2 min read
Hey Toolpathers!
The updates just keep coming! We are excited to bring you the newly refreshed Estimate Tab giving you more control, more usability, better results for your shop.
Let’s walk through the enhanced Estimate Tab and how it can streamline your workflow.
A Breakdown of the New Estimate Tab
Estimate Presets for Faster Setup
One of the most convenient features is the ability to select from a list of predefined estimate presets. These presets update parameters automatically, so you can quickly adjust for different materials and job types.
Flexible Setup Costs: Fixed vs. Hourly
When defining setup costs, you now have two options: Fixed or Hourly.
-
Fixed is ideal when you have a one-time cost, like machining a soft jaw for a second set up. This ensures additional costs are accurately captured.
-
Hourly lets you define both an hourly rate and the estimated time required for each setup. The flexibility to switch between these options without losing changes makes fine-tuning estimates even easier.
Sticky Settings for Seamless Navigation
With the improved Estimate Tab, your changes stay saved—even when you navigate to other sections of Toolpath. Whether you're refining your strategy in another tab or simply reloading the page, your estimates remain intact. No more worrying about lost data or re-entering values!
Material Pricing Options: Fixed vs. Auto
The Material Section now includes two pricing methods:
-
Fixed Pricing: Perfect when you know the exact cost of your stock. You can even add a markup percentage for better pricing control.
-
Auto Pricing: Calculates material costs based on the volume of stock required for the job, ensuring dynamic and accurate pricing.
Adding Additional Costs with Ease
The Additional Items section allows you to customize estimates with extra charges for things like:
-
Post-processing costs (e.g., anodizing, heat treatment)
-
Base costs for setup fees or tooling
-
Rush jobs or weekend work
Real-Time Estimate Updates
Every change you make updates your estimate in real time. As you refine setup costs, machining times, and material expenses, you’ll see the total cost and unit price adjust automatically in the bottom right corner. This instant feedback ensures you always have the most up-to-date pricing.
Why This Update Matters
With the new and improved Estimate Tab, you now have:
✔ A streamlined interface for easier navigation
✔ More flexibility in defining costs and pricing structures
✔ Sticky settings that save your work automatically
✔ Real-time updates for accurate job pricing
✔ A deeper breakdown of machining features for better transparency
If you haven’t explored the updated Estimate Tab yet, now’s the time! These improvements make pricing jobs faster, easier, and more accurate—so you can spend less time estimating and more time machining.
— The Toolpath Team