quoteestimator
Rough cycle time and cost estimation for CNC machined parts. Uses MNMUK plant capabilities and standard estimating factors. USE WHEN user says 'quote', 'estimate', 'cycle time', 'how long', 'cost estimate', 'pricing', 'how much to make', or describes a part needing a rough quote.
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/robdtaylor/personal-ai-infrastructure --skill quoteestimator- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads quoteestimator automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
QuoteEstimator - MNMUK Quoting Support
Purpose: Rapid rough-order-of-magnitude estimates for quoting. Not a replacement for proper process planning, but gets you in the ballpark fast.
When to Activate
- "How long to make this part?"
- "Rough quote for [part description]"
- "Estimate cycle time for..."
- "What would it cost to make 500 of these?"
- "Quick estimate for quoting"
Disclaimer
These are rough estimates for quoting purposes. Actual times depend on:
- Specific geometry complexity
- Tolerance requirements
- Surface finish specs
- Fixturing approach
- Tooling availability
- Operator experience
Always add contingency and verify with experienced estimator for critical quotes.
Machine Hourly Rates
MNMUK Rate Card (Adjust to your actual rates)
| Machine Category | Machine | Rate (£/hr) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Axis Mill | NMV3000, DMU50, NHX500 | £85-95 | High capability |
| 4-Axis Mill | Vertical VMC | £65-75 | Standard work |
| CNC Turning | NLX2500, ALX2000 | £60-70 | Live tooling adds £5 |
| Precision Turning | HARDINGE | £75-85 | ±0.003mm work |
| Swiss | CITIZEN | £80-90 | High volume, precision |
| Wire EDM | MITSUBISHI | £55-65 | Slow but precise |
| Spark EDM | MITSUBISHI | £50-60 | Electrode cost separate |
| Fast Response | Haas | £45-55 | Prototypes |
Rate Factors
Base Rate × Material Factor × Tolerance Factor × Complexity Factor = Effective Rate
Material Factors
| Material | Factor | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium (6061) | 0.8 | Fast cutting, easy |
| Aluminium (7075) | 0.9 | Slightly harder |
| Brass/Bronze | 0.85 | Free machining |
| Mild Steel (1018) | 1.0 | Baseline |
| Carbon Steel (4140) | 1.1 | Harder, more wear |
| Stainless 303 | 1.2 | Free machining SS |
| Stainless 304/316 | 1.4 | Work hardening, gummy |
| 17-4PH | 1.5 | Tough stainless |
| Tool Steel (pre-hard) | 1.3 | Abrasive |
| Tool Steel (hardened) | 2.0+ | EDM only typically |
| Titanium (CP) | 1.6 | Slow speeds required |
| Titanium (6Al-4V) | 1.8 | Very slow, careful |
| Inconel 718 | 2.2 | Extreme tool wear |
| Hastelloy | 2.5 | Worst case scenario |
| Delrin/Acetal | 0.7 | Easy, watch heat |
| PEEK | 1.3 | Expensive material |
| Nylon | 0.75 | Easy, flexible |
Tolerance Factors
| Tolerance Band | Factor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ±0.25mm (±0.010") | 0.9 | Loose, fast |
| ±0.125mm (±0.005") | 1.0 | Standard |
| ±0.05mm (±0.002") | 1.2 | Careful work |
| ±0.025mm (±0.001") | 1.4 | Precision |
| ±0.012mm (±0.0005") | 1.7 | High precision |
| ±0.005mm (±0.0002") | 2.0 | Grinding territory |
| ±0.003mm | 2.5 | Swiss/HARDINGE only |
Complexity Factors
| Complexity | Factor | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | 0.8 | Round part, few features |
| Standard | 1.0 | Typical machined part |
| Moderate | 1.3 | Multiple setups, tight tolerances mixed with loose |
| Complex | 1.6 | 5-axis, multiple operations, thin walls |
| Very Complex | 2.0+ | Extreme geometry, exotic material + tight tolerance |
Cycle Time Estimation
Turning Operations
OD Turning
Time (min) = (Length × Passes × π × Diameter) / (Feed × Speed × 1000)
Simplified:
Rough: Volume removed (cm³) × 0.5 min/cm³
Finish: Surface area (cm²) × 0.02 min/cm²
Quick Estimates - OD Turning:
| Part Size | Rough | Finish | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ø25 × 50mm | 0.5 min | 0.3 min | 0.8 min |
| Ø50 × 100mm | 2 min | 1 min | 3 min |
| Ø100 × 150mm | 6 min | 2.5 min | 8.5 min |
| Ø150 × 200mm | 12 min | 4 min | 16 min |
ID Boring
Multiply OD time × 1.5 (slower, less rigid)
Deep bores (L/D > 4): × 2.0
Threading
Single-point: 0.3 min per 25mm thread length (standard pitch)
Thread milling: 0.5 min per thread
Tapping: 0.1 min per hole (standard)
Grooving/Parting
Grooving: 0.2 min per groove
Part-off: Diameter (mm) × 0.01 min
Milling Operations
Face Milling
Time = (Area / (Width of Cut × Feed Rate)) + Approach
Quick: Area (cm²) × 0.02 min/cm² for roughing
Area (cm²) × 0.01 min/cm² for finishing
Pocket Milling
Volume (cm³) × 0.8 min/cm³ (aluminium)
Volume (cm³) × 1.5 min/cm³ (steel)
Volume (cm³) × 3.0 min/cm³ (stainless/titanium)
Add 50% for finishing passes
Drilling
Standard drill: Depth (mm) × 0.02 min/mm
Peck drilling: Depth (mm) × 0.04 min/mm
Deep hole (>5xD): Depth (mm) × 0.08 min/mm
5-Axis Contouring
Surface area (cm²) × 0.15 min/cm² (aluminium)
Surface area (cm²) × 0.3 min/cm² (steel)
Surface area (cm²) × 0.5 min/cm² (titanium)
Complex surfaces: Add 50-100%
Swiss Operations
Small precision parts (Ø3-10mm):
- Simple: 30-60 sec/part
- Standard: 60-120 sec/part
- Complex: 120-300 sec/part
Medium parts (Ø10-25mm):
- Simple: 60-120 sec/part
- Standard: 120-240 sec/part
- Complex: 240-480 sec/part
EDM Operations
Wire EDM
Cut length (mm) × thickness (mm) × 0.003 min/mm² (roughing)
Add 50% per skim pass (typically 2-4 skim passes)
Example: 100mm perimeter × 25mm thick
- Rough: 100 × 25 × 0.003 = 7.5 min
- 3 skims: 7.5 × 1.5 × 1.5 × 1.5 = 25 min total
Spark EDM
Volume to remove (cm³) × 30-60 min/cm³
Roughing faster, finishing much slower
Electrode making: Add 1-4 hours depending on complexity
Setup Time Estimates
| Operation Type | First Setup | Repeat Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Simple turning | 30 min | 15 min |
| Complex turning (live tooling) | 60 min | 30 min |
| Swiss | 90 min | 45 min |
| 3-axis milling | 30 min | 15 min |
| 4-axis milling | 45 min | 20 min |
| 5-axis milling | 60-90 min | 30 min |
| Wire EDM | 30 min | 15 min |
| Spark EDM | 60 min + electrode | 30 min |
| Multiple operations | Sum of each | Sum × 0.7 |
Quick Quote Formula
Total Cost = (Setup Cost) + (Run Cost × Quantity) + (Material Cost) + (Secondary Ops)
Where:
- Setup Cost = Setup Time × Hourly Rate
- Run Cost = Cycle Time × Hourly Rate × Material Factor × Tolerance Factor
- Material Cost = Weight × £/kg × Waste Factor (typically 1.3-1.5)
- Secondary Ops = Finishing, heat treat, plating, inspection (get quotes)
Quantity Breaks
| Quantity | Multiplier | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-5 | 1.5 | Prototype pricing |
| 6-25 | 1.2 | Small batch |
| 26-100 | 1.0 | Standard |
| 101-500 | 0.9 | Efficiency gains |
| 500+ | 0.8 | Volume pricing |
Estimation Workflow
Step 1: Feasibility (Use PlantCapability)
- Can we make it?
- Which machine?
- Any showstoppers?
Step 2: Operation Breakdown
| Op# | Description | Machine | Setup | Cycle |
|-----|-------------|---------|-------|-------|
| 10 | | | min | min |
| 20 | | | min | min |
| 30 | | | min | min |
Step 3: Apply Factors
Base cycle time: X min
× Material factor (Y): X × Y = Z min
× Tolerance factor (T): Z × T = A min
× Complexity factor (C): A × C = B min
Adjusted cycle time: B min
Step 4: Calculate Costs
Setup: [time] × £[rate] = £____
Run: [cycle] × [qty] × £[rate/60] = £____
Material: [weight] × £[per kg] × 1.3 = £____
Secondary: £____
Subtotal: £____
Margin (25-40%): £____
**Quote: £____**
Quote Output Template
# ROUGH QUOTE ESTIMATE
**Date:** YYYY-MM-DD
**Customer:**
**Part:**
**Quantity:**
---
## Part Summary
- Material:
- Envelope: L × W × H mm
- Weight (est): kg
- Key tolerances:
- Surface finish:
## Feasibility
- [x] Within capability
- Machine(s):
- Risks:
---
## Operations Breakdown
| Op | Description | Machine | Setup (min) | Cycle (min) |
|----|-------------|---------|-------------|-------------|
| 10 | | | | |
| 20 | | | | |
| 30 | | | | |
| **Total** | | | **X** | **Y** |
---
## Factors Applied
| Factor | Value | Reasoning |
|--------|-------|-----------|
| Material | × | |
| Tolerance | × | |
| Complexity | × | |
| **Combined** | **×** | |
**Adjusted cycle:** Y × [combined] = Z min/part
---
## Cost Calculation
| Item | Calculation | Cost |
|------|-------------|------|
| Setup | X min × £[rate]/60 | £ |
| Run (× qty) | Z min × [qty] × £[rate]/60 | £ |
| Material | [wt] × £[/kg] × [qty] × 1.3 | £ |
| Secondary ops | [detail] | £ |
| **Subtotal** | | **£** |
| Margin ([%]) | | £ |
| **Quote Total** | | **£** |
**Per Part:** £ each at qty [X]
---
## Assumptions & Exclusions
### Assumptions
-
### Exclusions
-
### Validity
- Quote valid for: 30 days
- Lead time estimate: X weeks
---
## Notes
### Risks
-
### Alternatives
-
---
*Rough estimate only. Final quote subject to drawing review and process planning.*
Quick Reference Tables
Cycle Time Rules of Thumb
| Part Type | Quick Estimate |
|---|---|
| Simple turned (Ø25-50) | 2-5 min |
| Complex turned (Ø50-100) | 8-20 min |
| Swiss part (small) | 1-3 min |
| Simple prismatic (milled) | 5-15 min |
| 5-axis component | 20-60 min |
| Wire EDM profile | 30-120 min |
Setup Time Rules of Thumb
| Scenario | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Repeat job, tooling available | 15-30 min |
| New job, simple | 30-45 min |
| New job, complex | 60-120 min |
| New job, 5-axis or Swiss | 90-180 min |
Cost Sanity Checks
| Part Type | £/part Range (qty 100) |
|---|---|
| Simple turned bushing | £2-8 |
| Complex turned shaft | £15-50 |
| Swiss precision pin | £3-15 |
| Milled bracket (aluminium) | £10-40 |
| 5-axis aerospace part | £50-500 |
| EDM detail | £30-200 |
Examples
Example 1: Turned Shaft
Part: Ø50 × 150mm shaft, 4140 steel, ±0.025mm on bearing diameters Qty: 100
Operations:
- OP10: Face, turn OD, drill center (NLX2500)
- OP20: Flip, face to length, finish bearing seats
Cycle estimate:
- Rough turning: 4 min
- Finish turning: 2 min
- Total: 6 min base
Factors:
- Material (4140): × 1.1
- Tolerance (±0.025): × 1.4
- Complexity (standard): × 1.0
- Combined: × 1.54
Adjusted cycle: 6 × 1.54 = 9.2 min
Costs (at £65/hr):
- Setup: 45 min × £65/60 = £49
- Run: 9.2 min × 100 × £65/60 = £997
- Material: 2.3kg × £3/kg × 100 × 1.3 = £897
- Subtotal: £1,943
- Margin (30%): £583
- Quote: £2,526 (£25.26/part)
Example 2: Swiss Medical Pin
Part: Ø4 × 20mm pin, 316SS, ±0.01mm, qty 1000 Machine: CITIZEN LFV
Cycle estimate: 90 sec base (complex small part)
Factors:
- Material (316SS): × 1.4
- Tolerance (±0.01): × 1.5
- Complexity (moderate): × 1.3
- Combined: × 2.73
Adjusted cycle: 90 × 2.73 = 246 sec = 4.1 min
Costs (at £85/hr):
- Setup: 90 min × £85/60 = £128
- Run: 4.1 min × 1000 × £85/60 = £5,808
- Material: 0.02kg × £8/kg × 1000 × 1.3 = £208
- Subtotal: £6,144
- Margin (30%): £1,843
- Quote: £7,987 (£7.99/part)
Workflow Routing
| Trigger | Action |
|---|---|
| "quote", "estimate", "pricing", "how much to make" | Run full estimation workflow (Steps 1-4) |
| "cycle time", "how long to make" | Run cycle time estimation only (Steps 1-3) |
| "rough quote", "ballpark", "sanity check" | Use quick reference tables for rapid ROM estimate |
| "feasibility", "can we make" | Defer to PlantCapability skill first |
| "cost per part at qty X" | Apply quantity break multipliers to base cost |
Integration
- PlantCapability: Check feasibility before estimating
- CNCSetup: Setup times based on actual setup sheet complexity
- TribalKnowledge: Adjust factors based on captured experience
- AutomotiveManufacturing: Link to PPAP/APQP costing requirements
FAQ
What does the quoteestimator skill do?
Rough cycle time and cost estimation for CNC machined parts. Uses MNMUK plant capabilities and standard estimating factors. USE WHEN user says 'quote', 'estimate', 'cycle time', 'how long', 'cost estimate', 'pricing', 'how much to make', or describes a part needing a rough quote.
How do I install quoteestimator?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/robdtaylor/personal-ai-infrastructure --skill quoteestimator in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/quoteestimator/ (personal) or .claude/skills/quoteestimator/ (project).
Which AI agents can use quoteestimator?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is quoteestimator safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains quoteestimator?
It is published by robdtaylor in robdtaylor/personal-ai-infrastructure. It has 56 recorded installs.
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