How Much Does a Machine Enclosure Cost? A Quick Overview
In many cases, the most difficult part of acquiring a machine enclosure is figuring out what it should cost. Without clear information (which is admittedly hard to find), it’s very easy to over- or underestimate the price. Needless to say, this can make it difficult if you’re on a budget.
As a division of Allied Modular Building Systems, our machine enclosures are built using modular construction. Generally speaking, modular buildings can cost anywhere from $50 to $300 per square foot.
Machine enclosures will land somewhere within that range as well, but exactly where depends on a number of factors.
In this article, we’ll cover the most important ones so that you can get a better sense of how much your project may cost.
Factors That Affect Machine Enclosure Costs
Like most things in manufacturing, there are many variables that go into the price of an enclosure. While we always recommend getting a quote directly (as that’s the only way to get an exact number), here are some of the main drivers of cost.
1. Size
This one is pretty easy to understand; the larger the enclosure, the more materials and labor you need to build it. For instance, a small enclosure around a single CNC machine is going to cost much less than a large space that houses multiple pieces of equipment.
2. Materials
The materials used in the enclosure’s construction also play an important part in determining cost. Machine enclosures can be built with many different materials, including steel, aluminum, and fiberglass-reinforced plastic, among others.
Heavy materials (which are better at reducing noise and vibrations) often cost more than lighter ones. The same goes for specialized panels, like the fire-rated kind, or materials with anti-static properties, for example.
3. Environmental Controls
What’s more, some enclosures need certain environmental controls. Depending on what machinery you’re using, you may need to control certain conditions, such as humidity, temperature, or air cleanliness.
Basic enclosures that do not need to control any conditions will be on the lower end of prices. But if you need to manage environmental conditions, then controlling each one will increase the cost incrementally.
For example, all else being equal, a CNC enclosure that only needs to absorb sound will cost less than one that also needs to regulate temperature and humidity. And a CMM enclosure that needs temperature held within a degree, plus humidity and air filtration, will cost more still.
4. Features
The features your enclosure needs will also influence the price. Some common ones include:
- Interlocked doors
- Viewing panels
- HVAC systems
- Ventilation or extraction systems
- Special materials (sound-absorbing/soundproofing parts, fire-rated walls, etc.)
- Special access points, roll-up doors
- Double-wall construction
- Interior lighting
A basic enclosure with a door and some panels is going to be much less expensive than one with interlocked doors, double-wall construction, integrated HVAC, and several viewing panels.
The more features you add, the higher the cost will be.
5. Installation & Location
Machine enclosures, and especially modular ones, are typically installed on-site by a small professional team. The cost of installation will depend on the size and complexity of the space, in addition to your location.
As a general rule, installation can range from 30% to 50% of the material cost.
Freight is another separate cost, typically running around 10% of the total material costs, though it may be more if you’re in a remote area or far from the manufacturer.
6. Long-Term Costs
Finally, there are operational, or long-term costs to consider. If your enclosure includes HVAC or filtration systems, those will have maintenance (and operational) costs over time. Energy usage and periodic inspections factor into this as well.
The Bottom Line
The exact cost of your machine enclosure will depend on a variety of factors, including size, materials, environmental controls, features, and more. Generally speaking, the stricter your requirements, the higher the cost will be. But as with most things, you get what you pay for.
For a more accurate estimate tailored to your specific project, reach out to us at MachineEnclosure.com. We’re happy to walk through your setup and give you a quote.
