Sheet Metal Fabrication Cost Estimating Software
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Sheet Metal Fabrication Cost Estimating Software - Costimator®
Costimator® is sheet metal fabrication cost estimating and quoting software developed by MTI Systems, Inc. — built specifically for metal fabricators, job shops, and contract manufacturers that need to produce fast, accurate, and consistent quotes for fabricated parts and assemblies.
Costimator® comes pre-loaded with hundreds of industry-validated fabrication cost models covering every major sheet metal process: laser cutting, MIG and TIG welding, punch press, press brake bending, plasma cutting, waterjet cutting, stamping, rolling, shearing, folding, drawing, and flame cutting. Estimators can generate accurate cost estimates for fabricated parts in minutes — with or without a 3D CAD model.
For fabricators that receive 3D CAD files from customers, the optional 3DFX add-on uses automatic feature recognition to read sheet metal parts and map their features directly to the appropriate cost models, cutting detailed estimating time by up to 90%.
Ready to quote sheet metal parts faster and more accurately?
Real-world Fabrication Parameters
Industry-validated Fabrication Cost Models
78%
increase in estimating speed
89%
improvement in costing accuracy
61%
reduction in time spent on estimates
69%
improvement in quoting accuracy
70+
improvement in costing accuracy
3x
increase in estimating speed
Win More Bids
Sheet metal fabrication processes supported by Costimator®
Costimator® includes cost models for all major sheet metal fabrication operations. Estimators can calculate cycle times and costs for:
| Operation | Operation | Operation |
|---|---|---|
| Laser cutting | Punch press | Rolling |
| Waterjet cutting | Press brake bending | Welding (MIG, TIG, spot) |
| Plasma cutting | Stamping | Folding |
| Flame cutting | Shearing | Drawing |
Each cost model uses real-world fabrication parameters — material type and thickness, machine speed, cut length, bend angle, weld joint type, setup times, and shop overhead rates to produce repeatable estimates that reflect actual production conditions on your shop floor.
Cost Models
Fabrication Cost Models
Fabrication Cost Models
How They Work
Costimator® fabrication cost models are formula-based calculators built for specific manufacturing processes. Each model presents the estimator with clearly defined inputs — material thickness, cut length, bend radius, weld type, quantity — along with dropdown selections for common variables. The embedded formulas then calculate manufacturing time and cost automatically, without requiring the estimator to build their own spreadsheet logic.
Costimator® comes pre-loaded with hundreds of fabrication cost models, all industry-validated and ready to use. Shops can also edit existing models or build new ones using the built-in model editor, allowing the software to be tailored to specific equipment, materials, and production strategies.
The result is a quoting process that is not only faster than manual spreadsheet estimating, but also consistent — every estimator in the shop uses the same validated methodology, eliminating the variation that comes from individual experience levels or tribal knowledge.
Sample fabrication cost models included with Costimator®:
MIG welding cost model Calculates weld time and cost based on joint type, weld length, material thickness, wire feed rate, and deposition efficiency. Used by fabricators to accurately price structural and light-gauge welded assemblies.
Laser cutting cost model Calculates laser cutting cycle time based on material type, thickness, cut perimeter, and pierce count. Accounts for machine-specific cutting speeds and assist gas parameters.
Punch press / punching cost model Calculates punching time based on the number of hits, tool change times, repositioning, and material handling — covering both CNC turret punch and single-hit punch operations.
These manufacturers learned the secret of cost estimating!
99% Client Satisfaction
2,528 positive reviews last year
Integration
Costimator® ERP and MRP Integration
Costimator® includes built-in import/export tools that allow manufacturers to transfer cost estimate data directly into their existing ERP or MRP system. Exports are delivered as structured XML files compatible with the following platforms:
Epicor ERP
export estimate data into Epicor jobs, quotes, and BOMs
JobBoss (ECI)
transfer cost estimates into JobBoss job management workflows
E2 Shop System (Shoptech)
connect Costimator® estimates to E2 shop floor management
ProfitKey ERP
flow quote data into ProfitKey production and job costing modulesThis integration eliminates duplicate data entry between the estimating and production environments,
reducing errors and saving time when a quote converts to a live job.
Discover how Costimator saved these companies time and money.
99% Client Satisfaction
2,528 positive reviews last year
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Fabrication Cost Estimating with Costimator®
Get the answers to questions of how Costimator will help your company save time, money and win new bids.
What fabrication processes does Costimator® support?
Costimator® supports cost estimating for laser cutting, waterjet cutting, plasma cutting, flame cutting, shearing, press brake bending, punch press, stamping, rolling, MIG welding, TIG welding, spot welding, folding, and drawing — covering the full range of operations found in a typical sheet metal fabrication shop.
Can Costimator® estimate sheet metal parts without a CAD model?
Yes. Costimator® can generate cost estimates for fabricated parts with or without a 3D CAD model. Estimators can work from 2D drawings or manual part inputs using the same industry-validated cost models.
How does 3DFX work for sheet metal fabrication estimating?
3DFX is a Costimator® add-on that uses automatic feature recognition to read 3D CAD models of sheet metal parts and identify fabrication features — perimeter, cutouts, holes, and bends. These features are mapped directly to Costimator® cost models, generating cycle times and costs automatically. Assembly BOM import is also supported. Estimating time can be reduced by up to 90%.
What are Costimator® fabrication cost models?
Fabrication cost models in Costimator® are formula-based calculators for specific manufacturing processes. Each model includes defined inputs, dropdown selections, and embedded formulas that automatically calculate manufacturing time and cost. Costimator® ships with hundreds of pre-built, industry-validated models — and shops can customize or create new models using the built-in model editor.
Can fabrication routing templates be customized in Costimator®?
Yes. Costimator® supports customizable routing templates that embed a shop's specific manufacturing rules and process sequences. This ensures that the correct processes are automatically selected for each part type, enabling consistent quoting across all estimators regardless of individual experience level.
How much does Costimator® fabrication estimating software cost?
Pricing is available upon request. MTI Systems offers a free demo so fabricators can evaluate the software on their own part types before committing to a purchase. Request pricing here or contact MTI Systems directly.
Free Demo & Consultation
Ready to quote sheet metal parts faster and more accurately?
Whether your shop runs laser cutters, press brakes, punch presses, welding stations, or a full fabrication line — Costimator® can be configured to reflect your specific machines, materials, and overhead rates. See how it performs on your own parts with a free demo.
Get a Free Demo Evaluate a Part Cost
📧 info@mtisystems.com 📞 413-733-1972
Location
1111 Elm Street, Suite 6, West Springfield, MA 01089 USA