How We Compare CNC Machining Prices
Otron Atlas publishes independent, evidence-backed price comparisons for CNC machining services. This page explains exactly how we collect, normalize, and present data — including our limitations and what we plan to improve.
Latest data run: Mar 1, 2026
How We Collect Quotes
We use a single benchmark CAD file — a simple aluminum bracket (cnc-bracket-v1.step) — and upload it to each platform manually. Every quote uses identical specifications: CNC machining, Aluminum 6061, quantity 1, standard lead time, as-machined finish. No coatings, no expedited options, no special configurations.
A real person navigates each platform's quoting flow. We do not scrape, use bots, or employ any form of automated data extraction. When platforms require account creation, we create real accounts. When they require email verification or phone confirmation, we complete those steps. We screenshot every quote as evidence.
Platforms that don't provide instant quotes (e.g., Protolabs requires an RFQ, Jiga uses human-reviewed pricing) are documented as "blocked" with a specific reason. We consider this transparency valuable — knowing which platforms give you a price instantly is useful information.
What "Normalized" Means
For a price comparison to be meaningful, you need to compare like-for-like. We normalize across five dimensions:
- Process
- CNC machining (same on all platforms)
- Material
- Aluminum 6061 or 6061-T6 (minor alloy variant differences are noted)
- Quantity
- 1 unit (single-part prototype pricing)
- Lead time
- Standard tier (not expedited, not economy — each platform's default option)
- Finish
- As-machined (no coating, anodizing, polishing, or post-processing)
If a platform forces a deviation from these specs (e.g., a different alloy variant, or a minimum configuration that includes additional features), we document the deviation explicitly.
What's Included vs. Excluded in Each Quote
This is the most important thing to understand about our comparisons: raw quoted prices are not directly comparable across platforms. Some include shipping and customs, others don't. Some manufacture in the US, others in China.
| Platform | Shipping | Customs/Duties | Manufacturing Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xometry | Included | Included (prototypes) | Global network (US or international) |
| RapidDirect | Not included | Not included | China (Shenzhen) |
| Hubs | Included | Included (DDP terms) | Global network |
| SendCutSend | Included ($39+ orders) | N/A (US-based) | US |
| eMachineShop | Included (ground, contiguous US) | N/A (US-based) | US |
Sales tax is excluded from all comparisons — it varies by state and country and is applied at checkout on every platform.
How We Estimate Landed Cost
For platforms that include shipping and customs in their quote (Xometry, Hubs, SendCutSend, eMachineShop), the estimated delivered cost equals the quoted price. Confidence is HIGH.
For platforms where shipping and customs are separate (RapidDirect), we estimate based on general shipping rates for small CNC parts via international courier ($25–40) and general US customs duty rates for aluminum parts ($10–20). These are approximations, not actual shipping or customs quotes for this specific part. Confidence is MEDIUM.
For Hubs, which quotes in EUR, we convert to USD at the approximate exchange rate on the run date (~$1.07/EUR as of March 2026). The USD estimate may vary with exchange rate fluctuations. Confidence is MEDIUM.
We label confidence explicitly on every comparison table so readers can judge the reliability of each estimate.
What This Comparison Doesn't Tell You
Single-part pricing only. These are quotes for one simple bracket. Production-run pricing, volume discounts, and repeat-order pricing are not captured.
Simple geometry. A small aluminum bracket doesn't test tight tolerances, complex 3D features, or unusual materials. Your part may price very differently.
Quality is not measured. We compare prices, not the quality of finished parts. Surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and material certification vary between platforms and are not captured in price data alone.
IP and communication risk. Uploading proprietary CAD files to overseas manufacturers carries different IP exposure risk than domestic platforms. We note manufacturing origin but don't assess IP protection policies.
Prices change. These are point-in-time quotes. Material costs, shipping rates, exchange rates, and platform pricing all fluctuate. Always verify directly on the platform before ordering.
Landed cost estimates are approximate. Especially for RapidDirect — we did not obtain an actual shipping or customs quote. The real delivered cost could be higher or lower than our estimate.
Our Independence
Otron Atlas has no affiliate, advertising, or referral relationships with any of the platforms we compare. We don't earn commissions from directing users to specific platforms. Our comparisons are funded independently and our credibility depends on accuracy and transparency.
We welcome corrections from platforms. If you represent a platform and believe our data is inaccurate or outdated, please contact us. We will verify and update promptly.
What We Plan to Improve
This is v1 of our comparison methodology. We plan to iterate monthly and expand in several ways:
- Monthly refresh
- Re-run quotes monthly with the same specs. Track price changes over time.
- Actual shipping quotes
- Get real shipping quotes from RapidDirect and other platforms where shipping is separate, replacing our estimates.
- More benchmark parts
- Add parts with different geometries, materials, and processes (3D printing, sheet metal) to see if price rankings hold.
- Multi-currency display
- Show prices in EUR and GBP alongside USD for international buyers.
- Actual checkout totals
- Where possible, complete the checkout flow to capture the true total (with tax) for a specific delivery address.