When it comes to on-demand production of wood products, few methods are more efficient than CNC machining. However, before starting a production project, it’s understandable that you would want to know how much it would cost. The following are key factors that determine the cost of CNC machining.

Materials

CNC machining can cut a wide variety of materials, including plywood, hardwood, plastic, and even metal. These materials are purchased in blocks. CNC machining cuts away excess material to create the desired product. As such, the cost of your project will be directly influenced by the cost of the material block.

Machine Rate & Labor

While CNC machining automates much of the work, there is still labor involved. Machine shops typically set an hourly rate for each CNC machine based on the cost of the equipment and the number of hours it is expected to operate during a year. Additional labor charges can also be incurred for machine setup and post-processing. You will also be charged for programming/design if you outsource it to the machining company.

Additional Services

CNC machining allows you to choose from significant customization options — but that extra customization can also increase the total cost of your project. Common additional services include tooling (requiring the purchase of extra tool bits), and surface finishing to improve the finished product’s resistance to hazards and appearance.

For high-quality CNC routing, choose Gerber Wood. Using highly efficient, state-of-the-art equipment, the experienced team at Gerber Wood is there for you from start to finish to ensure you get the results you want. To learn more, contact us today.