Let’s face it—CNC costing can be a headache. Whether you’re running a shop, managing RFQs, or trying to nail down a competitive quote, you’ve probably lost hours to manual calculations. Materials, cycle times, setups, post-processing—it’s like solving a jigsaw puzzle where the pieces keep moving.
And then there’s the pressure: “Am I quoting too high and losing the job? Or too low and killing my margins?”
Enter ACE (Automated Costing Engine)—a tool designed to take the grind out of costing. It’s smart, it’s fast, and it’s here to help you quote with confidence while saving time for what matters: running your business.
Why Is CNC Costing So Frustrating?
Let’s break it down. If you’ve been in the industry for a while, these will hit close to home:
- Time Sinks: Getting accurate quotes can take hours, especially with complex designs or multiple parts.
- Manual Errors: One miscalculation, and you could lose money or credibility.
- Inconsistent Results: Every shop has its own method, making comparisons a nightmare.
- Missed Deadlines: Too much back-and-forth during quoting means RFQs get delayed—and so does your chance to win the job.
Sound familiar?
Here’s How ACE Fixes It
1. Costing That’s Fast and Frustration-Free
With ACE, you upload a CAD file (STEP/STP), and boom—costing done in seconds. No back-and-forth between CAM software and Excel sheets. No guesswork. Just clear, accurate numbers.
2. Detailed Reports That Do the Heavy Lifting
ACE doesn’t just give you a number and call it a day. It dives deep into the details you need, like:
- Material Costs: Based on weight, grade, and current market rates.
- Cycle Times: Know exactly how long your machine will run.
- Setup Time: Includes everything from fixture alignment to tool changes.
So, when a client asks, “Why is this quote so high?” you’ve got a professional answer ready.
3. Finds Ways to Save You Money
ACE analyzes your design and flags areas where you’re overspending, like:
- Tight tolerances that require extra machining time.
- Non-standard features that need specialized tooling.
- Designs that could be simplified for easier manufacturing.
Think of it as your personal DFM (Design for Manufacturability) consultant.
4. Handle Multiple Files Like a Pro
Got a pile of RFQs to tackle? ACE can process them all in one go. No more slogging through quotes one part at a time.
Who’s ACE Really For?
If you deal with CNC costing daily, ACE is designed for you. Here’s how it helps different roles:
- Machine Shop Owners: Speed up quotes so you can respond faster to customers and close more deals.
- Procurement Teams: Compare supplier quotes with a clear, standardized baseline.
- MSME Suppliers: Handle high volumes of RFQs without the stress of manual costing.
- Costing Engineers: Get precise numbers and insights to streamline operations.
Basically, if quoting is eating up your time, ACE is your shortcut.
Why ACE Feels Like a Cheat Code
What sets ACE apart isn’t just speed (though that’s a big deal). It’s how it simplifies the entire costing process:
- AI-Driven Smarts: ACE uses advanced algorithms to understand your CAD file and predict machining costs with pinpoint accuracy.
- Customizable Inputs: Adjust material rates, machine hour costs, or even setup times to match your shop’s specific needs.
- Standardization: No more inconsistent quotes—ACE gives you reliable, repeatable results.
- Scalability: Whether you’re quoting a one-off prototype or a large production run, ACE has your back.
Ready to Quote Smarter?
If CNC costing is one of your daily struggles, it’s time to let ACE do the heavy lifting. Fast, accurate, and easy to use, it’s more than a tool—it’s your competitive edge.
Try ACE today and see how much time (and stress) you can save.
