I.Introduction

The CNC router price directly affects the user’s purchase cost. How much does a CNC router cost? And where can I buy a cheap CNC machine? These could be the must-ask questions for anyone looking to buy a CNC router machine. But I have to say, I can’t give a definite CNC router price right now. Because the CNC router cost varies in different specifications and configurations. Besides, there is a big difference between DIY CNC router and buying a CNC router.

This guide will show you the major and other factors that affect the CNC router price. And for your reference, it also lists the general CNC router price range in several tables based on the materials to be processed. You can select an affordable CNC router according to you needs.

II.Major factors that affect CNC router price

There are plenty of factors that affect the CNC router price. But the major factors come from the CNC router itself, including its specifications, configurations, type of processing materials and the brand or the country of manufacture.

You’d better to figure out whether you need an item before you buy it, especially for buying a non cheap CNC machine. Because most CNC router machines could cost thousands of dollars. So you need to select an affordable CNC router according to your own budget and your CNC router projects.

Here are the major factors influencing the CNC router price.

2.1 Specifications and configurations of CNC router

CNC router specifications mainly include working size, machine size, weight, Z axis travel, spindle power and speed, traveling speed, working speed, power supply etc. In general, the CNC router price of the machine with small specifications is usually lower than those with big specifications.

The CNC routers is available in variety of configurations. There are many optional CNC router kits, such as spindle, motor, driver, guide rail, control system, bed frame, working table, tool, screw. And also lubrication system, dust collection system, reducer, vacuum pump, collet, rotary axis, limit switch etc. These CNC router kits also have different prices. In general, the higher the CNC router configurations, the higher the price. Besides, the price of imported CNC router kits is higher than the domestic ones.

Hobby/mini/desktop CNC router cost $1,500-$5,000

Hobby/mini/desktop CNC router

Hobby CNC machine has a relatively small size. And it’s mainly including 600×900 mm and 1200×1200 mm. This type of small CNC machine has a compact structure and a small footprint.

This category of CNC router usually has small working size, so the CNC router price is relatively low, which is about $1,500 to $5,000. The common working size of this cheap CNC machine includes 600*900mm, 900*900mm, 1200*1200mm, 1200*1800mm etc. As an affordable CNC router, many small workshops, home workshops or hobbyists may select this machine to develop their CNC router projects.

Although the working size is relatively small, but this type of CNC router can process multiple kinds of materials and have plenty of applications. It is extensively applied in advertising and crafts industry. This cheap CNC machine is capable of meeting the requirements of small production volume.

Check this video to see our economical 1212 rotary axis CNC router engraving on MDF board and milling cylindrical workpieces. The mini CNC routers with sizes less than 1200*1200mm is very popular with advertising customers, They can achieve multiple functions and also have relatively economical CNC router price.

Standard and basic CNC router cost $5,000-$30,000

Wood CNC router

CNC wood router is also called CNC Wood Carving Machine in the Wood CNC machine industry. It refers to the ability of the CNC router to perform movement about three different axes like X, Y, Z axis simultaneously.

This category of CNC router usually costs $5,000-$30,000. The CNC router price varies widely because the configurations of CNC router machines can be unlimited by selecting different CNC router kits. This basic CNC router mainly includes CNC routers with 3 axes or 4 axes, single spindle, a T-slot and vacuum working table, a motor, a driver, a vacuum pump, a rotary device etc. The more functions a CNC router can achieve, the higher the CNC router cost. Meanwhile, imported CNC router kits will cost extra to the CNC router cost.

Generally, it’s not an affordable CNC router for small or home workshops. Some enterprises with small to medium production volume are likely to select this type of CNC router to develop their CNC router projects.

Check this video for a basic 1530 4 axis CNC router processing a wood panel. It is one of the most commonly used furniture making CNC routers for doors, cabinets, cabinet doors, shelves, tables, etc. The CNC router price is subject to its specific configurations.

Multi-process and complex CNC router cost $30,000-$100,000

Multi-process and complex CNC router

Multi-head engraving machine is a wood CNC machine which mainly designed for users with small product size and large processing volume. This kind of CNC wood router whose spindle can be customized according to the user’s specific processing needs.

Price of this category of CNC router machines ranges from approximately $30,000 to $100,000. This type of machine has the similar structure with the standard CNC router machine. But the construction is usually much heavier. The frame is primarily steel and is reinforced. In addition, the CNC router kits are more complex, such as 5 axes, multiple spindles or imported high power spindle, auto tool change, multiple separate heads, imported cooling system, imported motor, driver, inverter, controller etc.

This category of CNC router is able to achieve complex work process and usually found in sign making, furniture making, stone and EPS cutting and engraving applications. Enterprises with medium to high production volume may buy this type of CNC router to develop their CNC router projects.

This video shows one of our core CNC router machines used in a automatic panel furniture production line. It is equipped with auto loading, unloading and auto labeling platforms, significantly improving processing efficiency. The CNC router price of this nesting CNC could reach $45,000, but it is worthwhile for the the panel furniture manufacturers with a production volume.

Highest-end and industrial CNC router cost over $100,000

Highest-end and industrial CNC router

5 Axis CNC Router is one kind of 5 Axis CNC Machine, it is able to carve on a workpiece in five different faces simultaneously.

This category of CNC routers may cost over $100,000, and is also the biggest and best CNC router machine available. CNC routers in this category may have 5 axes, two separate spindles with two moving tables, auto tool change, and other imported or high-power components and parts. And the CNC router kits may also be the best in the class. As the CNC router price is relatively high, it may not be an affordable CNC router for small to medium enterprises. Many advanced and high-tech industries, such as automotive and aerospace, usually adopt this type of CNC router.

This is our most advanced and powerful 5 axis CNC machining center making a foam toilet in the video. It is good at process almost all materials and shapes. It’s widely used in high-tech and high precision industries for large volume production. The CNC router price is relatively expensive.

2.2 Processing materials

Except for the specifications and configurations that affect the CNC router price, we also summarize the CNC router price based on different processing materials. As we know, one CNC router is capable of processing multiple types of materials. So the price range we give below is aimed at the primary function or primary processing material of a CNC router. Each category has both expensive and cheap CNC machine, so the CNC router price listed below is only a rough range. You may choose an affordable CNC router according to your own CNC router projects.

The following tables give a rough CNC router price range for the for wood, metal, stone and EPS.

Wood CNC router

Wood CNC router

In a broad sense, a 4 Axis CNC Router machine refers to a CNC machine whose processing path include X, Y, Z, and A axis. And we are going to talk about a 4 axis machine whose spindle can swing left and right.

As a major product of our company, the wood CNC router is also the best selling CNC router both at home and abroad. We manufacture wood CNC router with various configurations, and can also customize CNC router machines according to customers’ demands. Except for processing wood, the wood CNC machine can also be used to process other materials, such as acrylic, MDF, resin, rubber, plastic, soft metal, etc. Therefore, if you want to use any of the above materials to develop your CNC router projects, don’t hesitate to choose one affordable CNC router from us.

The wood CNC router cost varies greatly for different size, functions and CNC router kits adopted. If you have tight budget or small business volume, you can choose a cheap CNC machine of Blue Elephant. But if you are a large furniture making enterprise, you can also find a whole furniture production line from us. Accordingly, the CNC router cost may be relatively high. The following table shows the CNC router price range of our wood CNC router.

Metal CNC router

Metal CNC router

ATC CNC router is the first choice for enterprises with large production volume. Compared with the traditional manual tool change production method, this type of wood CNC machine has an independent tool magazine with different tool bits.

Some of our wood CNC router products can process metallic materials, including both soft and hard metal. The metal CNC router is mainly applied to metallic materials, like iron, copper, aluminum, stainless steel, mould steel, and MDF, PVC, marble and plastic as well. Metal CNC machine is widely used in automotive, injection mould, ironware mould and engrave mould industries. In addition, Blue Elephant also has many CNC machines dedicated to cutting, engraving and carving metal material, such as plasma cutter and fiber laser cutting machine. There are also cheap CNC machine and affordable CNC router in this category. The following table shows the CNC router price range of our metal CNC router.

Stone CNC router

Stone CNC router

stone CNC router is specially designed for all kinds of stone processing. It is suitable for the caring and engraving on various types of stone, metal, jade, crystal, wood, man-made materials, synthetic materials, etc.

Stone CNC router is a kind of CNC routers specially designed for all kinds of stone CNC router projects. It is suitable for carving and engraving various types of stone materials. The main functions include embossing, lettering, hollowing out, cutting, seamless stitching, surface treatment, table milling, etc. As the stone materials to be processed are usually large and heavy in most cases, so most of the stone CNC router has large working size and requires big floor area. The stone CNC router cost varies in different CNC router configurations, but in general over $5,000. See the following table for the stone CNC router price range.

EPS/Foam CNC router

EPS/Foam CNC router

EPS Foam CNC Router is one kind of foam CNC machines, it is mainly working as a CNC foam cutter for styrofoam carving, it has a big working dimension, does a good job in carving or cutting of large scale workpieces in different materials, such as wood, aluminum, styrofoam.

EPS/foam CNC router is also a type of best selling CNC router machine of our company. The EPS/foam CNC router cost is relatively high, which usually ranges from $5,000 to $50,000. Because the EPS CNC router has a very large working size and weighs a lot. This type of CNC router can carve, engrave and cut styrofoam material, and wood, aluminum as well. It is widely used in sculpture, mould, building decoration applications. For common usage, you may choose the basic type foam CNC router with 3 axes and single spindle. For heavy-duty and long time CNC router projects, you may choose the ATC spindle or swing spindle, or rotary device. These will cost you extra. You can buy an affordable CNC router according to your budget and projects.

Here’s a 2050 ATC 4 axis foam CNC router processing a foam car model in the video. With ATC function, it can change tools and complete various processes automatically. This greatly reduces non-production time. In addition to foam, it is also good at processing wood and other materials.
 

2.3 Brand/country of manufacture

The third major factor that affects the CNC router cost is the brand, or the country of manufacture. There are too many CNC router brands and CNC router manufacturers all over the world. So before you buy a CNC router and pay the price, you have to do some research and compare the same model CNC router of different brands. Cheap CNC router doesn’t equal to low quality and high CNC router price doesn’t equal to excellent performance.

In general, CNC router brands from China, Europe or North America may have a higher router price than those from Southeast Asian countries, like India. What’s more, the CNC router machines from different brands may have different service and support, which will lead to different CNC router price.

III.Other factors that CNC router cost involve

In addition to the above factors relating to the CNC router itself, the total CNC router cost will also depend on other factors.

These include the additional costs you will incur while purchasing the CNC router, such as software fees, shipping freight, training fees, labor cost etc.

3.1 Packaging methods

We provide different packaging methods for different types of CNC router. Basically, the packaging has two layers. The inner package adopts stretch film and plastic film for humidity and the outer package adopts standard fumigation plywood box for free. But for large CNC router machines, like Stone or EPS CNC router, we usually adopts three-layer packaging, adding a layer of EPE pearl cotton film or PE stretch film. What’s more, we can customize the packaging method according to your requirements, which may or may not cause you extra price.

3.2 Tax rate, customs duty, shipping freight

If you buy a CNC router from a foreign country, the CNC router cost could be relatively high. Because you need to pay the tax rate, customs duty, shipping freight and other relevant fees. Different countries have different tax rates and customs tariff. So before you buy a CNC router from other countries, you may need to consult the customs for relevant fees.

Besides, a CNC router machine can weigh anything from a few hundred pounds to several tons. This could quickly add in the CNC router cost with transportation fees. The shipping freight varies greatly in different CNC router weight, delivery method (CIF, FOB), transportation distance etc.

3.3 Installation & debugging fees

The CNC routers will most likely come in several pieces and need to be installed and debugged. Since some CNC router machine could be very complex, it’s better to have a professional with relevant experience to install the machine. Almost all manufacturers or vendors of CNC router machines provide technical support for installation and debugging. We also provide both manual installation manual and online video technical support. These are free of charge. However, if you need on-site instruction on installation or debugging of the CNC router you bought, it will add extra to the CNC router cost.

3.4 Software fees

In addition to the CNC router itself, you also require some sort of design software packages such as CAD software and CAM software to program the tool path. Software is a must, and it helps you make your CNC router ideas into a more detailed drawing, which let the CNC router know what to do. There are many software packages available and they are compatible with almost any CNC router. These packages will usually require an annual license fee. This may add several thousands of dollars to the CNC router cos for a complete package.

3.5 Training fees

After the CNC router machine is installed and debugged, you’ll be ready to develop your CNC router projects. But before that, you may need to learn or train your employees about how to use this machine. We welcome you to come to our factory to learn CNC router operations, that’s for free. But if you require our technicians to give instructions or training on your premises, this could incur training fees to the CNC router cost. Besides, depending on the knowledge level of your employees, the training could take place in few hours or several days. Long-time training process could add extra to the total CNC router cost.

3.6 Repair & maintenance, wear of parts

CNC router manufacturers usually provide a warranty period. For example, we provide a 12-month warranty period in general. In this period, we will solve any quality problem of the CNC routers free of charge. But if you require to buy any component or part beyond the warranty period or to replace the worn-out parts, you may need to pay other cost. We provide free on-line installation instructions of such components and parts, but charge some fees if you require on-site instruction. Alternatively, you may buy the components or parts from local place or find local professionals to help you out with the installation or replacement. This could save you some money from the total CNC router cost.

3.7 Labor cost

Except for the above, labor cost is also a factor to the total CNC router cost. For instance, when you are ready to develop your CNC router projects, you may need a manufacturing engineer to review your design for productivity. If your design has flaws, he will come back with suggestions to makes some changes. What’s more, there maybe other problems beyond your knowledge and you have to ask professionals for help. Expertise like this could add more to the total CNC router cost.

IV.CNC router cost for DIY CNC router

In addition to buying an affordable CNC router, you can also build your own DIY CNC router. Generally speaking, the DIY CNC router is relatively simple in the structure and functions, so the CNC router cost to DIY CNC router is usually lower than buying a ready-made CNC router. But it’s not always the case. If you choose high quality or imported CNC router kits, the DIY CNC router you build could also cost over $5,000. If you are interested in build a DIY CNC router, you can refer to Guide to DIY CNC Router.

V.Conclusion

With all factors considered, the CNC router price could be $3,000 to $100,000 generally speaking. Ready to buy an affordable CNC router? As a highly automated machine, CNC router machines don’t come very cheap, especially the heavy-duty models for big enterprises. Therefore, before you pay the CNC router price, you should fully consider your budget, the output of your CNC router projects and all the above factors. Upon full consideration, you are ready to pay the CNC router cost. If you are interested in any model of the CNC router machine, feel free to contact us and we will give you more detailed quotations.