QuotedPartCost guides · Updated 2026-10-30
Is titanium more expensive to machine than stainless steel?
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For the same sleeve at ten pieces, the Ti-6Al-4V estimate is $73.87 each versus $50.80 in 316. Both material and modeled cutting time contribute. This is one geometry at stated catalog inputs; it is not a universal titanium surcharge or proof that either alloy meets your application's requirements.
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The sleeve finishes at 0.750-inch outside diameter and three-inch length with a quarter-inch through bore and one eighth-inch cross hole. Both variants begin with 0.875-inch solid bar and use a ±0.005-inch general tolerance. There are no grooves, precision bearing fits, coatings or threaded connections in this reference.
Holding stock diameter, features and tolerance constant separates the purchasing and machining effects. The same lathe and programming rates apply to both. Our pricing engine generates the route using each material's catalog machining factor and stock input. It does not validate the process on a particular machine, tool grade or coolant system.
| Alloy | Qty | Setup min/lot | Run min/part at qty | Stock | Setup | Machine/labor | Outside | Markup + floor | Sell/part |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316 | 1 | 167.3 | 6.70 | $16.18 | $249.62 | $9.63 | $0.00 | $82.63 | $358.06 |
| 316 | 10 | 167.3 | 6.70 | $4.49 | $24.96 | $9.63 | $0.00 | $11.72 | $50.80 |
| 316 | 100 | 167.3 | 6.70 | $3.93 | $2.50 | $9.61 | $0.00 | $4.81 | $20.85 |
| Ti-6Al-4V | 1 | 167.3 | 8.30 | $71.44 | $249.62 | $12.03 | $0.00 | $99.93 | $433.02 |
| Ti-6Al-4V | 10 | 167.3 | 8.30 | $19.83 | $24.96 | $12.03 | $0.00 | $17.05 | $73.87 |
| Ti-6Al-4V | 100 | 167.3 | 8.30 | $14.08 | $2.50 | $12.02 | $0.00 | $8.58 | $37.17 |
A lighter alloy can still cost more to purchase
The titanium inputs are $71.70/lb small lot and $28/lb volume with density 4.43 grams per cubic centimeter; 316 uses $8.99 and $6.25 with density 8.0. Those are editable estimating assumptions rather than independently verified current distributor offers. Equal starting dimensions therefore do not mean equal purchased weight or equal stock expense.
Stock rules include the allocation of purchased bar across each quantity. Do not multiply finished weight by a ratio of pound prices and expect the result to match a short-run purchase. A usable remainder, bar availability and a documented stock condition can matter more than the nominal weight removed from one sleeve.
| Operation | Rate/h | Setup min/lot | Run min/part | Other lot | Other/part |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAM programming | $95.00 | 20.5 | 0 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Turn, 2 ops | $90.00 | 81.3 | 5.5 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Mill secondary, 1 feature | $95.00 | 45 | 1.5 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Deburr | $55.00 | 5 | 0.7 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Inspect | $75.00 | 15.5 | 0.6 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Cutting behavior is represented by explicit assumptions
The relative machining factors are 0.15 for Ti-6Al-4V and 0.28 for 316, against the catalog's aluminum reference. These inputs affect the estimated run time; they are not percentages of spindle utilization or guaranteed tool-life ratios. Sandvik's workpiece guidance distinguishes titanium's heat and cutting behavior from stainless steel. Use machine-specific cutting data before committing delivery or buying tools.
Rates are $90/hour lathe, $95 programming, $55 bench and $75 inspection. Each quote adds 30% markup with a $65 line floor. No separate insert-consumption surcharge is included. Add special tooling, approved cleaning or traceability work if the actual job requires them, and avoid counting a tooling allowance twice inside both the rate and a separate expense.
At one piece, setup can conceal part of the material difference; at larger quantities, repeated running and stock become more visible. Compare the full row at the customer's order quantity. If the buyer wants a design substitution, obtain approval of strength, corrosion, thermal and interface requirements before presenting the cheaper construction as an equivalent part.
Two-alloy sleeve inputs
- • SleeveØ0.750 ×3 in, Ø0.25 through bore, oneØ0.125 cross hole; rawØ0.875 in, ±0.005 in, quantities1/10/100.
- • Ti64$71.70/$28 per lb, density4.43, factor0.15; 316$8.99/$6.25, density8.0, factor0.28. Stock tiers and run adjustment active.
- • Lathe90/CAM95/bench55/inspect75 USD/h; 30% markup, $65 floor, no rules. No certified stock premium, special tooling line, treatment, tax or delivery.
| Alloy | Qty | Setup min/lot | Run min/part at qty | Stock | Setup | Machine/labor | Outside | Markup + floor | Sell/part |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316 | 1 | 167.3 | 6.70 | $16.18 | $249.62 | $9.63 | $0.00 | $82.63 | $358.06 |
| 316 | 10 | 167.3 | 6.70 | $4.49 | $24.96 | $9.63 | $0.00 | $11.72 | $50.80 |
| 316 | 100 | 167.3 | 6.70 | $3.93 | $2.50 | $9.61 | $0.00 | $4.81 | $20.85 |
| Ti-6Al-4V | 1 | 167.3 | 8.30 | $71.44 | $249.62 | $12.03 | $0.00 | $99.93 | $433.02 |
| Ti-6Al-4V | 10 | 167.3 | 8.30 | $19.83 | $24.96 | $12.03 | $0.00 | $17.05 | $73.87 |
| Ti-6Al-4V | 100 | 167.3 | 8.30 | $14.08 | $2.50 | $12.02 | $0.00 | $8.58 | $37.17 |
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.
- Sandvik describes distinct machining behavior for stainless steels and titanium alloys; the numerical machining factors here are separate catalog assumptions. — source (checked 2026-10-30)
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