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CNC Machining Time Estimator

Accurately estimate cycle time, calculate production capacity, identify bottlenecks, and determine cost per part. Essential for job quoting and production planning.

3 Calculation Modes
Bottleneck Analysis
Export Estimates

Estimate Machining Time

mm
mm/min

Typical: 10-20%

For cost per part calculation

💡 Quick Guide

Simple Estimator

Quick estimate from total path length and average feed rate

Detailed Breakdown

Separate roughing, finishing, tool changes, load/unload for accuracy

Multi-Part Batch

Calculate total time for batch production runs

Tip: For production quoting, add 15-20% buffer to account for variations and first article proving.

🔗 Related Tools

Material Removal Rate
Calculate MRR for time estimates
Feeds & Speeds
Optimize feed rates to reduce time
ROI & Capacity
Production capacity planning

Understanding Machining Time Calculation

Accurate machining time estimation is critical for job quoting, production scheduling, and capacity planning. Underestimating leads to lost profits, while overestimating makes you uncompetitive. Our calculator accounts for all time components to give you realistic estimates.

Time Components

Cutting Time

Time = Path Length / Feed Rate

Actual material removal (roughing + finishing)

Tool Changes

Time = # Tools × Seconds per Change

Typical: 6-15 seconds with ATC

Air Cutting

Rapids, positioning, approach/retract

Usually 10-20% of cutting time

Load/Unload

Workpiece handling time

Vise: 30-60s, Fixture: 60-180s

Cutting Efficiency

Cutting efficiency = (Actual cutting time / Total cycle time) × 100%

  • ✓80%+: Excellent - Well optimized, suitable for production
  • ~70-80%: Good - Typical for production machining
  • !50-70%: Moderate - Room for optimization
  • ✗<50%: Poor - Excessive non-cutting time, optimize urgently

Cycle Time Reduction Strategies

  1. Increase Feed Rates: Easiest method - use our Feeds & Speeds Calculator to find safe maximums (often can increase 20-30%)
  2. Reduce Tool Changes: Use multi-function tools, consolidate operations, consider longer tool life over max speeds
  3. Optimize Rapids: In CAM: minimize air cutting distance, use high rapid rates, avoid unnecessary retracts
  4. Quick Workholding: Use pneumatic vises, pallet systems, or dedicated fixtures instead of manual clamping
  5. High-Efficiency Toolpaths: Adaptive clearing, trochoidal milling, dynamic toolpaths (constant tool engagement)
  6. Increase Depths: For roughing, use 1-2× tool diameter axial depth instead of shallow passes

Frequently Asked Questions