When you’re running a custom machine shop, fabrication company, or on-demand manufacturing service, one thing’s certain: flat-rate pricing just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Some jobs are quick and straightforward. Others? Not so much. If your quoting process doesn’t reflect the actual time and effort spent on a part — from setup to operator input to programming — you’re either undercharging, overcharging, or losing valuable time manually adjusting numbers.
That’s where Time-Based Pricing in Digifabster comes in.
🔧 What Is Time-Based Pricing?
Time-Based Pricing is a quoting model that calculates cost based on:
- Machine runtime
- Operator time
- Programming hours
This approach is perfect for job shops working with CNC machining, multi-axis milling, laser cutting, plasma cutting, waterjet, and metal bending — where every part is different, and time is money (literally).
Instead of relying on generalized templates or formulas that don’t reflect real-world production, Digifabster uses CAD file analysis, geometry detection, and feature recognition to generate a precise estimate — automatically.
🧩 When Should You Use It?
Time-Based Pricing is ideal when:
- Your machine shop or metal fabrication service deals with complex parts
- You need to capture differences in setup and runtime for each order
- You’re quoting low-volume, high-variation parts
- You want accurate job costing and clean margin control
For example, if you’re quoting 5-axis CNC work or a custom sheet metal bracket with multiple bends and holes, this model ensures you’re billing appropriately for the time and complexity involved — rather than using a one-size-fits-all formula.
💡 Why It Matters
Let’s say you’re currently using a flat-rate pricing model or a basic spreadsheet with time estimates. That might work — until a customer sends a part that takes 3x longer to program and requires constant operator supervision. Suddenly your margins vanish.
By switching to Time-Based Pricing, you get:
- Transparent, defensible quotes
- Better alignment with real production time
- Improved accuracy in job costing and profitability
- A system that scales with you — whether you’re running 3-axis milling, custom sheet metal work, or multi-process workflows
And if you’re working with repeat clients or high-volume orders, you can still blend in Cost-Based Pricing where it makes sense — for example, with standardized parts or bulk pricing logic.
⚙️ How It Works in Digifabster
You can activate Time-Based Pricing in two ways:
Machines & Materials Settings
Assign machine time, operator time, and programming time directly to each machine/material combo. Perfect for setting default values across CNC, laser, metal shops, or 3D printing stations.
Quoting Copilot
Use Digifabster’s Quoting Copilot to interactively set or adjust values and instantly see how they affect final pricing. It gives you full control — with zero guesswork.
And thanks to our feature recognition engine, the system can detect things like holes, pockets, threads, or complex geometries — automatically adjusting the estimated time and cost.
🧠 Bonus: Combine Time-Based and Cost-Based Pricing
Some jobs require nuance. With Digifabster, you don’t have to choose between models — you can combine Time-Based and Cost-Based Pricing for ultimate flexibility.
For instance:
- Use Time-Based Pricing for machining operations
- Use Cost-Based Pricing for material, finishing, and setup costs
- Offer exclusive pricing strategies via Internal Machines assigned to specific clients
This blended approach is a game-changer for modern manufacturing shops, contract manufacturers, and anyone offering custom metal parts, prototype manufacturing, or precision machining.
🔚 Final Thoughts
If you’re still quoting based on flat rates, averages, or instinct — it’s time for a smarter approach.
Time-Based Pricing turns quoting from an educated guess into a strategic advantage.
With Digifabster, you can price accurately, quote faster, and win jobs with confidence — whether you’re working with sheet metal, cnc, or 3D printing.
Ready for the switch?
Learn more about Digifabster’s instant quoting, order management, invoicing, and payment solution here.
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