Manufacturing cost estimation for machined parts based on manufacturing features

The purpose of this paper is to present a feature-based cost estimating system for machined parts. Since cost estimation provides designers with valuable information, it must be quick and accurate. In this paper, manufacturing features are classified into four categories. Cost estimation for all features in a category is based on manufacturing activities. Early cost estimations did not consider the manufacturing activity, hence they were not accurate. Machining cost is proportional to machining time, which includes operational time and non-operational time. Operation time includes rough cutting time and finish cutting time. Tool approach time and non-operation time are taken from past experience and approximated for modification into mathematical forms. This paper develops a cost estimation system based on manufacturing features. It is an approximation system which inputs information on machining activities.