Machining Time Estimator

Estimate operation time and operation cost by feed rate.

All tools free forever

Tip: Fill cut length and feed rate first.

Results

3.17
Cycle time (min)
0.05
Cycle hours (h)
3.17
Operation cost (USD)
Linked Parameter Diagram
machiningTime

Input / Output Bars

Inputs

Total cut length600
Feed rate450
Passes2
Tool change/setup30

Outputs

Cycle time3.167
Cycle hours0.053
Operation cost3.167

Geometry View

Machining Window

machiningTime
Cycle time
3.167
Cycle hours
0.053
Operation cost
3.167
Total cut length
600
Feed rate
450
Passes
2

Tool role and boundaries

Machining Time Estimator is not a one-shot number widget. It is an engineering baseline tool for real shop-floor decisions. Estimate operation time and operation cost by feed rate. This tool is used to set feed, speed, and load decisions against machine limits before production release.

Treat every output as a first-pass candidate, not an immediate production command: run defaults first, tune one variable at a time, and record machine, tooling, fixture, and material-lot context.

Fast baseline workflow

  1. Run once with defaults to confirm units and expected behavior.
  2. Lock constraints first (dimensions, machine limits, setup boundaries), then tune controls.
  3. Change one key variable per iteration and record why it changed.
  4. Check primary outputs against machine capability before secondary metrics.
  5. Validate first piece with conservative override before moving to target cycle.
  6. Store accepted values with revision tags so shift handoff stays reproducible.

Input strategy

Use a three-layer input model:

  • Constraint layer: dimensions, tolerances, travels, clamping, controller limits.
  • Control layer: speed, feed, engagement, compensation, cycle parameters.
  • Target layer: takt time, cost, scrap risk, tool-change frequency.

A common failure mode is pushing control values before constraints are stable. Lock constraints first, then build a stable operating window with small increments.

Output interpretation

Interpret results in order: primary safety checks first, then stability, then economics.

  1. Safety: no machine, tool, or fixture limit violations.
  2. Stability: load, thermal, and vibration behavior remains controlled.
  3. Economics: cycle and cost align with shift target.

Current focus outputs include Cycle minutes, Operation cost. If numbers conflict with floor behavior, verify units and inputs before changing strategy.

Typical failure modes and fixes

  • Sudden output jump: verify units, decimal precision, and input ordering first.
  • Unexpected trend: inspect workholding, tool condition, and thermal stability before retuning.
  • Big machine-to-machine delta: compare servo behavior, coolant coverage, spindle health, and compensation tables.
  • Shift handoff instability: enforce revision logging for program, tool, and parameter timestamp.

Keep rollback points and use single-variable increments to avoid coupled uncertainty.

FAQ

Can outputs be used directly for production?

Not immediately. Validate first piece, then short-run stability, then release to full production.

Why does floor behavior differ from computed values?

This is expected. Material lot, tool wear, thermal state, and machine dynamics all shift outcomes.

When should I recalculate?

Recalculate whenever tooling, fixturing, material lot, controller parameters, or takt target changes.

Final recommendation

Use Machining Time Estimator inside a fixed loop: baseline, first-piece validation, single-variable tuning, parameter freeze, and revision tracking. The outcome is not just one result but a repeatable process capability.