Separate setup from run time
Programming, fixturing, tool changes, material handling, and proofing are real costs. Track them independently from the minutes the spindle is cutting.
Recover machine ownership costs
Machine payment, depreciation, maintenance, dust collection, power, tooling, and shop space must be reflected in an hourly shop rate or overhead model.
Use feedback from completed jobs
Record actual setup, run time, tooling wear, and scrap. A quote system improves quickly when estimates are compared with what happened at the machine.
Pro workflow
Separate the machine pass from the work that makes it possible.
The price can improve as the setup becomes repeatable without hiding the work around the spindle time.
- Time programming, setup, run, unloading, and cleanup as separate actions.
- Assign material, workholding, tooling, and machine recovery a visible home.
- Compare the first job with a repeat job and identify which costs truly change.
CheckpointA fast cycle does not make setup, proofing, or tooling free.
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