QuotedPartCost guides · Updated 2026-10-30
How much more does a stainless part cost than the same part in aluminum?
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A stainless version of an aluminum part can cost more because the blank is heavier and the removal rate is lower. This engine comparison keeps the bracket geometry, setup, machine rate, markup, and quantities constant while changing only 6061-T6 to 304 stainless.
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Hold the part constant
The reference is a 4 × 3 × 1 inch bracket with a pocket, holes, two setups, and ±0.005 inch general tolerance. Only the material ID changes between rows. The pricing model then applies the catalog density, stock price, machinability factor, and resulting cycle-time formulas.
This is a better comparison than copying a stainless multiplier from a different geometry. A thin plate, deep cavity, and turned pin will each move the material and time shares differently.
- Use the same blank envelope in both rows.
- Keep finish and inspection equal.
- Check whether the design allows a lighter material.
Where the stainless premium comes from
304 stainless is denser than 6061 and has a lower catalog machinability factor. The result is a heavier material line and more machining time for the same features. At quantity one, setup can obscure that difference; at 100 pieces, the material and cycle terms become clearer.
The model does not add passivation or certification unless requested. Those are common stainless requirements and should appear as dated outside-process lines when required.
- Name grade and condition.
- Add passivation if the print calls for it.
- Do not infer corrosion performance from price alone.
Explain the delta to a buyer
Show the two lot totals and the unit-price difference with the assumptions attached. If the customer can accept 6061, the table quantifies the saving. If stainless is required, it shows which portion is material and which portion is machine time.
A shop should replace catalog stock prices and rates with its own current inputs before sending a binding quote. The page's numbers are a rerunnable example, not a market average.
- Keep a revision of the material quote.
- Show setup rather than burying it.
- Rerun after changing quantity or finish.
Use the result as an estimator's starting point
For this stainless versus aluminum machining cost for the same part example, an estimator can challenge every cnc milling input. Replace this fictional geometry with the customer's STEP file or drawing, then replace the catalog stock price, work-center rate, setup minutes, and markup with the shop's current 3-axis vmc values.
Keep the lot setup visible when you send this quote for stainless versus aluminum machining cost for the same part. Confirm stock form, material condition, tolerances, inspection, deburr, and outside-process timing before promising a ship date. If one of those inputs changes, rerun the calculation and show the buyer what moved.
- Show both unit and lot totals.
- Label illustrative values clearly.
- Have the estimator review access, tooling, and first-piece risk.
Same bracket in 6061 and 304 stainless
- • Material: Stainless 304; the US catalog input is $6.87/lb and machinability 0.30 relative to 6061-T6.
- • Process: CNC milling; the pricing model includes CAM programming, 12 toolpaths, Mill, 3 setups, Handling and tool changes, 5 lb stock, Deburr, Inspect and calculates the quantities shown.
- • Geometry: 4 × 3 × 1 in; Fictional 4 × 3 × 1 in prismatic reference part. Two mill setups are inferred from the top and side features.
- • Markup: 30% catalog default. Taxes, freight, customer-specific rates, and unlisted outside services are excluded.
- • Every dollar and minute in the table is a reproducible example from the stated inputs, not a market average or supplier promise.
| Material | Quantity | Catalog stock | Machinability | Quoted / part | Lead days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum 6061-T6 | 1 | $9.50/lb | 1.00 | $464.53 | 11 |
| Aluminum 6061-T6 | 10 | $9.50/lb | 1.00 | $83.77 | 11 |
| Aluminum 6061-T6 | 100 | $9.50/lb | 1.00 | $41.17 | 14 |
| Stainless 304 | 1 | $6.87/lb | 0.30 | $556.36 | 11 |
| Stainless 304 | 10 | $6.87/lb | 0.30 | $129.73 | 12 |
| Stainless 304 | 100 | $6.87/lb | 0.30 | $84.32 | 17 |
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 stock price input is taken from the US catalog, which records an Online Metals check on 2026-10-21. — source (checked 2026-10-21)
Questions
Is this a guaranteed 6061-t6 versus 304 stainless steel quote?
No. It is a transparent estimating example. Replace the example inputs with the customer's drawing, stock quote, current shop rates, and inspection or finish requirements.
Why does quantity change the unit price?
Setup and programming are lot costs. The pricing calculation spreads those costs across the stated quantity and keeps the per-part run time and material inputs visible.
Price one of your own parts
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