Setup time and run time

Setup time is everything that happens once per order: mounting the fixture, aligning the zero point, setting up tooling, loading the program and proving out the first part. Run time is everything that repeats per part: loading, the cut itself, tool changes, in-process measuring and unloading.

What it means for the calculation

This is the hinge of any batch price. Setup time is spread over the number of pieces, run time is not. On a single piece, setup can be the largest part of the price; on a thousand pieces it disappears into the noise. Putting both on one pile gives a price that is too low on small batches and too high on large ones. Repeat orders are cheaper because part of the setup is already done: the program, the fixture and the measuring program already exist.

Where this comes up

In the routing and in the post-calculation, where each operation carries a setup time and a run time. It is not on the drawing; it follows from the number of setups, the number of tools and the batch size in the request.

Common mistakes

Multiplying one average hourly rate by an estimated total time and ignoring batch size. Also keeping the setup time on a repeat order as high as on the first order, while the program and the fixture already exist.

Does proving out the first piece belong to setup time?

Yes, that happens once per order, not per piece.

Why does the piece price change with a different batch size?

Because setup time is spread over more or fewer pieces.

Does a tool change count as setup or run time?

Loading the magazine is setup time; the changes during the program are run time.