Competitively Priced at Less Than $300 Total Cost

The VsEstimator® is written primarily for machine shop quoting. It is intended to standardize and streamline the lathe and machining center quoting processes. The SFM’s, Feeds, and machine data are kept in the attached database. There is data for 100’s of materials already loaded. This eliminates the constant need to search for data.

This software will eliminate most of the tedious hand calculations encountered in developing a conventional detailed quote / estimate. All times, including loading, cut times, machine positioning times, operator fatigue time, etc. are accommodated along with a detailed overall routing. This will enable a machine shop to turn out quotes in a fraction of the time previously required. A Manufacturing / Industrial engineer can try out different scenarios before locking in on the most cost-effective method. A buyer will have a pretty good idea of what a part should cost before letting it out for quotes. A student will learn how to develop practical methods to manufacture parts.

Historical Old School Quoting Methods

Historically, a spreadsheet has been an integral part of estimating and quoting. The engineer would take the 2D drawing and manually break it down into phases. These phases were then entered as lines into the spreadsheet. The 1st phase could be loading the part, followed by Rough Face, Drill etc. The engineer would then take out reference books and select items such as SFM’s and Feeds for the cuts. Following that was the need to get the facility data, which could include burden rates, horsepower, index times etc. Next standard formulas are used to calculate the total cut lengths etc. Don’t forget the slide rule. This method was very labor intensive and prone to error. ​​With the exception of the slide rule many shops still use this method today. 

3D Automated Quoting

CAD/CAM is very good but does have some limitations. Do you use advanced canned cycles in CAM software to create tool paths? If so, do you require a 3D drawing to quote? Also, is there an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) required before any kind of file sharing. Many companies, making custom or low series parts don’t give out detailed 3D drawings in the quoting phase. This can be due to the lack of a signed NDA. They want to protect their design data.                                             

Some requesting companies don't have a 3D drawing to send out for quoting and avoid doing business with shops (yours?) that require one. This can occur up to 50% of the time. For years, 2D drawings were the standard. Think of the 1000’s of drawings which were made on a drafting table or with 2D CAD. Are you comfortable with creating a 3D drawing for a requesting company? Do you have a 2^nd employee available to check your drawing?  

New Automated Spreadsheet Version

This is what the the VsEstimator® uses. The VsEstimator® doesn't need a 3D CAD drawing for quotes. Remember those old movies where designers sketched ideas on napkins? The VsEstimator® can also quote those manufacturing costs. Various methods can be compared and the most optimum can be selected.

You will select (from a menu) the phases in the proper order (face, drill, turn, thread, etc.) followed by basic sizes from the blueprint. There is minimal input on your part. The VsEstimator will then utilize our Artificial Intelligence (AI) to automatically access the included database, followed by the selection, retrieval and execution of the necessary formulas. This new approach is vastly superior to previous methods, offering both speed and accuracy. Because of the functional similarity between the screens, the learning curve is minimal. The end result, including detailed routing and processing data are, of course, saved in the database for future reference.

Assumptions 

It’s assumed that all shops can use 2D drawings because that’s how it has been done for over 100 years. Making parts from a 3D CAD model is a relatively new process. However, some shops, capable of quoting with 3D drawings, may also have a need to quote directly from 60-year-old 2D drawings.

Also, conversely, the VsEstimator® can assist 3D estimators with setting rules and resolving high risk issues. We work with, not against CAD/CAM. 

Remember, an estimate is an educated guess, while a quote provides a precise breakdown of procedures and costs for machining a part. Your shop is unique and is not a carbon copy of every other shop. The VsEstimator’s® attached updatable database will reflect your individual conditions

Unusual Circumstances 

Sometimes, however, ideal tooling or fixturing may not be available. It may not be practical to spend 1000’s of dollars to fixture up for a low quantity run. Perhaps the best jaws are not available. Since you are not locked into a predetermined routine, the VsEstimator® can quote based on what is available, not what should be available. Perhaps, the edit could entail just a simple SFM or cut depth reduction. Maybe a totally new path may be required. This can be ideal for lower quantity jobs, but of course, it will not be optimal. These practical edits are based on your personal expertise. Remember, the VsEstimator® is a tool whereas you are the expert. Of course, quoting should be done prior to programming. You should know where you are going prior to getting there.

Training 

How do you currently train your team in manufacturing principals? The VsEstimator® is more than just a quoting tool—it also doubles as a comprehensive training guide to help your personnel learn and improve. 

Do you and your colleagues fully understand key machine shop practices? Concepts like circular interpolation, thread milling or rigid tapping might sound familiar, but can you confidently define them? The VsEstimator© manual not only explains these terms but covers many more essential topics in detail, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and seasoned professionals.

Whether you need training, a quick estimate or a detailed quote, the VsEstimator® has you covered. You can also compare different procedures or machines (on paper before you cut metal). This is also a path for the CNC program which is created only after you receive an order. Manual machines are also accomodated. 

Conclusion 

The VsEstimator® results appear similar to spreadsheet quoting that has been done for many years. However, it is an automated process and will close the gap between 3D automated quoting and conventional spreadsheet quoting.

What you get 

The VsEstimator® (supplied on a USB) is totally installed on your computer with no internet connection required. A maximum of two users (working with the same company) can share a single license. This powerful Windows® based quoting / training software comes complete with a detailed manual. It also includes a non-transferable lifetime license with no annual renewal or maintenance fees and is proudly made in America. We have sold dozens of these with zero complaints. 

We stand behind our product.