Definition
Cycle time covers the cut itself, the tool changes, the rapid moves, any in-process measuring, and loading and unloading. It is the time per piece on one operation; setup time falls outside it.
What it means for the calculation
Cycle time times the machine rate is the core of the machining cost per piece. Two things are often forgotten. First, the cut is rarely the largest item: tool changes, rapid moves and loading all count. Second, cycle time is not lead time. A part with a cycle time of a few minutes can sit in the building for weeks because it waits in a queue between operations. A customer asking for a shorter delivery time is usually not asking for a shorter cycle time.
Where this comes up
In the routing, per operation. In the calculation, as time times rate. And in the post-calculation, as the minutes actually booked per piece.
Common mistakes
Confusing cycle time with lead time in a conversation with the customer. Also counting only the cutting time and forgetting the changes, the rapid moves and the loading, which makes the calculation structurally too low.
Cycle time times the machine rate is the core of the machining cost per piece. Two things are often forgotten. First, the cut is rarely the largest item: tool changes, rapid moves and loading all count. Second, cycle time is not lead time. A part with a cycle time of a few minutes can sit in the building for weeks because it waits in a queue between operations. A customer asking for a shorter delivery time is usually not asking for a shorter cycle time.
See how Blake reviews a partFrequently asked questions
Is setup time part of cycle time?
No, setup falls once per order, cycle time per piece.
Is a shorter cycle time always cheaper?
Not if it needs a more expensive machine or more tool wear than it saves.
Why does the real cycle time differ from the estimate?
Through material variation, tool wear, manual steps and interruptions; the post-calculation makes that difference visible.