Price Ranges for Metal Engineering

Metal engineering encompasses a wide range of processes and products, so prices can vary significantly based on factors such as the type of metal, complexity of the design, quantity required, and market conditions.

Here are some general price ranges for common metal engineering processes and products:

1. Metal Fabrication:

   • Sheet metal: $50-$150 per hour for labor, plus material costs
   • Structural steel: $500-$1,500 per ton
   • Custom metal parts: Prices can vary widely based on complexity and quantity

2. Metal Finishing:

   • Powder coating: $2-$5 per square foot
   • Anodizing: $0.50-$3 per square foot
   • Plating: $20-$100 per part

3. Metal Casting:

   • Sand casting: $500-$5,000 per mold
   • Investment casting: $10-$100 per part
   • Die casting: $1-$10 per part

4. Metal Additive Manufacturing (3D printing):

   • Metal powder bed fusion: $50-$200 per hour of machine time
   • Binder jetting: $10-$50 per part

Keep in mind that these are general price ranges and actual costs can vary based on factors specific to each project, such as material selection, tolerances, finishing requirements, and market conditions. It's recommended to obtain quotes from multiple suppliers for accurate pricing information.