CNC Minimum Order Quantity — What’s Reasonable, and Why We Don’t Set One

What a CNC Minimum Order Quantity Actually Is

A minimum order quantity (MOQ) is the smallest number of parts a shop will accept for a job. It exists because every order carries setup: programming, fixturing, material prep and first-article checks. Shops recover that setup by spreading it across the quantity. The larger the MOQ, the more setup is buried per part.

The MOQs You Will Typically Meet

Across the industry you will see anything from 1 piece (rare, usually prototyping houses) to 50, 100, 500 or more. Many general machine shops quietly decline very small runs because the setup cost makes them unprofitable at low quantity. That leaves first-time buyers — who often only need a few dozen parts or one sample — stranded.

Why We Don’t Set a Minimum

Small orders are not a side activity for us; they are a large part of what we do. Programs usually start as a prototype or a 50–100 piece validation batch and grow into steady monthly volume. Because we schedule flexibly rather than batching only large runs, taking a single piece or a small batch is normal operations, not a favour.

Is a Small Order More Expensive Per Part?

Honestly: the per-piece price is most competitive once quantity climbs into the low hundreds, because setup is spread further. But we do not pad the unit price just because the quantity is low. You get a transparent quote that shows exactly what drives the cost — material, size, tolerance, quantity — so a small run is fairly priced, not penalised.

What Quantity Should You Start With?

If the design is unproven, start with a prototype or a small batch to validate fit and function, then scale. There is no commitment and no minimum, so you are never forced into a larger run than you need. See our small orders and prototypes page for how we handle first-time buyers.