If you’re developing CNC machining prototypes, industrial parts, 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 to 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) Design Complexity
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:
| Complexity Level | Key Traits | Design Time Range | Cost Range (RMB) | Typical Examples |
| Simple | Regular shapes (squares, circles), no assembly features, basic dimensions | 1 ~ 3 days | 500 ~ 2,000 | Small flat brackets, single-hole spacers |
| Medium | Curved surfaces, simple assembly structures (e.g., 2–3 mating parts), standard tolerances (±0.1mm) | 3 ~ 7 days | 2,000 ~ 5,000 | CNC-machined housings, gear blanks with basic teeth |
| High | Special-shaped structures (e.g., internal hollows, thin walls <2mm), multi-part assembly, tight tolerances (±0.01mm), functional simulations (motion/heat) | 7 ~ 15+ days | 5,000 ~ 20,000+ | Aerospace components, medical device parts with fluid flow requirements |
Example: 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 | Cost Range (RMB) | Best For |
| Basic 3D Modeling | 3D model (STL/STEP format) based on client sketches/concepts, no optimization | 500 ~ 2,000 | Clients with clear requirements, simple parts |
| Standard Design | 3D model + 2D engineering drawings (dimensions, tolerances), basic design review | 2,000 ~ 8,000 | Most industrial prototypes, functional parts |
| Full-Process Design | 3D model + 2D drawings + structural optimization (e.g., lightweighting) + functional simulation (strength/heat/dynamics) + assembly verification | 8,000 ~ 30,000+ | Critical parts (aerospace/medical), multi-part systems |
Key Note: Adding simulation alone can increase cost by 30–50%. For example, 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:
| Programming Complexity | Key Traits | Cost Range (RMB) | Typical Applications |
| Simple | Single-process machining (e.g., milling a flat surface), regular shapes, basic toolpaths | 500 ~ 2,000 | Simple brackets, spacers |
| Medium | Multi-process machining (milling + drilling + tapping), 3-axis linkage, standard materials (aluminum/ABS) | 2,000 ~ 5,000 | Housings, gear blanks |
| Complex | Multi-axis linkage (4–5 axis), high-precision surface treatment (Ra <0.8μm), special materials (titanium alloy/superalloys) | 5,000 ~ 15,000 | Aerospace components, medical implants |
Example: 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) Material Selection & Testing
If the design requires material iterations or testing (to verify performance), costs rise with the number of tests and the type of materials used:
| Material Testing Scope | Key Activities | Cost Range (RMB) | Impact on Total Design Cost |
| No Testing | Client specifies material; design uses standard material properties (no physical testing) | 0 (Included in design fee) | None |
| Basic Testing | 1–2 material iterations (e.g., ABS vs. nylon), simple performance checks (tensile strength) | 1,000 ~ 3,000 | Adds 10–20% to design cost |
| Advanced Testing | Multiple material iterations (3+ options), comprehensive testing (heat resistance/corrosion/load), third-party certification | 3,000 ~ 10,000+ | Adds 30–50% to design cost |
Example: A design using client-specified ABS (no testing) costs 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 | Cost Range (RMB/Day) | Key Advantages |
| Individual/Junior Designers | Basic CAD skills, limited industrial experience, simple part design | 300 ~ 800 | Low cost, 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+ years of experience, expertise in specialized fields (aerospace/medical), advanced simulation (ANSYS/Abaqus), industry certifications | 1,500 ~ 3,000+ | Reliable solutions, optimization for complex/critical parts |
Example: 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 | Cost Range (RMB for Simple Parts) | Cost Range (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 |
Example: 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:
| Part Type | Complexity Level | Design Cost Range (RMB) | Programming Cost Range (RMB) | Total Cost Range (RMB) |
| Simple Bracket/Spacer | Simple | 500 ~ 1,500 | 500 ~ 1,500 | 1,000 ~ 3,000 |
| CNC-Machined Housing (3-axis) | Medium | 2,000 ~ 4,000 | 2,000 ~ 3,000 | 4,000 ~ 7,000 |
| Gear Blank (with basic teeth) | Medium | 3,000 ~ 5,000 | 2,500 ~ 4,000 | 5,500 ~ 9,000 |
| Aerospace Component (5-axis) | High | 8,000 ~ 15,000 | 8,000 ~ 12,000 | 16,000 ~ 27,000 |
| Medical Implant (with simulation) | High | 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. For example, a client with a clear 2D drawing can cut design time by 30–50%, reducing cost by 20–30%.
- Specify non-negotiables (e.g., material, tolerance) and flexible elements (e.g., 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 (e.g., 30% upfront, 40% after modeling, 30% after delivery) to manage cash flow and ensure accountability.
(3) Match Team Expertise to Project Needs
- For simple parts (brackets/spacers), use individual designers or small studios (300–1,500 RMB/day) instead of expensive professional firms.
- For complex parts, 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 (e.g., aluminum 6061, ABS) with known properties instead of rare or custom materials—avoids testing fees.
- If testing is needed, limit iterations to 1–2 options (e.g., ABS vs. nylon) instead of 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 (e.g., 300 RMB for a medium-complexity design) may indicate inexperienced designers or hidden fees (e.g., extra charges for modifications).
- Ask for a detailed breakdown of costs (modeling, programming, testing) to ensure transparency.
(2) Clarify Contract Terms
- Confirm the number of included modifications (e.g., 2 free revisions vs. extra charges for each change).
- Specify deliverables (e.g., 3D model formats, 2D drawing standards) and after-sales support (e.g., help with machining issues).
(3) Protect Intellectual Property
- Sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) if the design involves trade secrets (e.g., medical device structures, aerospace components).
- 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
At Yigu Technology, we believe 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; for aerospace parts, we deploy senior engineers with ANSYS simulation expertise (8,000–15,000 RMB) to ensure reliability. 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.
FAQ
- Is CNC programming always a separate cost from machining design?
No—programming is often bundled with design for simple/medium-complexity parts (e.g., a 3-axis housing design may include programming for 2,000–3,000 RMB total). For complex parts (5-axis, 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 (e.g., strength, heat, or fluid flow analysis) typically adds 3,000–8,000 RMB to the design cost, depending on complexity. For example, a basic strength simulation for an aluminum bracket costs 3,000–4,000 RMB, while a multi-physics simulation (heat + load) 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 (if needed), cutting cost by 40–60%. For example, a design that would cost 5,000 RMB from scratch may cost 2,000–3,000 RMB with a client-provided model.