Your Cart is Empty
CNC machine prices, as with any cost , have risen significantly in recent years . But, how much does a CNC machine cost in 2022?
Below, we'll take a closer look at all the relevant information, including:
The CNC router machine price varies significantly depending on the size of the machine in question and how many axes it has. You can expect the following price ranges for these machines:
Smaller machines of any type cost less, as do those with fewer abilities. The top end of the price ranges represent industrial grade machines or machines with additional tool or accessories .
In the following section, we'll discuss how various elements affect CNC pricing.
While you can quickly establish a base price for these machines, many factors affect the CNC router cost. Below, we'll take a closer look at the main aspects and explain the differences.
One of the main pricing factors to consider is the dimensions of the CNC router in question. These machines come in a vast array of sizes, from small desktop machines to giant industrial machines.
Naturally, the larger the device, the higher the price is. A desktop CNC machine price may start at as low as $25,000, while industrial devices may cost more than $100,000.
Secondary to the router's size is the capacity of the motor. Larger motors generate more power and can cut more efficiently.
Many CNC manufacturers allow you to choose between several motor sizes. The base CNC router machine price often includes a basic motor with less horsepower.
If you want to work with more demanding workpieces or to put less strain on the motor, you might consider buying a larger engine. However, this can translate into a price increase of between $3,000 and $8,000.
CNC routers can serve one of a few purposes. You're likely to encounter:
Depending on the type of CNC you buy, it may be able to cut wood, steel, or many different materials.
Machines used only for woodwork rarely require the same diamond-tip cutting bits and hardened steel parts that devices intended for metal use. As a result, the CNC machine price is lower for devices that work with wood and other soft materials.
You can expect a significant price increase if you buy a machine specifically for heavy-duty metalwork. The disparity may amount to tens of thousands of dollars in some cases. The better option is to buy a dual-purpose device and use the appropriate bits for your project.
Additionally, a product like a CNC lathe for wood, which has a fairly specific purpose and range of functions, may cost significantly less. Routers or laser cutters that can achieve more diverse results will likely be more expensive.
Most CNC machine producers offer a wide range of optional extras. While these are extremely useful, they can also significantly increase the CNC router cost.
Examples of these include:
How many axes the machine has is possibly the most significant factor affecting pricing. The most basic units have three axes, but more complex devices may have up to five.
3-axis CNCs are generally the most affordable and can accomplish many things that machines with additional axes can. Routers with four axes fall between three and five-axis machines in terms of pricing. 5-axis devices are the most expensive but have more abilities and can create more details.
Below, we've constructed a comparison table so you can see how the amount of motor power and optional extras affect CNC router machine cost. All prices are for 3-axis machines, as we generally prefer these machines.
| Horsepower | Base Price | With
Training and Installation |
With
Extended Warranty |
With Dust Collection System | With Misting Cooling System | With All Added Extras | |
| 3-Axis CNC | 4 | $30,997 | $32,994 | $35,497 | $34,791 | $32,891 | $45,635 |
| 3-Axis CNC | 4 | $32,997 | $34,994 | $37,494 | $36,791 | $34,891 | $48,635 |
| 3-Axis CNC | 4 | $34,997 | $36,994 | $39,494 | $38,791 | $36,891 | $50,635 |
| 3-Axis CNC | 4 | $38,497 | $40,494 | $42,994 | $42,291 | $40,391 | $54,635 |
| 3-Axis CNC | 6 | $35,792 | $37,789 | $40,292 | $39,586 | $37,686 | $50,430 |
| 3-Axis CNC | 6 | $37,792 | $39,789 | $42,289 | $41,586 | $39,686 | $53,430 |
| 3-Axis CNC | 6 | $39,792 | $41,789 | $44,289 | $43,586 | $41,686 | $55,430 |
| 3-Axis CNC | 6 | $43,292 | $45,289 | $47,789 | $47,086 | $45,186 | $59,430 |
| 3-Axis CNC | 12 | $36,792 | $38,789 | $41,292 | $40,586 | $38,686 | $51,430 |
| 3-Axis CNC | 12 | $38,792 | $40,789 | $43,289 | $42,586 | $40,686 | $54,430 |
| 3-Axis CNC | 12 | $40,792 | $42,789 | $45,289 | $44,586 | $42,686 | $56,430 |
| 3-Axis CNC | 12 | $44,292 | $46,289 | $48,789 | $48,086 | $46,186 | $60,430 |
Based on the information in this table, you can easily see how the amount of horsepower and added extras influence the pricing.
If you buy larger machines or devices with more axes, you can easily add $25,000 to $75,000 to the prices listed above.
When buying a new device, it's helpful to ensure you only acquire what you need. This approach helps keep the CNC router machine price as low as possible.
Before purchasing, consider the following aspects:
As mentioned above, CNC machines come in many shapes and sizes.
You can easily make space for an industrial machine if you have a large factory or workshop. If you only have a small work area or rent small premises, you may prefer something smaller.
It's best to buy a machine that complements your work area, rather than having it be in the way. Smaller CNCs are also much cheaper than huge devices. Even if you have the space for a large machine, consider whether you need one. Smaller machines often have the versatility to do many of the things larger devices do.
Next, you need to ask yourself how much power you need from your router. CNCs often come with a four-horsepower motor sufficient for most purposes.
However, if you're planning on working with tough elements like tungsten or hickory, it might be worth considering paying for an upgrade.
Machines come with motors as large as 12 horsepower. While more power incurs higher prices, it's worthwhile if you're working with complex elements. You may also want to consider upgrading if you're going to be running the machine for extended timeframes.
The CNC machine price may increase or decrease depending on what you want your device to do. The best thing to do is to list what you want to do with the equipment and look for a product that meets those needs.
Some questions you may want to ask yourself include:
Answering these questions and others like them will help you decide whether you need a CNC that can cut metal or a standard router. You'll also see if you genuinely need an expensive device or if a simple 3-axis will do the job.
The mini CNC machine price varies significantly depending on the brand and the device's abilities. The range wagers from as low as $200 to as much as $2,500.
Miniature CNCs are much smaller than even the desktop version of these routers. They're typically able to perform fundamental tasks and are often the preferred choice for home users.
While the price may be tempting, bear in mind that these machines rarely have the wherewithal to withstand constant use. They also have limited capabilities which may not suit your needs if you're doing complex work.
If you're looking for something compact and versatile, we'd recommend the smaller 3-axis CNC machines.
Yes, buying a CNC router is often worth it. Primarily, it depends on what you want to do with the machine or how often you want to use it.
If you only intend to make a single item every three to six months, then it will take an excessive amount of time to make back the purchase price of the router.
However, having your own machine is an excellent idea if you wish to make products or parts regularly. You'll probably spend more than $75 per hour if you rent a CNC hourly.
It's up to you to decide whether you'll need the machine often enough to warrant buying one. If you purchase a device, you can also work for other companies to offset costs or as an additional source of revenue.
The cost of CNC routers is a versatile and involved topic. While the prices cover a wide range, knowing what you want, and buying accordingly, will save you money.
While buying the most advanced or biggest CNC is tempting, we recommend the cost-efficiency and versatility of 3-axis CNCs. If you'd like to learn more about these machines or have questions about their abilities, feel free to contact us.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
