QuotedPartAnswers · Updated 2026-10-31
How much should I charge for CNC plasma cutting work?
Price one of your own parts: Drop a STEP model or PDF drawing — about 90 seconds, no account.
Your part priced in about 90 seconds, no account.
Build plasma price from material, cut inches, pierces, setup, cleanup, and minimum charge; per-inch pricing is only a calibrated shortcut.
See how QuotedPart connects to your workflow with its API, MCP server, autonomous quoting and shop-specific learning.
The direct answer
A 3/8-inch plate job with 240 cut inches, 36 pierces, 25 minutes setup, and 18 minutes cleanup should show those drivers. A per-inch shortcut misses pierce wear and handling.
Test the decision against the shop evidence in this example: A 3/8-inch plate job with 240 cut inches, 36 pierces, 25 minutes setup, and 18 minutes cleanup should show those drivers.
Carry the measurable input from the worked case into the estimator's notes: A 3/8-inch plate job with 240 cut inches, 36 pierces, 25 minutes setup, and 18 minutes cleanup should show those drivers.
Evidence from a shop floor
For 18 parts with 43.2 cut feet and 108 pierces, $2.25/foot, $0.80/pierce, $106.25 setup, and $180 material total $469.85 direct; at 25% markup, $587.31. Record actual cut and pierce minutes by thickness before publishing a family rate.
Keep the commercial decision tied to the evidence, including a 3/8-inch plate job with 240 cut inches, 36 pierces, 25 minutes setup, and 18 minutes cleanup should show those drivers.
The handoff is complete only when the owner can restate the route without losing a 3/8-inch plate job with 240 cut inches, 36 pierces, 25 minutes setup, and 18 minutes cleanup should show those drivers.
Build the quote route
Measure material yield, pierce count, cut length, setup, deburr, nesting, and minimum lot charge; compare estimated minutes with actuals.
A useful review question is whether the current RFQ still matches this route: measure material yield, pierce count, cut length, setup, deburr, nesting, and minimum lot charge; compare estimated minutes with actuals.
The next estimator should be able to challenge the assumption behind this route: measure material yield, pierce count, cut length, setup, deburr, nesting, and minimum lot charge; compare estimated minutes with actuals.
Use the source notes to date the assumption and record why this route was selected: measure material yield, pierce count, cut length, setup, deburr, nesting, and minimum lot charge; compare estimated minutes with actuals.
Release and learn
Amperage, thickness, edge quality, consumables, and secondary cleanup can dominate a simple cut-length model.
If the buyer asks for a different outcome, explain the boundary in these terms: amperage, thickness, edge quality, consumables, and secondary cleanup can dominate a simple cut-length model.
Before changing the total, verify whether the caveat applies: amperage, thickness, edge quality, consumables, and secondary cleanup can dominate a simple cut-length model.
A customer-facing explanation should make the risk legible: amperage, thickness, edge quality, consumables, and secondary cleanup can dominate a simple cut-length model.
Close the loop by noting the evidence that would make this estimate obsolete: amperage, thickness, edge quality, consumables, and secondary cleanup can dominate a simple cut-length model.
Keep the commercial decision tied to the evidence, including a 3/8-inch plate job with 240 cut inches, 36 pierces, 25 minutes setup, and 18 minutes cleanup should show those drivers.
Price one of your own parts
Drop a PDF drawing or a STEP file. QuotedPart reads the print, measures the model and prices it in seconds, on default shop rates you can change.
Your STEP file or PDF drawingDrop a PDF drawing, a STEP file or both
Free. No account, no email. Priced at our default US rates until you set yours.
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Can I ship 10% more or fewer parts than ordered?
Only when the purchase order or customer has agreed a quantity tolerance; there is no universal right to ship ten percent extra or short.
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Can I use Xometry or Protolabs instant quotes as a price check?
Use an instant quote as a dated comparison point after matching quantity, revision, finish, inspection, freight, and delivery scope; it is not a neutral market index.
Answers
Customer sent a STEP file but no drawing — what tolerance do I quote?
Use a written model-only default only when the customer accepts it; a practical example is to model with ±0.005 inch unless a drawing states otherwise, while calling out material, finish, threads, and inspection as open.
Answers
Customers make us re-enter quotes in their supplier portals — how do other shops handle it?
Treat portal re-entry as measurable quote administration: export the approved quote, time the work, and decide whether the effort is included or charged.