Price-driving geometry in STEP files, and how to calculate it right

Six geometry categories drive cost

Outer and inner contours drive cut length. Holes and pierces add cycle time. Bends add setup, tooling and sequence constraints. Special bends and formed features often need separate review.

Weld joints, deburring, tapping, countersinking and finishing are also geometry-driven. They should appear as separate cost drivers instead of being hidden in a rough surcharge.

Manual review misses small accumulations

Experienced estimators catch the large issues, but modern parts can contain dozens of features. Under time pressure it is easy to fall back to rules of thumb.

Automatic feature detection makes the small drivers visible before they become margin loss in production.

Use your own machine rules

A detected bend or hole is not a price by itself. It becomes a price when connected to your material, machines, tooling, rates and setup logic.