If you’re developing CNC machining prototypes, peças industriais, 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 para 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. Abaixo está uma análise detalhada com números reais para ilustrar seu impacto:
(1) Complexidade do design
Complexity is the single biggest driver of cost. Simples, regular shapes require minimal time and effort, while parts with special structures or functional requirements demand more resources:
| Complexity Level | Traços -chave | Design Time Range | Intervalo de custos (RMB) | Exemplos típicos |
| Simples | Regular shapes (squares, circles), no assembly features, basic dimensions | 1 ~ 3 dias | 500 ~ 2,000 | Small flat brackets, single-hole spacers |
| Médio | Superfícies curvas, simple assembly structures (Por exemplo, 2–3 mating parts), tolerâncias padrão (± 0,1 mm) | 3 ~ 7 dias | 2,000 ~ 5,000 | CNC-machined housings, gear blanks with basic teeth |
| Alto | Special-shaped structures (Por exemplo, internal hollows, paredes finas <2milímetros), multi-part assembly, tolerâncias apertadas (± 0,01 mm), functional simulations (motion/heat) | 7 ~ 15+ dias | 5,000 ~ 20,000+ | Componentes aeroespaciais, medical device parts with fluid flow requirements |
Exemplo: 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 | Intervalo de custos (RMB) | Melhor para |
| Basic 3D Modeling | 3D Modelo (STL/STEP format) based on client sketches/concepts, no optimization | 500 ~ 2,000 | Clients with clear requirements, peças simples |
| Standard Design | 3D Modelo + 2D engineering drawings (dimensões, tolerâncias), basic design review | 2,000 ~ 8,000 | Most industrial prototypes, partes funcionais |
| Full-Process Design | 3D Modelo + 2D drawings + structural optimization (Por exemplo, lightweighting) + functional simulation (strength/heat/dynamics) + assembly verification | 8,000 ~ 30,000+ | Partes críticas (aerospace/medical), multi-part systems |
Nota -chave: Adding simulation alone can increase cost by 30–50%. Por exemplo, 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:
| Complexidade de programação | Traços -chave | Intervalo de custos (RMB) | Aplicações típicas |
| Simples | Single-process machining (Por exemplo, milling a flat surface), regular shapes, basic toolpaths | 500 ~ 2,000 | Suportes simples, spacers |
| Médio | Multi-process machining (moagem + perfuração + tocando), 3-axis linkage, Materiais padrão (aluminum/ABS) | 2,000 ~ 5,000 | Caixas, em branco da engrenagem |
| Complexo | Multi-axis linkage (4–5 axis), high-precision surface treatment (Rá <0.8μm), special materials (titanium alloy/superalloys) | 5,000 ~ 15,000 | Componentes aeroespaciais, implantes médicos |
Exemplo: 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) Seleção de material & Teste
If the design requires material iterations or testing (Para verificar o desempenho), costs rise with the number of tests and the type of materials used:
| Material Testing Scope | Key Activities | Intervalo de custos (RMB) | Impact on Total Design Cost |
| No Testing | Client specifies material; design uses standard material properties (no physical testing) | 0 (Included in design fee) | Nenhum |
| Basic Testing | 1–2 material iterations (Por exemplo, ABS vs.. nylon), simple performance checks (resistência à tracção) | 1,000 ~ 3,000 | Adds 10–20% to design cost |
| Advanced Testing | Multiple material iterations (3+ opções), comprehensive testing (heat resistance/corrosion/load), Certificação de terceiros | 3,000 ~ 10,000+ | Adds 30–50% to design cost |
Exemplo: A design using client-specified ABS (no testing) custos 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 | Intervalo de custos (RMB/Day) | Principais vantagens |
| Individual/Junior Designers | Basic CAD skills, limited industrial experience, simple part design | 300 ~ 800 | Baixo custo, 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+ anos de experiência, expertise in specialized fields (aerospace/medical), advanced simulation (ANSYS/Abaqus), industry certifications | 1,500 ~ 3,000+ | Reliable solutions, optimization for complex/critical parts |
Exemplo: 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 | Intervalo de custos (RMB for Simple Parts) | Intervalo de custos (RMB for Complex Parts) | Key Cities |
| First-Tier Cities | 800 ~ 2,000 | 8,000 ~ 25,000+ | Beijing, Xangai, 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 |
Exemplo: 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
To quickly gauge if a design quote is reasonable, use this table of common part types and their typical costs:
| Tipo de peça | Complexity Level | Design Cost Range (RMB) | Programming Cost Range (RMB) | Total Cost Range (RMB) |
| Simple Bracket/Spacer | Simples | 500 ~ 1,500 | 500 ~ 1,500 | 1,000 ~ 3,000 |
| CNC-Machined Housing (3-eixo) | Médio | 2,000 ~ 4,000 | 2,000 ~ 3,000 | 4,000 ~ 7,000 |
| Gear Blank (with basic teeth) | Médio | 3,000 ~ 5,000 | 2,500 ~ 4,000 | 5,500 ~ 9,000 |
| Aerospace Component (5-eixo) | 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. Por exemplo, a client with a clear 2D drawing can cut design time by 30–50%, reducing cost by 20–30%.
- Specify non-negotiables (Por exemplo, material, tolerância) and flexible elements (Por exemplo, 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 (Por exemplo, 30% antecipadamente, 40% after modeling, 30% after delivery) to manage cash flow and ensure accountability.
(3) Match Team Expertise to Project Needs
- Para peças simples (brackets/spacers), use individual designers or small studios (300–1,500 RMB/day) instead of expensive professional firms.
- Para peças complexas, 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 (Por exemplo, alumínio 6061, Abs) with known properties instead of rare or custom materials—avoids testing fees.
- If testing is needed, limit iterations to 1–2 options (Por exemplo, ABS vs.. nylon) em vez 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 (Por exemplo, 300 RMB for a medium-complexity design) may indicate inexperienced designers or hidden fees (Por exemplo, extra charges for modifications).
- Ask for a detailed breakdown of costs (modelagem, programação, teste) to ensure transparency.
(2) Clarify Contract Terms
- Confirm the number of included modifications (Por exemplo, 2 free revisions vs. extra charges for each change).
- Specify deliverables (Por exemplo, 3D model formats, 2D drawing standards) e suporte pós-venda (Por exemplo, help with machining issues).
(3) Protect Intellectual Property
- Sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) if the design involves trade secrets (Por exemplo, medical device structures, Componentes aeroespaciais).
- 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
Na tecnologia Yigu, acreditamos 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 peças aeroespaciais, we deploy senior engineers with ANSYS simulation expertise (8,000–15,000 RMB) para garantir confiabilidade. 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.
Perguntas frequentes
- Is CNC programming always a separate cost from machining design?
No—programming is often bundled with design for simple/medium-complexity parts (Por exemplo, a 3-axis housing design may include programming for 2,000–3,000 RMB total). Para peças complexas (5-eixo, 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 (Por exemplo, força, aquecer, or fluid flow analysis) typically adds 3,000–8,000 RMB to the design cost, dependendo da complexidade. Por exemplo, a basic strength simulation for an aluminum bracket costs 3,000–4,000 RMB, while a multi-physics simulation (aquecer + carregar) 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 necessário), cutting cost by 40–60%. Por exemplo, a design that would cost 5,000 RMB from scratch may cost 2,000–3,000 RMB with a client-provided model.