There is no standard price for a CNC machined part. Machine rates depend on the machine and the shop, and two quotes for the same drawing can differ for sound reasons. We do not publish hourly rates here because they vary too widely to be useful. This guide sets out what makes up the price, where the choices in your drawing add or remove cost, and how to request quotes you can compare, with figures from the 220+ companies listed on CNC Directory.
Material and stock
Material is both a cost in itself and a driver of machining time. Harder or tougher materials such as titanium and nickel superalloys cut more slowly and wear tools faster than aluminium or mild steel, and the stock form (bar, plate or forging) decides how much material is removed and wasted. Material certificates and traceability add paperwork and cost. Of the companies listed, 54% state aluminium, 53% stainless steel, 36% plastics, 29% nickel superalloys, 33% titanium.
Set-up, fixtures and programming
Before the first part is cut, someone programs the toolpaths, makes or selects the fixtures and proves the first part. That cost is spread over the quantity, so the price of each part falls as the order grows. It also means shops have a size they suit best. Of the companies listed, 64% take prototype orders, 59% low volume, 31% medium volume, 37% high volume. A supplier whose usual order size matches yours is more likely to price it well.
Cycle time and part geometry
Machining time is usually the largest part of the price. Features that slow the cut include deep pockets, thin walls, small internal radii and features that need long-reach tools or several set-ups. Common guides suggest internal corner radii larger than the cutter and pocket depths of about three to four times the cutter diameter, but the right figures depend on the shop and the material, so ask your supplier for a design review before you finalise the drawing. A part that can be machined in fewer set-ups often costs less.
Tolerances and surface finish
Tighter tolerances take more time per part, more inspection and carry more risk of scrap. Apply them to the features that need them and leave the rest on general tolerances. Ask suppliers to price both the standard and the tight version of a critical feature so you can see what the tolerance costs.
Finishing, inspection and assembly
Anodising, plating, heat treatment, painting, laser marking, inspection reports and assembly each add cost and lead time, whether they are done in house or sent out. Of the companies listed, 27% list metal finishing, 19% anodising, 21% plating, 16% heat treatment, 48% CMM inspection and 36% assembly. State the finish and the inspection you need on the drawing so they are priced from the start.
Lead time and quote validity
Shorter lead times cost more, because they displace other work. Quote validity matters as well when input prices move. S&P Global's final UK Manufacturing PMI for October 2026 was 52.8, with output growing at its fastest pace in just over two years, vendor lead times lengthening to one of their greatest extents in four years and input cost inflation accelerating (Trading Economics, 2 November 2026). Ask how long a quote is valid and what happens if the material price changes before you order.
How to request quotes you can compare
- Send every supplier the same drawing pack, with the revision shown.
- Ask for prices at the same quantities, for example 1, 10 and 100, so you can see how the price falls with volume.
- Specify the material, grade and certification you need.
- State the tolerances, surface finish, finish and inspection you need.
- Give the delivery date and delivery terms.
- Ask each supplier to state what the price includes and excludes, such as fixtures, first article reports and packaging, and how long the quote is valid.
Quick-reference checklist
- Name the material and grade, and any certificates you need
- Ask for prices at several quantities
- Apply tight tolerances where the function needs them
- State finish, inspection and assembly on the drawing
- Ask for a design review before you finalise the drawing
- Confirm lead time, delivery terms and quote validity in writing
- Compare quotes on the same drawing, quantities and scope
Figures are based on the 222 CNC Directory listings that have had a full check, checked 28 and 31 October 2026 (shown on the site as 220+), and reflect what each company states in its public information. A blank field means a company has not stated it, not that it does not offer it. Confirm details with the company before you rely on them.
Where to go for more
UKAS is the UK's national accreditation body, a useful check on who issued a supplier's certificates. ISO publishes the quality, environmental and tolerance standards referred to here. The Manufacturing Technologies Association represents UK machine tool and manufacturing technology businesses, and Make UK is the UK manufacturers' organisation.
Get quotes from UK CNC machining companies on CNC Directory
Browse UK CNC milling, CNC turning, 5-axis and multi-axis machining, wire and sinker EDM, prototyping and rapid machining and finishing and surface treatment companies and narrow them with the Certifications, Materials Worked, Machine Capabilities, Tolerance Capability, Testing & Inspection, Industries Supported and Order Type / Volume filters. Read each listing, then use the Contact button on the companies that fit.
Figures and data in this article are drawn from CNC Directory's own dataset of UK CNC machining listings, and may be cited with attribution to CNC Directory and a link to this article. For press enquiries or a custom data cut, contact cnc@cncdirectory.co.uk.
