QuotedPartComparisons · Updated 2026-10-30
How do I quote plastic machined parts (Delrin, PEEK, UHMW)?
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.
Quote plastic parts from the material and the risk, not from a metal cycle time copied into a spreadsheet. Delrin/POM is often stable and easy to machine; PEEK stock is expensive and tolerances may require controlled machining or stress relief; UHMW can move, deflect and string. A worked PEEK seal ring below totals $286.40 before margin for 10 pieces, with $142.00 of stock, $58.33 of setup and $46.67 of machining. The assumptions—not a generic plastic markup—explain the price.
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Worked PEEK seal ring
Assume ten rings from a 2-inch PEEK rod, 1.25-inch outside diameter, 0.75-inch bore and 0.25-inch thickness. Stock is $142 for the cut blank lot. Setup is 35 minutes at $100/hour, or $58.33. Turning and boring take 2.8 minutes per ring at $100/hour, or $46.67 for ten. A controlled cooling pause and inspection add $24.00, and scrap/risk reserve is 5% of the direct subtotal. Direct cost is $142 + $58.33 + $46.67 + $24 = $271.00; with a $15.40 risk reserve, the quote basis is $286.40, or $28.64 each before margin.
The stock share dominates this small lot. At 100 pieces, setup and inspection spread over more parts, but PEEK rod price and availability can change. State the stock date and validity period in the quote.
| Driver | Assumption | Lot cost |
|---|---|---|
| PEEK stock | One rod/blank lot | $142.00 |
| Setup | 35 min × $100/h | $58.33 |
| Cycle | 10 × 2.8 min × $100/h | $46.67 |
| Cooling and inspection | Stated allowance | $24.00 |
| Risk reserve | 5% of direct subtotal | $15.40 |
| Quote basis | Total ÷ 10 | $28.64 each |
Material changes the process
Delrin often supports a faster, cooler cut and a simpler finish, but thin walls can still distort. UHMW may need sharp tools, restrained clamping and a deliberate deburr plan because the material can move under pressure. PEEK may require slower feeds, chip control, stress relief or a customer-approved grade. Ask the customer for the grade, reinforcement, anneal requirement, contact chemistry and cleanliness requirement before accepting a stock price.
Separate purchased stock, setup, cycle, inspection and scrap risk in the quote. A single “plastic multiplier” hides the reason the result changed.
Software fit
A plastic quote tool should let the estimator override stock price, setup, cycle, tolerance risk and secondary operations. QuotedPart can do that with shop-owned assumptions and a PDF drawing workflow. It does not choose a PEEK grade, predict deflection or certify a medical or chemical application. A specialist material database may be stronger when the shop needs validated process guidance.
Use the same ring at quantities 1, 10 and 100, then change PEEK to Delrin and UHMW. The right tool makes the material-driven differences visible and keeps the estimator responsible for the process.
Sources and limits
Claims are dated where they can change. Product calculations are examples from the stated inputs, not a promise about a customer's quote. Competitor wording is attributed to the source shown.
- The PEEK ring example is illustrative arithmetic from the stated stock, setup, cycle, inspection and risk assumptions.
- QuotedPart lets shops set material, setup, cycle, outside-process and margin assumptions; it does not certify plastic grades or application suitability. — source (checked 2026-10-30)
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