Understand SOLIDWORKS Costing

INTRODUCTION:

SOLIDWORKS Costing is an integrated tool that provides real-time cost estimation based on model geometry and manufacturing processes. It uses parametric data and cost templates to analyse and control production costs during the design phase. This facilitates Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and ensures optimization for both performance and cost throughout development.
This document enables you to estimate your manufacturing cost using the SOLDWOKS costing tool

QUICK START COSTING TOOL:

To better understand how SOLIDWORKS Costing works, we invite you to watch the following video. In this demonstration, you will see the step-by-step process you need to follow—from opening your part file and launching the Costing Task Pane, to selecting your manufacturing method, applying a costing template, and generating the final cost report. This visual guide will make it easy to navigate the tool and apply it to your designs.

KEY BENEFITS OF SOLIDWORKS COSTING TOOL

1. AUTOMATIC COST ESTIMATION

SOLIDWORKS Costing automatically calculates manufacturing costs based on the part’s geometry, selected material, and required operations. As users make changes to the design, the costing tool updates the estimated cost in real time, providing immediate feedback. This helps engineers make faster, cost-effective decisions during product development.

2. SUPPORT FOR MULTIPLE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

The tool supports several types of manufacturing processes, making it highly versatile. It can calculate costs for sheet metal parts, machined components, weldments, and plastic parts, along with 3D printing (depending on the SOLIDWORKS package). This flexibility ensures that manufacturers can accurately estimate costs across a wide range of industries and product types.

3. FEATURE RECOGNITION

SOLIDWORKS Costing automatically identifies and analyses manufacturing features in the CAD model, such as cutouts, bends, drilled holes, bosses, and pockets. Each feature is associated with a specific manufacturing operation, and the software assigns costs accordingly. This automatic feature recognition streamlines the costing process and reduces manual input errors.

4. TEMPLATE-DRIVEN CUSTOMIZATION

One of the key strengths of SOLIDWORKS Costing is its use of customizable templates. Costing templates allow companies to define their own machine rates, material costs, labour rates, cutting speeds, and markup values. By tailoring these templates to reflect real-world manufacturing conditions, companies can ensure highly accurate cost estimates.

5. MATERIAL AND STOCK SIZE ANALYSIS

The tool evaluates material usage by considering the stock size required for manufacturing. It calculates the material cost based on the weight or volume of the part and factors in potential material waste. This helps designers optimize their designs to minimize excess material and reduce overall costs.

6. BATCH SIZE IMPACT ON COST

SOLIDWORKS Costing allows users to define the batch size or production quantity for the part. The tool spreads fixed setup and tooling costs across the batch, providing a more accurate per-unit cost. As batch sizes increase, the per-unit cost decreases, reflecting real-world manufacturing economies of scale.

7. REAL-TIME FEEDBACK DURING DESIGN CHANGES

As designers modify the geometry, material, or manufacturing method of the part, SOLIDWORKS Costing instantly recalculates and updates the cost estimation. This real-time feedback encourages better design decisions and enables teams to focus on both performance and affordability from the earliest stages of development.

8. DETAILED COST BREAKDOWN

SOLIDWORKS Costing provides a clear and comprehensive cost breakdown. The final cost report includes:

• Material costs
• Machine time costs
• Labor costs
• Setup and tooling costs
• Secondary processes such as painting, powder coating, or assembly.

This detailed view allows stakeholders to identify cost drivers and areas where savings can be achieved.

9. DESIGN OPTIMIZATION AND COST COMPARISON

SOLIDWORKS Costing allows engineers to explore different design variations and manufacturing methods while easily comparing the associated costs. This promotes design optimization, helping companies to deliver competitive products without sacrificing quality or increasing production expenses.

10. REPORT GENERATION FOR DOCUMENTATION

The tool includes a reporting feature that lets users generate professional costing reports. These reports can be exported in formats like Word, Excel, or PDF and shared with project teams, procurement departments, or customers. Reports can also be used for internal documentation and decision-making.

ADDING CUSTOM CHANGES AND GENERATING REPORTS:

In this Video, we show you how to customize cost parameters such as material costs, labour rates, and manufacturing processes. We also walk you through generating a detailed cost report that incorporates these customizations. The video below provides a clear, step-by-step guide on modifying cost templates, applying adjustments, and generating a professional report for easy sharing with your team or clients.

CONCLUSION:

SolidWorks Costing is a comprehensive, intelligent tool that empowers engineers and manufacturers to estimate production costs quickly and accurately. Its real- time cost updates, support for multiple manufacturing methods, and highly customizable templates make it a vital part of modern product design and development. By incorporating cost estimation into the design phase, companies can improve profitability, speed up quoting processes, and create more competitive, cost-efficient products.

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