How Costimator® Generates Cost Estimates and Cycle Times

Costimator® generates cost estimates by running your part information through pre-loaded cost models—labor time calculators built on industry-validated machine shop strategies and formulas. Those models convert part features and shop parameters into cycle times, which then combine with rates and other cost inputs to produce a quote. You can use it with or without a 3D model, and it supports both machined parts and sheet metal fabrication.

The core mechanism: cost models as time calculators

The engine behind every estimate is a library of cost models. MTI Systems describes Costimator® as coming pre-loaded with hundreds of industry-validated cost models (cycle time calculators). Each model encodes how long a specific operation should take under defined conditions.

The formulas inside those models draw on:

• Speeds and feeds — the cutting parameters appropriate to the material and operation
• Machine-specific capabilities — what a given machine can actually do
• Tool change times — non-cutting time that still consumes the shop's clock
• Activity-based time standards — time allowances for discrete shop activities

Because these inputs are built into the model rather than re-entered per quote, the same operation produces consistent cycle times across estimators and across jobs.

What you feed in, and what comes out

The input side depends on how much detail you have:

On the output side, the model returns cycle times. Those times are the foundation of the estimate; the quote itself is assembled from them together with the cost data in your system.

Feature-based estimating for machined parts

For machining, Costimator® creates cost estimates of machined parts with or without the aid of a 3D model. The feature-based approach means the software recognizes or accepts part features—such as a slot or a weld—and maps each to the relevant cost model.

The site shows this directly with individual model examples you can inspect:

• Slot Milling Cost Model — machined slot
• Laser Cutting Cost Model — laser cutting
• Weld Time Cost Model — MIG welding

Each of these is a discrete calculator, so a complex part estimate is effectively a chain of these models applied to the part's features.

Sheet metal fabrication

Costimator® can quote sheet metal parts quickly, accurately, and consistently using hundreds of cost models. The same model-driven logic applies: operations are matched to validated calculators rather than estimated from scratch.

Data libraries and ERP integration

Beyond the built-in models, the site lists Manufacturing Data Libraries and ERP Integration as part of the worldwide manufacturing estimating capability. In practice this means your own shop rates, materials, and machine data can live in the system and feed the models, and estimate data can connect to your ERP rather than staying in a standalone tool.

One named integration appears on the site: Link to Epicore.

How to verify an estimate is behaving as expected

Because the models are the source of cycle times, checking an estimate means checking the model inputs:

1. Confirm the correct cost model was selected for the feature (for example, slot milling vs. laser cutting).
2. Check the machine and material parameters the model used—speeds, feeds, and machine capability.
3. Review tool change and non-cutting time allowances, since these often explain a cycle time that looks long.
4. Compare against a known job or a published model example to see whether the output is in a sensible range.

If two estimators get different results for the same part, the usual cause is a difference in the model or parameters selected, not the arithmetic.

Where to look next

MTI Systems publishes webinars, video blogs, shorts, and reels about Costimator®, plus case studies and a shop rate calculator. The model examples (slot milling, laser cutting, MIG welding) are the fastest way to see the estimating logic in action before requesting a demo.