How to Quote a 5-Axis Part: the Same Complex Part Priced on a 3-Axis vs a 5-Axis (Real Time)

A complex milled block with spheres, cones and angled bosses, dropped as a STEP file and a GD&T drawing. QuotedPart prices it on the 3-axis VMC from the setups it measures, then the milling is moved to the 5-axis to compare the price at each quantity.

1:20

Part and inputs

NIST's FTC-06 test block (public domain): its STEP model and GD&T drawing, dropped as a visitor with no account, at QuotedPart's U.S. default rates ($95/h 3-axis VMC, $145/h 5-axis mill).

What it shows

Measured from the model: 12.00 × 9.750 × 3.850 in and 3 setups on the 3-axis VMC, $556.58 each at 10 at the default $95/h; the drawing read finds no material or finish stated. With the milling moved to the 5-axis mill, the same 3 setups and minutes run at $145/h. Each at 1, 10 and 50: $1,357.17, $556.58, $507.59 on the 3-axis; $1,541.02, $652.68, $595.88 on the 5-axis. A 5-axis only wins when it removes setups.

Recorded on

The live app at quotedpart.com, nothing sped up, on-screen text instead of a voice. Published on YouTube 2026-11-08.

The guide that goes with it: How to quote 5-axis CNC parts vs the same part on a 3-axis.

Chapters

1. 0:001. A complex milled part
2. 0:132. Priced on the 3-axis
3. 0:293. Setups and features
4. 0:394. The drawing, then the 5-axis
5. 0:565. 3-axis vs. 5-axis
6. 1:146. Try it

Transcript

The video's on-screen text, word for word, with the time each line appears.

1. 0:04A complex milled part: NIST's FTC-06 test block, with spheres, cones and bosses at angles, and a GD&T drawing.
2. 0:10Does it go on the 3-axis or the 5-axis? Price it both ways, in real time, no account.
3. 0:15Drop the STEP file and the drawing.
4. 0:22Measured: 12.00 × 9.750 × 3.850 in, 3 setups on the 3-axis VMC. $556.58 each at 10 at the default $95/h.
5. 0:32Where that comes from: the holes, pockets and walls found in the model, and the 3 setups it takes to reach every face.
6. 0:40The drawing read: no material or finish stated.
7. 0:46Now move the milling to the 5-axis: pick the machine on that line.
8. 0:51Same 3 setups and minutes, now at the 5-axis's $145/h: the line reprices at once.
9. 0:56Each at 1, 10 and 50: $1,357.17, $556.58, $507.59 on the 3-axis; $1,541.02, $652.68, $595.88 on the 5-axis.
10. 1:03A 5-axis only wins when it removes setups. Edit the setup minutes on the line to what your 5-axis needs, or keep the 3-axis.

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