If you’re developing CNC machining prototypes, parti industriali, 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, fornisce pratici riferimenti di prezzo, 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. Di seguito è riportata una ripartizione dettagliata con numeri reali per illustrarne l’impatto:
(1) Progettare complessità
Complexity is the single biggest driver of cost. Semplice, regular shapes require minimal time and effort, while parts with special structures or functional requirements demand more resources:
| Livello di complessità | Tratti chiave | Design Time Range | Gamma di costi (RMB) | Esempi tipici |
| Semplice | Regular shapes (squares, circles), no assembly features, basic dimensions | 1 ~ 3 giorni | 500 ~ 2,000 | Small flat brackets, single-hole spacers |
| Medio | Superfici curve, simple assembly structures (PER ESEMPIO., 2–3 mating parts), tolleranze standard (± 0,1 mm) | 3 ~ 7 giorni | 2,000 ~ 5,000 | CNC-machined housings, gear blanks with basic teeth |
| Alto | Special-shaped structures (PER ESEMPIO., internal hollows, pareti sottili <2mm), assemblaggio in più parti, tolleranze strette (± 0,01 mm), simulazioni funzionali (movimento/calore) | 7 ~ 15+ giorni | 5,000 ~ 20,000+ | Componenti aerospaziali, parti di dispositivi medici con requisiti di flusso di fluido |
Esempio: Una semplice parentesi quadra (100mm×50 mm×10 mm) la progettazione costa dai 500 ai 1.000 RMB. Un impianto medico complesso con canali interni e tolleranze strette costa 10.000–15.000 RMB, ovvero 10–30 volte di più.
(2) Design Scope & Deliverables
La gamma di servizi inclusi nel pacchetto di progettazione influisce direttamente sui costi. La modellazione 3D di base è conveniente, durante la progettazione dell'intero processo (compresa l'ottimizzazione e la simulazione) aggiunge spese significative:
| Design Scope | Risultati chiave | Gamma di costi (RMB) | Meglio per |
| Modellazione 3D di base | 3Modello D. (Formato STL/PASSO) based on client sketches/concepts, no optimization | 500 ~ 2,000 | Clients with clear requirements, parti semplici |
| Standard Design | 3Modello D. + 2D engineering drawings (dimensioni, tolleranze), basic design review | 2,000 ~ 8,000 | Most industrial prototypes, parti funzionali |
| Full-Process Design | 3Modello D. + 2D drawings + ottimizzazione strutturale (PER ESEMPIO., lightweighting) + functional simulation (strength/heat/dynamics) + assembly verification | 8,000 ~ 30,000+ | Parti critiche (aerospace/medical), multi-part systems |
Nota chiave: Adding simulation alone can increase cost by 30–50%. Per esempio, 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:
| Complessità di programmazione | Tratti chiave | Gamma di costi (RMB) | Applicazioni tipiche |
| Semplice | Single-process machining (PER ESEMPIO., milling a flat surface), regular shapes, basic toolpaths | 500 ~ 2,000 | Staffe semplici, distanziatori |
| Medio | Multi-process machining (fresatura + perforazione + toccando), 3-axis linkage, Materiali standard (aluminum/ABS) | 2,000 ~ 5,000 | Alloggi, spazi vuoti di ingranaggi |
| Complesso | Collegamento multiasse (4–5 axis), high-precision surface treatment (Ra <0.8µm), special materials (titanium alloy/superalloys) | 5,000 ~ 15,000 | Componenti aerospaziali, Impianti medici |
Esempio: 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) Selezione del materiale & Test
If the design requires material iterations or testing (Per verificare le prestazioni), costs rise with the number of tests and the type of materials used:
| Material Testing Scope | Key Activities | Gamma di costi (RMB) | Impact on Total Design Cost |
| No Testing | Client specifies material; design uses standard material properties (no physical testing) | 0 (Included in design fee) | Nessuno |
| Basic Testing | 1–2 material iterations (PER ESEMPIO., ABS vs. nylon), simple performance checks (resistenza alla trazione) | 1,000 ~ 3,000 | Adds 10–20% to design cost |
| Advanced Testing | Multiple material iterations (3+ opzioni), comprehensive testing (heat resistance/corrosion/load), Certificazione di terze parti | 3,000 ~ 10,000+ | Adds 30–50% to design cost |
Esempio: A design using client-specified ABS (no testing) costi 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 | Gamma di costi (RMB/Day) | Vantaggi chiave |
| Individual/Junior Designers | Basic CAD skills, limited industrial experience, simple part design | 300 ~ 800 | Basso 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+ anni di esperienza, expertise in specialized fields (aerospace/medical), advanced simulation (ANSYS/Abaqus), industry certifications | 1,500 ~ 3,000+ | Reliable solutions, optimization for complex/critical parts |
Esempio: 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 | Gamma di costi (RMB for Simple Parts) | Gamma di costi (RMB for Complex Parts) | Key Cities |
| First-Tier Cities | 800 ~ 2,000 | 8,000 ~ 25,000+ | Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen |
| 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 |
Esempio: A medium-complexity housing design costs 3,000–4,000 RMB in Shenzhen (first-tier) contro. 2,000–3,000 RMB in Dongguan (industrial hub)—25–30% cheaper.
2. Practical Machining Design Cost Reference Table
To quickly gauge if a design quote is reasonable, use this table of common part types and their typical costs:
| Tipo di parte | Livello di complessità | Design Cost Range (RMB) | Programming Cost Range (RMB) | Total Cost Range (RMB) |
| Simple Bracket/Spacer | Semplice | 500 ~ 1,500 | 500 ~ 1,500 | 1,000 ~ 3,000 |
| CNC-Machined Housing (3-asse) | Medio | 2,000 ~ 4,000 | 2,000 ~ 3,000 | 4,000 ~ 7,000 |
| Gear Blank (with basic teeth) | Medio | 3,000 ~ 5,000 | 2,500 ~ 4,000 | 5,500 ~ 9,000 |
| Aerospace Component (5-asse) | Alto | 8,000 ~ 15,000 | 8,000 ~ 12,000 | 16,000 ~ 27,000 |
| Medical Implant (with simulation) | Alto | 10,000 ~ 20,000 | 5,000 ~ 10,000 | 15,000 ~ 30,000 |
3. 4 Proven Tips to Reduce Machining Design Cost
You don’t have to compromise on quality to lower design costs. Try these strategies:
(1) Clarify Requirements Upfront
- Provide detailed sketches, 2D drawings, or reference models to avoid “design from scratch” fees. Per esempio, a client with a clear 2D drawing can cut design time by 30–50%, reducing cost by 20–30%.
- Specify non-negotiables (PER ESEMPIO., materiale, tolleranza) and flexible elements (PER ESEMPIO., surface finish for non-visible parts) to avoid unnecessary iterations.
(2) Choose Phased Cooperation
- Split the project into phases: Start with basic 3D modeling (500–2,000 RMB), review and confirm, then move to optimization/programming. This avoids paying for full-process design if adjustments are needed early.
- Pay in stages (PER ESEMPIO., 30% in anticipo, 40% after modeling, 30% after delivery) to manage cash flow and ensure accountability.
(3) Match Team Expertise to Project Needs
- Per parti semplici (brackets/spacers), use individual designers or small studios (300–1,500 RMB/day) instead of expensive professional firms.
- Per parti complesse, 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 (PER ESEMPIO., alluminio 6061, Addominali) with known properties instead of rare or custom materials—avoids testing fees.
- If testing is needed, limit iterations to 1–2 options (PER ESEMPIO., ABS vs. nylon) invece di 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 (PER ESEMPIO., 300 RMB for a medium-complexity design) may indicate inexperienced designers or hidden fees (PER ESEMPIO., extra charges for modifications).
- Ask for a detailed breakdown of costs (Modellazione, programmazione, Test) to ensure transparency.
(2) Clarify Contract Terms
- Confirm the number of included modifications (PER ESEMPIO., 2 free revisions vs. extra charges for each change).
- Specify deliverables (PER ESEMPIO., 3D model formats, 2D drawing standards) e supporto post-vendita (PER ESEMPIO., help with machining issues).
(3) Protect Intellectual Property
- Sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) if the design involves trade secrets (PER ESEMPIO., medical device structures, componenti aerospaziali).
- 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
Alla tecnologia Yigu, Crediamo 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; per parti aerospaziali, we deploy senior engineers with ANSYS simulation expertise (8,000–15,000 RMB) per garantire l'affidabilità. 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.
Domande frequenti
- Is CNC programming always a separate cost from machining design?
No—programming is often bundled with design for simple/medium-complexity parts (PER ESEMPIO., a 3-axis housing design may include programming for 2,000–3,000 RMB total). Per parti complesse (5-asse, 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 (PER ESEMPIO., forza, Calore, or fluid flow analysis) typically adds 3,000–8,000 RMB to the design cost, a seconda della complessità. Per esempio, a basic strength simulation for an aluminum bracket costs 3,000–4,000 RMB, while a multi-physics simulation (Calore + carico) 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 (se necessario), cutting cost by 40–60%. Per esempio, a design that would cost 5,000 RMB from scratch may cost 2,000–3,000 RMB with a client-provided model.