THE ENGINE BEHIND EVERY REAL ESTIMATE
Where the Numbers Actually Come From
Micro3D is the engineering layer that makes an accurate machining estimate possible in the first place. Built on SolidWorks and CAMWorks, it reads a real 3D model, recognizes the actual features that need to be machined, and works out exactly how a part would run on your equipment — real tools, real speeds and feeds, real cycle time. That data is what powers every quote in MicroExpress and MicroEnterprise.
Faster Programming
Precise Times
Consistent Results
Faster Estimates
Reduce Errors
Exact Tools & Materials
Increase Productivity
Verified Simulations
Advance Feature Recognition
identifies machinable features and builds the operations and toolpaths required to produce the path.
Step 1
3D Part Model
Input 3D CAD model
Contains the geometry to be manufactured
Step2
Advanced Feature Recognition
Identifies machinable features
Al + rules + machining knowledge
Detects and classifies features automatically.
Step 3
Operations + Toolpaths
Builds the actual machining process
Feature-based process plan
Operations, tools, feeds & speeds, toolpaths.
From Geometry to Machining—Automatically.
Faster
Programming
Consistent
Results
Reduce
Errors
Increase
Productivity
DEPTH WHEN YOU NEED IT. SPEED WHEN YOU DON’T.
One Platform. Every Level of Estimating.
A complex assembly, a new machined part, and a repeat service do not need the same estimating workflow.
Micro Enterprise gives estimators the right level of speed and detail for each opportunity.
Reads the Part, Not Just the Shape
Using SolidWorks’ Automatic Feature Recognition, Micro3D looks at a 3D model and identifies actual machining features — holes, pockets, fillets — instead of treating it as a generic shape.
Builds the Real Toolpath
CAMWorks generates the actual sequence of operations, tools, and cutting parameters needed to make the part, pulled from your shop’s own machines and tooling — not a generic library.
Configured for Your Machines
Micro Estimating allows you to select your equipment and even configure it to match your exact machines.
Uses Exact Materials
Select from our huge library of materials or add specialized materials so that your machine times are even more precise.
Calculates Real Cycle Time
Every operation comes with a calculated run-time based on your shop’s actual speeds, feeds, and RPM — the same data a machinist would use to actually cut the part.
One Engine, Two Ways to Quote
That same operation data feeds directly into MicroExpress or MicroEnterprise, so however you quote, the underlying numbers are real.
How Micro3D Works
Formula-based estimating begins with assumptions. Micro Enterprise begins with how the job will actually move through production.
Define every operation in manufacturing order. Assign the department, work center, machine, labor, setup, tooling, and outside services. Then calculate the cost and determine the price. Works fast and accurate
Feature Recognition
Drop a 3D solid model into Micro3D and let it analyze the part.
- Identifies the regions of the model that require machining
- Recognizes machinable features such as holes, pockets, slots, bosses, faces, grooves, and turned profiles
- Organizes the recognized features for review before building the estimate
Generate the Toolpaths
Micro3D turns the recognized features into a complete machining plan.
- Assigns the machining operations and strategies required for each feature
- Selects tools and applies cutting depths, speeds, feeds, and RPM based on your configured machines and tooling
- Generates editable toolpaths that you can review, reorder, or modify before continuing
Calculate the Time
Micro3D calculates machining time from the generated toolpaths — not rough industry averages.
- Times the cutting moves, rapid moves, and tool changes for every operation
- The same data that could generate G-code to run the machine can also be used to cost it
- Watch the machine simulation to verify the operations
Quote It
Micro3D transfers the complete machining plan directly into MicroExpress or Micro Enterprise.
- Carries over the machining operations, tooling requirements, and toolpath data without manual re-entry
- Applies the Micro Estimating Speeds and Feeds Library to calculate cycle times for the specific equipment and material being quoted
- Combines those cycle times with material, tooling, labor, overhead, and margin to produce the final price
Works With Both MicroExpress and
MicroEnterprise
MicroExpress
Built specifically for CNC shops and engineering teams needing quick and accurate costs. Cloud-based, and designed around this exact pipeline: take what Micro3D calculated, apply your labor, overhead, outsourced costs and margin, and send a quote in minutes.
MicroExpress
If your work extends beyond CNC machining, Micro Enterprise brings the entire manufacturing plan into one connected estimate. Start with Micro3D’s CNC machining data, then add fabrication, secondary operations, outside services, purchased components, and complete assemblies—with every operation and cost rolled into the final quote.
REAL OPERATIONS. REAL COSTS.
Why Shops Choose Micro Express
Estimate Real Machine Time
Calculate time from actual tool movement, machine operations, and cycle times—not broad averages or historical guesses.
Know the Full Job Cost
Account for material, machine time, labor, setup, overhead, and outsourced services such as anodizing, painting, heat treatment, or assembly.
Price for Profit
Apply margins, markups, customer rules, and quantity breaks while keeping the true job cost visible.
Quote Faster
Move from manufacturing operations to a professional quote in one connected workflow.
Are your estimates within tolerance?
Accurate on Average Isn’t Accurate
Too High – lose the job
Too Low – lose your margin
How often are they actually right?
Factors affecting machining time include:
- Machining strategy and operation sequence
- Cutting depths and stepovers
- Machine type, capabilities, and limits
- Speeds, feeds, and spindle RPM
- Tool type, size, geometry, material, and coating
- Toolpath length and cutting approach
- Workpiece material, hardness, and machinability
- Number of setups, operations, and tool changes
- Stock size, shape, and material condition
- Required tolerances and surface finishes
- Part geometry and feature complexity
- Fixturing, workholding, and accessibility
TESTIMONIALS
What Our Customers Say
A guess doesn’t know your machines. MicroEstimating does.
Quoting parts by hand takes a lot of time and you never really know if you are being accurate and consistent. As we were growing, Micro estimating allowed us to quote many parts on a daily basis. It has been a cornerstone in our business success for years, helping us maintain a competitive edge in the industry.
Drew W.
Metal-Tech Mfg. Inc.
In the competitive marketplace for contract manufacturing, particularly for complex mid to high-volume parts and assemblies, Teton Machine Company relies heavily on Micro Estimating. Our investment in advanced machine tools and skilled human resources is complemented by Micro Estimating's software, which we tailor to our shop's specific capabilities. This allows us to quickly and accurately quote for a variety of CNC machines and mills, enabling us to win more jobs and drive our company's growth.
Jim F.
Teton Machine Company
Micro Estimating has helped our team improve the speed and consistency of our quoting process. The software gives us the confidence to evaluate complex manufacturing jobs accurately while maintaining the flexibility required for our operation.
Mark R.
Manufacturing Solutions
FROM CAD TO PROFITABLE WORK