ENGINEERING STUDY / CNCJS—02
Geometry-Based Machining Quote Prototype
A modular SolidWorks VBA prototype that derives geometry indicators and machining-time estimates from imported part geometry.
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ManufacturingcalculatorEngineering workflow
CNC Machining-Time Calculator
A standalone browser calculator for operation-level machining time, setup, rates, quantity, and cost assumptions.
Explore the calculation model ↗
Change the inputs and explore the engineering results.
MY FOCUSDeveloped the calculation workflow, material/tool helpers, feature inputs, and scenario-style estimating interface.
ENGINEERING VALUE
Provides a transparent estimating workflow with explicit machining operations and overhead assumptions.
ENGINEERING STUDY / CNCJS—02
Engineering concept illustration.
01 / THE PROBLEM
The engineering challenge.
Early estimates require a consistent way to combine feeds, speeds, geometry, non-cut time, setup, and quantity.
02 / CONSTRAINTS
What the solution must consider.
- Outputs remain estimates and depend on user-supplied machine capability, tooling, material, strategy, and rate assumptions.
03 / ENGINEERING APPROACH
Reasoning before geometry.
01
Engineering method
Break an estimate into explicit operations and overhead terms rather than using one blanket cycle-time multiplier.
02
Workflow features
Material and tool libraries; RPM and chip-load helpers; Pocket/slot/hole/chamfer/radius operations; Rapid, tool-change, setup, linking, power, rate, and quantity inputs; Local presets.
04 / DESIGN & IMPLEMENTATION
Connecting intent to execution.
Version 1.7.4 organizes cutting operations, non-cut time, setup, machine capability and cost inputs into editable estimating scenarios.
- Material and tool libraries
- RPM and chip-load helpers
- Pocket/slot/hole/chamfer/radius operations
- Rapid, tool-change, setup, linking, power, rate, and quantity inputs
- Local presets
05 / VALIDATION
The checks behind the design.
Engineering workflow
The calculation method provides explicit operation and overhead terms. Estimates require comparison with CAM or shop-floor cycle times before quoting or production planning.
06 / OUTCOME
The value of the work.
Provides a transparent estimating workflow with explicit machining operations and overhead assumptions.
THE ENGINEERING PRINCIPLE
Cutting time is only one part of the manufacturing estimate.
Travel divided by feed gives an idealized cutting time. A quote also needs setup, rapid moves, tool changes, handling and quantity assumptions. Keeping these contributions visible makes the estimate easier to review.
A question for a technical conversation
Which assumptions dominate the estimate for a small batch compared with a repeat production order?
LET’S BUILD SOMETHING THAT WORKS
Good design belongs
on the shop floor.
Considering a role in mechanical design, manufacturing methods,
fixture design, or estimation? Let’s connect.