CNC router pricing

You may develop a case of sticker shock when you start shopping for a CNC router – expect to pay tens of thousands of dollars for a quality, reliable machine. The benefits of owning a CNC router will justify the cost over time, but the initial investment can still be a hurdle.

Hardware
Pricing in the CNC router industry is tiered according to how much the router can do.

• Low-end ($5,000-$25,000) -- A basic 3-axis CNC router with a 4’ x 8’ base and 6-inch Z-axis can start around $5,000.
• Mid-range ($25,000-$50,000) -- Mid-range CNC routers are heavier machines used in the signage industry and other lightweight panel processing applications.
• High-end ($50,000-$100,000) – CNC routers at the high end of the pricing spectrum are suited for a wide variety of applications. They typically include steel frames and other features to improve performance.
• Highest ($150,000 and up) -- The highest prices are for the largest, fastest 4-axis and 5-axis routers. These top-end machines are customized for large plants with heavy-duty machinery needs. A fully loaded router with a vacuum table, pump, attached computer terminal, automatic tool changer, and additional accessories can cost upwards of $200,000.

Some vendors offer CNC router deals that include installation, software training, and shipping charges for $60,000 - $80,000. But in most cases, everything is sold separately to allow you to customize your CNC router the way you see fit.

Software
A CAD software package to create designs for your router costs an additional $2,500 - $10,000. Most CNC router vendors sell this software, but don’t feel compelled to buy it from the your hardware vendor. Most CAD software is compatible with common CNC routers, so find the software that suits you best, even if you have to buy it somewhere else. You may have to pay an annual software maintenance fee of around $1,000 for support and upgrades.

Additional axis
You can upgrade your 3-axis router to a 4-axis router for $10,000 - $20,000. You can even upgrade a 3-axis router to a 5-axis router, but that can be an additional $100,000 - $150,000. It’s more cost effective and less of a hassle to purchase a 5-axis router initially.

Shipping and transport
Shipping a heavy CNC router carries a considerable cost. With router weighing anywhere from a few hundred pounds to several tons, freight costs can range from $350 - $3,000 or more, depending on your location.

You may also incur additional costs just to get the machine inside once it is delivered. If your office is on the ground floor, it may be a fairly straightforward move, but if the router needs to go on an upper floor, you may need to hire riggers to hoist it up and in. For the largest routers, the process may even involve cutting holes in the walls or removing windows, so be sure you plan out the delivery process before the router arrives.

Installation and training
CNC vendors typically charge about $500 - $1,000 per day for installation costs. It can take anywhere from a half day to a full week to install and test the router. While you can assemble and install a low-end router yourself, for most industrial models you’re better off leaving installation and set up to the vendor.

Vendors will provide training on how to use the hardware and software, usually at your facilities. Training typically costs $500 - $1,000 per day for two to three.

Warranties
CNC router vendors offer extended service warranties for 5% - 10% of the list price for each year covered. Most warranties include parts and on-site labor, but trip fees and other labor costs may still apply. Make sure to ask your vendor exactly what is covered so you’re not stuck holding the bill for repair charges.