Today, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of CNC machines on the market, and their machining costs range based on a number of factors. Custom machining allows users to tailor CNC machining processes for specific applications, ensuring precision and quality. In order to help machinists and hobbyists who want to buy CNC machines that are affordable for a range of operations, understanding these differences is key. Since 2021, the most expensive CNC machines will be the 5-axis and 6-axis robotic CNCs, which are used to manufacture high-end military equipment and cost millions of dollars. On the other hand, entry-level hobbyists can use comparatively cheap CNC machines that start at about $150. For many users, CNC machined parts offer the ideal combination of customizability and affordability.
Which Was the Most Expensive CNC Machine?
The most expensive CNC machines are typically high-precision equipment used in specialized industries, such as aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and medical fields. Here are some notable brands and their high-end machines:
- DMG Mori: As one of the world’s leading CNC machine manufacturers, DMG Mori’s high-end 5-axis CNC machining centers can cost millions of dollars. For example, their Lasertec 65 3D combines laser processing with traditional CNC machining, designed for the aerospace and medical industries to handle complex geometries.
- Mazak: The Integrex i-400 series from Mazak is a multi-tasking 5-axis CNC machine with a very high price point. This machine is used for complex part manufacturing and is popular in high-precision industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing.
- Haas Automation: While generally known for more affordable CNC machines, Haas still offers high-end models like the Haas UMC-1000 5-axis machining center. This machine is used for precision industries, and the price can exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars, particularly with custom configurations.
- Siemens: Siemens’ high-end NX series 5-axis CNC machines are widely used in aerospace, automotive, and medical fields for very complex parts. The prices for these machines usually start in the million-dollar range.
- Hermle: The German company Hermle produces some of the most advanced 5-axis CNC machines in the world, such as the C 60 U Dynamic. This machine is capable of handling large, high-precision parts and is particularly used in aerospace and automotive industries, with costs also reaching high levels.
How Much Does CNC Machine Cost?
As the demand for CNC machines grows across various industries, it’s important to understand the pricing spectrum. CNC machine prices can vary based on machine type, capabilities, brand, and features. Here’s a breakdown of CNC machine costs based on different types and brands, with real data and ranges.
1. Price Range by Machine Type
| Machine Type | Price Range (USD) | Applicable Industries/Users | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Desktop CNC Routers | $1,000 – $5,000 | Hobbyists, Small Businesses, Prototyping | Suitable for light woodwork, metal, and prototyping tasks; lower precision and load capacity. |
| Hobby CNC Router Machine | $500 – $3,000 | Hobbyists, Educational Institutions | Ideal for small-scale wood and non-metal working; lower precision, suitable for DIY projects. |
| Small CNC Lathe Machines | $5,000 – $50,000 | Small Manufacturers, Small Businesses | Used for turning small parts, suitable for light to medium-duty tasks. |
| Entry-Level 2-axis Lathe Machines | $5,000 – $20,000 | Small Businesses, Educational Institutes | Simple turning tasks, like shaft parts, ideal for entry-level users. |
| Entry-Level 3-axis Mill (VMC) | $25,000 – $70,000 | Small Businesses, Startups, Small Manufacturers | Suitable for small batch precision milling, primarily used for light to medium parts. |
| Production CNC Lathe Machines | $40,000 – $300,000 | Mass Production Factories, Large Manufacturers | High precision turning for large-scale production, used in demanding industries. |
| Production 3-axis CNC Milling Machines | $60,000 – $250,000 | Large Manufacturers, Mass Production | Used for large batch production, high precision for complex parts. |
| Vertical Machining Centers (VMC) | $30,000 – $250,000 | Medium Manufacturers, Mass Production | High precision machining for medium-sized parts. |
| Horizontal Machining Centers (HMC) | $50,000 – $500,000 | Large Manufacturers, High-Precision Industries (e.g., aerospace, automotive) | Used for complex parts and mass production; higher prices associated with precision. |
| 5-axis Machining Centers | $150,000 – $1,000,000+ | Aerospace, Automotive, High-Precision Fields | Suitable for complex geometries, used for high-precision parts; high cost due to advanced technology. |
| Lathes | $25,000 – $200,000 | Small to Medium-Sized Manufacturers | Primarily used for turning metals, suitable for mass production of parts. |
| Turn-Mill Machines | $150,000 – $500,000 | High-Precision Manufacturing, Complex Part Production | Turn-mill machines handle both turning and milling tasks for complex parts. |
2. Price Range by Brand
| Brand | Model | Price Range (USD) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| DMG Mori | DMU 50 (5-Axis Machining Center) | $150,000 – $250,000 | High precision 5-axis machining, ideal for aerospace, automotive, and precision industries. |
| Mazak | Integrex i-400 (Turn-Mill Machine) | $250,000 – $400,000 | Used for complex turning and milling, popular in automotive, aerospace, and medical industries. |
| Haas Automation | UMC-750 (5-Axis Machining Center) | $80,000 – $150,000 | Affordable 5-axis machining suitable for small and medium-scale production. |
| Hermle | C 60 U Dynamic (5-Axis Machining Center) | $300,000 – $600,000 | High precision machine for aerospace, automotive, and medical applications. |
| Fadal | VMC 4020 (Vertical Machining Center) | $50,000 – $100,000 | Suitable for mid-level part production, offers cost-effective precision. |
| Hurco | VMX42i (Vertical Machining Center) | $75,000 – $125,000 | High precision, medium-duty parts, ideal for small to medium production. |
| Siemens | NX Series (High-End 5-Axis Machine) | $500,000 – $1,000,000 | Used in high-precision sectors like aerospace and medical devices, expensive but highly capable. |
| Tormach | PCNC 440 (Small CNC Machine) | $5,000 – $10,000 | Perfect for hobbyists and small workshops, primarily used for light metal and wood processing. |
| ShopBot | ShopBot Desktop(Desktop CNC Router) | $1,000 – $4,000 | Ideal for DIY and small business, specializes in woodwork and light metal processing. |
| Haas Automation | ST-20 (Production CNC Lathe) | $60,000 – $120,000 | Suitable for precision part turning, used in automotive, mold making, and small to medium-sized production. |
| Mazak | Quick Turn 200(Production CNC Lathe) | $100,000 – $200,000 | High-volume precision lathe, used in mass production environments. |
Summary
- Entry-Level 3-axis Mill (VMC) and Production CNC Lathe Machines fall within the $25,000 – $300,000 price range, suitable for small to medium-sized businesses and industries that require both precision and scalability in production.
- Production 3-axis CNC Milling Machines range from $60,000 to $250,000 and are designed for large batch production and high-precision parts.
- 5-Axis Machining Centers are ideal for complex geometry parts and industries requiring high precision, with prices ranging from $150,000 to $1,000,000.
- Turn-Mill Machines and Lathes are highly versatile and cater to industries requiring both turning and milling processes, with costs varying from $25,000 to $500,000.
These updated machine types and price ranges offer a comprehensive guide for selecting CNC machines based on your needs and budget, helping you make informed decisions when choosing a machine for your production tasks
Factors that impact a CNC machine’s cost
Machine Size
This is the maximum possible distance along each axis (X, Y, and Z) for the machine’s cutting end. In general, the milling costs increase with the range of motion.
Speed
The success of the production is directly impacted by the cutting speed.
The CNC’s rapid motion speed, or how quickly it moves after cutting, affects its value. The fastest CNCs have quick motion speeds of 1000 inches per minute.
Accuracy and Tolerance
Your CNC machine cost will be considerably higher if you require a +/- 0.0002 mm tolerance for each cut. Perfection and accuracy are obviously expensive. Repetition costs money.
No. of Axes-
The price increases in direct proportion to the number of axes. Due to the additional level of freedom, 6-axis CNC machines can move far more quickly than 5-axis machines. Three axes are common for Hobby CNC machines.
Power
In terms of parameters like torque and spindle RPM, a CNC machine’s raw power is measured.
The diameter of the servo motors determines the rating for professional-grade CNC machines.
The stepper motor torque of a hobbyist CNC like the Sainsmart Genmitsu CNC is 0.18 ft-lb, and the torque of an advanced 6-axis CNC like the Zimmerman FZ100 can reach 68 ft-lb. That is more than 400 times. This indicates that the Genmitsu only costs $300, while the Zimmerman costs millions of dollars.
We’ll take a brief look at the uses of entry-level desktop CNC routers, hobby CNC router machines, small CNC lathe machines, and entry-level 2-axis lathe machines to help people looking for affordable small hobbyist CNC machines.
Entry Level Desktop CNC Routers
The Generic desktop 3018 CNC is the most common type in this category.
These devices are desktop-sized, measuring roughly 30 inches by 18 inches.
They can work on wood, plastic, acrylic, jewelry, PCBs, and other materials. They are primarily used for engraving work. Some can work on aluminum since they have sturdy enough motors and good rails.
Some have laser engraving modules built in, while others often have the option but call for the user to purchase and connect the laser engraver separately.
The CNC 3018 Pro Max 3 Axis Desktop and the Sainsmart Genmitsu PROVer are two examples of desktop CNC routers.
Hobby CNC Router Machine
These CNC machines were created in response to the growth in hobbyist demand for small, cheap CNC machines.
They can work on PCBs, plastic, wood, and aluminum and are typically used for cutting and engraving.
The Shapeoko CNC Router and the X-Carve CNC are two examples of CNC machines that qualify for this category.
Small CNC Lathe Machines
These are more complex and can be used for machining in addition to engraving, and they can easily handle titanium and steel.
Their output pace, however, remains insufficient for high-volume industrial tasks.
The Shopbot PRS Alpha CNC and the Tormachs CNC machines are two examples of CNC machines that fall under this category.
Entry-Level 2-axis Lathe Machines
Small shops usually use these CNC machines.
The Tormach 8L and 15L Slant Pro lathe machines are two examples of Entry-Level 2-axis lathe machines.
They can often handle the majority of the materials and are used for small production volumes.
Most Expensive CNC Machines of 2024?
As of 2024, the CNC machine market has evolved significantly with the introduction of advanced technology and enhanced precision. Some of the most expensive CNC machines are those that offer high precision, advanced features, and versatility to meet the demands of industries like aerospace, automotive, medical, and high-precision manufacturing. Here’s a simple summary of the most expensive CNC machines based on their type, brand, and features:
- 5-Axis CNC Machines
These machines are considered the pinnacle of precision and are often used for complex geometries that require multi-dimensional milling. They can cost anywhere from $150,000 to $1,000,000, depending on the brand and specific features.- Example: DMG Mori DMU 50 – $250,000
- Example: Mazak Integrex i-400 – $400,000+
- Horizontal Machining Centers (HMC)
These are high-performance CNC machines used in large-scale manufacturing, especially for mass production of complex parts. Prices range from $200,000 to over $1,000,000, based on size, capacity, and technology.- Example: Mazak HCN-6800 – $500,000
- Example: Hermle C 60 U Dynamic – $600,000+
- High-End Production CNC Lathes
Production lathes that provide high-volume, precision turning for industries such as aerospace and automotive can cost between $150,000 to $500,000 or more.- Example: Haas ST-30 – $120,000
- Example: DMG Mori NLX 2500 – $350,000+
- Laser CNC Machines
Specialized for cutting and engraving, laser CNC machines can be found in industries like aerospace and electronics. Some of the high-end laser CNC machines can cost upwards of $1 million, depending on their capabilities and size.
Conclusion
This article will help you select a good budget CNC machine based on milling costs.
if you require a machine for a low production volume, you can get an excellent CNC machine, particularly for engraving, for less than $10,000.
While it’s true that the most advanced CNC machines available on the market today can be incredibly expensive, it’s important to remember that there are alternative options that may better suit your needs and budget. One such option is to consider using an online CNC machining service. These services allow you to upload your designs and have them manufactured using professional-grade CNC machines, without the need for a significant investment in equipment of your own. This can be an excellent way to gain access to the latest CNC technology without incurring the high costs associated with purchasing and maintaining your own machines. Additionally, online CNC machining services can often provide quick turnaround times and high levels of precision, making them a viable option for a wide range of manufacturing needs.
