MicroEstimates
WebsiteContact for Pricing
MicroEstimating is a precision cost estimating and quoting software designed specifically for manufacturers, machinists, and fabricators that combines manufacturing knowledge with process engineering and costing formulas to produce accurate estimates.
https://microestimates.com/?ref=producthunt
Product Information
Updated:Nov 9, 2025
What is MicroEstimates
MicroEstimating, developed by Micro Estimating Systems Inc. since 1982, is an industry-leading computer-aided process planning (CAPP) and cost estimating system for the machining and fabrication industries. It provides manufacturers with comprehensive tools for project cost estimation, analysis of financial returns, and improved decision-making through its AI-powered calculation capabilities. The software is tailored for various manufacturing specialties including Original Equipment Manufacturers, Contract Manufacturers, Job Shops, and Tool and Die Manufacturers.
Key Features of MicroEstimates
MicroEstimates is a comprehensive cost estimation software that combines advanced feature recognition technology, automated cycle time calculations, and data-driven analysis to provide precise manufacturing cost estimates. The software integrates seamlessly with CAD systems like SolidWorks, incorporates extensive databases of materials and operations, and leverages AI-powered tools to streamline the quoting process for manufacturers, machinists, and fabricators.
Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR): Utilizes advanced technology to automatically identify and analyze features from CAD designs, enabling precise calculations of manufacturing times and costs
Cycle Time Calculators: Provides equipment and operation-specific calculators that generate accurate production cycle times for CNC machining, fabrication, and assembly processes
Comprehensive Database Integration: Incorporates extensive databases of materials, machines, factory operations, tooling, and purchased parts to ensure accurate cost estimation
ShouldCost Analysis: Offers detailed cost analysis capabilities that help determine both value-added and non-value-added times and costs for comprehensive manufacturing insights
Use Cases of MicroEstimates
Manufacturing Cost Estimation: Enables manufacturers to generate precise quotes for complex parts and assemblies within minutes instead of days or weeks
CNC Machine Shop Planning: Helps machine shops optimize their production planning and costing through accurate cycle time calculations and feature recognition
Custom Fabrication Quoting: Assists fabricators in creating accurate quotes for custom projects by analyzing CAD designs and calculating precise manufacturing costs
Assembly Cost Analysis: Provides detailed cost breakdowns for complex assemblies by integrating bill of materials and manufacturing process data
Pros
Highly accurate estimates (within 1-2% of actual costs)
Significant time savings in quote generation
Seamless integration with CAD systems and other manufacturing software
Cons
May require significant initial setup and configuration
Complex feature set might require training to utilize fully
How to Use MicroEstimates
Install and Setup: Install MicroEstimating software (default location is C:\MSEWIN\Program). For network setup, ensure all users are logged out first. Map network drive to main folder (default C:\MSEWIN) for multi-user access.
Configure Settings: Use Utilities > Company Setup to specify data and estimate folders. If using floating network license, use Utilities > Set License Server to specify the computer hosting the Sentinel USB device.
Import CAD Files: Import SolidWorks 3D part drawings using the Feature Recognition Technology to automatically generate CNC machine tool production cycles and costs.
Access Databases: Utilize included databases of established machine tool brands, metal-working operations, standards, and formulas to calculate precise manufacturing costs.
Create Estimates: Use the software's cycle time calculators for CNC machining, fabrication, assembly estimating, and process planning. Customize machine parameters and access speeds/feeds data.
Quote Management: Generate and manage quotes using the quote management system. Review estimated vs actual costs, which typically fall within 1-2% accuracy.
Analysis with BizOptix: Use the BizOptix analysis tool to mine estimate data, identify best/worst customers, determine profitable parts, calculate shop loading, and predict future sales and resource allocation.
MicroEstimates FAQs
Micro Estimating is precision estimating and quoting software designed specifically for manufacturers, machinists, and fabricators. It combines manufacturing knowledge bases with process engineering and costing formulas to produce precise estimates. It features equipment and operation-specific cycle-time calculators and integrates with SOLIDWORKS for 3D part drawings.
