Stock Size
4.25" × 3.25" × 1.25"
Waste
30%
Cost
$2
Parts
1
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Inputs
Result
Each dimension + 0.25" oversize. Volume = 4.25 × 3.25 × 1.25 = 17.27 in³ × $0.12/in³ = $2.07.
Inputs
Result
Each blank: 2.13 × 2.13 × 0.63 = 2.86 in³ × $0.04 = $0.11/part. 10 parts = $1.14.
Add 0.125–0.25 inches per side for standard CNC milling. This allows for work-holding, facing, and squaring the blank before machining to final dimensions.
Calculate the stock blank volume in cubic inches, convert to the material’s pricing unit (board feet for wood, per-pound for metal), then multiply by the unit cost. Add 10–15% for saw kerf if cutting from bar stock.
| Material | Cost/in³ | Density | Machinability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum 6061 | $0.12 | 0.098 lb/in³ | Excellent |
| Mild Steel 1018 | $0.08 | 0.284 lb/in³ | Good |
| HDPE | $0.04 | 0.035 lb/in³ | Excellent |
| Acetal (Delrin) | $0.15 | 0.051 lb/in³ | Excellent |
Aluminum 6061-T6 is the most popular CNC material. It machines cleanly at high speeds, produces good surface finish, and is affordable. For plastics, acetal (Delrin) is the gold standard.
CNC milling typically wastes 50–80% of the starting material by volume, depending on part geometry. Simple pockets waste less, while complex 3D surfaces remove most of the blank.
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Last Updated: Mar 19, 2026
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