firms for simple parts or requesting unnecessary simulations for non-critical components. Our team matches resources to project needs: for simple brackets, we recommend junior designers (500–1,500 RMB) to save costs; para piezas aeroespaciales, we deploy senior engineers with ANSYS simulation expertise (8,000–15,000 RMB) Para garantizar la confiabilidad. We also offer phased cooperation and detailed cost breakdowns, so clients know exactly where their money goes. By optimizing design scope and avoiding over-engineering, we help clients cut design costs by 20–30% while maintaining quality—our goal is to make professional machining design accessible and cost-effective.
Preguntas frecuentes
- Is CNC programming always a separate cost from machining design?
No—programming is often bundled with design for simple/medium-complexity parts (P.EJ., a 3-axis housing design may include programming for 2,000–3,000 RMB total). Para piezas complejas (5-eje, special materials), programming is usually quoted separately, as it requires specialized skills and more time.
- How much does it cost to add structural simulation to a machining design?
Structural simulation (P.EJ., fortaleza, calor, or fluid flow analysis) typically adds 3,000–8,000 RMB to the design cost, Dependiendo de la complejidad. Por ejemplo, a basic strength simulation for an aluminum bracket costs 3,000–4,000 RMB, while a multi-physics simulation (calor + carga) for a titanium part costs 6,000–8,000 RMB.
- Can I reduce design cost by providing my own 3D model?
Yes—if you provide a usable 3D model (STEP/IGES format) that meets machining requirements, the design team only needs to review and optimize it (si es necesario), cutting cost by 40–60%. Por ejemplo, a design that would cost 5,000 RMB from scratch may cost 2,000–3,000 RMB with a client-provided model.