Most CNC machines consume between 1.5 kW and 15 kW per hour, depending on size, type, and workload. A small desktop CNC router might sip as little as 0.5–1.5 kW, while heavy-duty industrial machining centres can draw 12–20 kW or more when cutting at full load. The actual figure is influenced by spindle power, axis drives, coolant systems, and whether the machine is idling or cutting under high stress.

How much electricity does a CNC machine use per hour?

The short answer: anywhere from $0.20 to $3.00+ per hour in electricity costs, depending on your local power rates and the machine’s rating.

For context:

• Small CNC routers (hobby/light use): 0.5 – 2 kWh

• Medium VMCs (vertical machining centres): 6 – 12 kWh

• Large CNC machining centres (industrial): 15 – 30+ kWh

Multiply these consumption rates by your electricity tariff (say, $0.25 per kWh in Australia), and you get the hourly operating cost in power alone.

What factors affect CNC power consumption?

Several variables determine how much juice a machine pulls:

• Spindle motor rating – The higher the spindle horsepower, the more power it demands, especially under heavy cutting loads.

• Feed rates & depth of cut – Aggressive machining strategies spike consumption compared to light passes.

• Idle vs cutting mode – Even idling, CNCs still consume a base load (axis drives, hydraulics, coolant pumps).

• Machine age & efficiency – Modern CNCs often have energy-saving systems, unlike older models.

• Auxiliary systems – Coolant chillers, mist collectors, and compressed air add hidden power draw.

Do CNC machines use electricity when idle?

Yes. Even at rest, most CNCs burn 20–40% of their rated power. That’s because drives, controls, and support systems remain active. For example, a 10 kW-rated VMC may still pull 2–4 kW just sitting ready for cycle start.

Can you reduce CNC electricity usage?

Shops are experimenting with energy efficiency strategies:

• Switching off auxiliary systems when not in use

• Using smart scheduling to batch jobs and reduce idle hours

• Choosing modern CNCs with eco modes and efficient spindle drives

• Monitoring real-time power draw with meters to pinpoint savings opportunities

Why does this matter for CNC machining costs?

Power consumption isn’t the biggest share of machining cost (labour, tooling, and depreciation usually outweigh it). But it still adds up — especially in high-power, long-cycle operations. For example, a large machining centre running 200 hours a month at 15 kW, with electricity at $0.25/kWh, racks up $750 in monthly electricity costs.

In high-energy price regions, this influences quoting and operational planning. Many machine shops quietly benchmark their machines’ kWh usage as closely as they do tool wear or cycle times — consistency breeds competitiveness.

FAQs

Does spindle speed affect electricity use?
Yes. Higher spindle RPMs draw more power, but torque and depth of cut matter more than sheer speed.

Which CNC machine type uses the most electricity?
Large horizontal machining centres and 5-axis machines typically consume the most, due to their spindle ratings and multiple axes drives.

Is CNC electricity cost included in machining rates?
Often indirectly. Shops roll it into their hourly rate, which blends machine depreciation, labour, tooling, and overheads.

Electricity may not be the headline cost, but it’s a steady background hum every machinist knows. Anyone who’s left a spindle whirring overnight has felt the sting on the power bill. And as energy costs rise, efficiency in CNC machining becomes a matter of both economics and environmental responsibility.

For a global perspective on industrial energy efficiency, the International Energy Agency provides useful insights into reducing manufacturing electricity loads.