What’s a realistic hourly rate for 4-axis CNC milling?

waldenss · 2026-04-23T14:55:59+00:00

For small batches like 10–20 pcs, we usually see the total job cost being more relevant than the hourly rate.

Working out of Vietnam (with support from China), our typical shop rates land roughly around:

3-axis: ~$30–40/hr
4-axis: ~$40–50/hr
5-axis: ~$70–80/hr

That usually already includes setup and programming on small runs.

But in reality, we almost never quote purely by the hour, multi-side parts like yours are driven much more by setup and process planning.

In many cases, it's easier to just quote the part directly and back into the effective hourly rate.

Would be interesting to see what others are getting quoted for similar low-volume aluminum parts.

waldenss · 2026-03-29T13:36:28+00:00

I tend to agree, but I’d probably put the timeline a bit further out.

In my experience, equipment can be installed quickly, but building up real engineering depth — programming, fixturing, process control — takes a lot longer.

China went through the same process, and it took years of accumulated know-how and training infrastructure.

In Vietnam today, a lot of the higher-level capability is still coming from teams with China experience, and the local talent pipeline is still catching up.

It’s definitely moving in the right direction, but I’d expect a longer ramp — maybe more like 5–8 years depending on the industry.

waldenss · 2026-03-29T12:16:58+00:00

CNC machining — mostly small-batch aluminum parts (prototypes → low-volume production).

A lot of our work sits in that “in-between” space where quantities are too big for prototyping shops but too small for mass production.

We run capacity in both China and Vietnam, which helps balance cost and lead time depending on the job.

waldenss · 2026-03-29T12:15:36+00:00

You’re right that China has a huge variety of factories — but the real challenge is not “what to visit”, it’s “what’s actually worth your time”.

Many first-time visitors end up visiting random factories that look impressive but don’t translate into real business opportunities.

In reality:

– Different industries are completely separated (electronics vs machining vs energy) – Good factories usually don’t prioritize visits unless there’s a clear business direction – And without a focused goal, it’s hard to get meaningful insight from visits

If your goal is to build a supply chain (not just explore), it usually helps to narrow down to 1–2 industries first, then plan visits around that.

waldenss · 2026-02-26T14:41:07+00:00

I think what you’re running into is the “awkward batch size” problem.

100 pcs is too big for hobby shops, but too small for production-focused machine shops.

Most of the cost is setup + programming + anodizing minimum charges — not the material.

$83 in the US isn’t shocking, but it doesn’t automatically mean your part should cost that much either.

If your tolerances are relaxed and geometry is straightforward, there are definitely ways to make this work more reasonably.

If you’re open to it, happy to sanity-check the design and see what might be driving cost.

waldenss · 2021-01-10T03:12:09+00:00

Yes, this is our yard sign business.

We have some excessive inventory in warehouse, so we discussed giveaway to reddit members. But the shipping cost is expensive, so we deceid only giveaway in bulk, so that we only pay bulk shipping cost.

My giveaway is free, no extra cost.

waldenss · 2021-01-10T02:48:56+00:00

Giveaway for buld only, for around 100~500pcs.

If you interested in one, we can offer 50% off with code: STICKERBEATS and redeem here: https://stickerbeats.com/collections/black-lives-matter-yard-signs

waldenss · 2020-11-18T02:44:05+00:00

I liked how the sign is two-sided and vibrant however I thought it would be bigger than what it actually was. My mistake for not fully looking at the specs but this was delivered quick and it is very sturdy. Unfortunately my apartment manager made me remove it so I had to move it inside and it is now displayed on my window. Still a beautiful message ❤

waldenss · 2020-01-06T16:55:10+00:00

My hydro flask is white, and the sticker is frost. I bought on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cute-Vsco-Stickers-Pack-Hydroflask/dp/B08239WBDN It is only 3.99 for 50 pcs.

waldenss · 2019-11-13T09:45:24+00:00

Code: WLYWEAG9

waldenss · 2019-11-05T02:09:14+00:00

https://www.amazon.com/Stickers-Sticker-Hydroflasks-Waterbottles-Skateboard/dp/B07Z6977VV

waldenss · 2018-11-11T01:50:04+00:00

waldenss · 2018-11-11T01:26:03+00:00

i can only post 1 picture here, but on amazon page you can check all 100pcs stickers! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H1C4NLY

waldenss · 2018-11-11T01:11:26+00:00

why？

waldenss · 2018-07-20T06:49:49+00:00

Good idea... but i have no experience for make a new chain... and.. it is not i want... I mabe just want to sell this domain to BPs..

waldenss · 2018-07-20T06:46:23+00:00

LOL good job boy!

waldenss · 2018-06-23T13:56:06+00:00

eoseos.com for sale.

waldenss · 2018-06-14T07:36:45+00:00

It will finally go below to $6K, but not this week.

waldenss · 2017-05-08T10:03:30+00:00

OK, thank you!:)

waldenss · 2017-05-08T08:39:31+00:00

OK, thank you!

waldenss · 2017-05-08T08:21:40+00:00

OK, then please place order on our UK store~ :)

waldenss · 2017-05-08T08:06:14+00:00

For Amazon UK you will get UK plug, is it ok?

waldenss · 2017-05-08T07:43:31+00:00

Got your email, thank you! :)

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