§1What this business is

A design-to-machine service: CAD/CAM software turns customers' drawings into CNC programs, a CNC machine cuts prototypes and small batches in plastic or metal, and operators learn on simulation software. The profile also suggests adding rapid prototyping and 3D printing.

Capacity: Service income ₹60.00 L a year at full capacity; ₹36.00 L in year 1 at 60%.

§2Is it right for you?

Who it is for

A mechanical engineer or CAD/CAM professional — the profile asks for computer and mechanical design skills.

Who it is not for

Someone without design or machining knowledge.

Advantages

  • CNC use keeps growing in Indian factories
  • Skilled programmers are scarce
  • Training brings a second income
  • Prototyping saves customers time and money

Drawbacks

  • Software licences are costly
  • Small shops often program their own machines
  • Needs strong mechanical design knowledge
  • Year-1 income depends on a few clients

Skills you need

  • CAD/CAM software
  • Reading engineering drawings
  • CNC operation and tooling
  • Teaching operators

Why difficulty 3/5: Needs technical skill and industrial clients, but the plant is small.

§3Market

Who buys

  • Machine shops and factories with CNC machines
  • Product designers needing prototypes
  • Students and operators seeking training

How it sells

  • Direct visits to industrial areas
  • Online listings and referrals

Good to know

  • The profile says CNC machines are fast replacing conventional machines and skilled CNC programming is in demand.

§4Raw material & machinery

ItemQtyCost
CNC plastic machine1₹7.00 lakh
CAD/CAM software5₹2.50 lakh
Computer network1₹0.50 lakh
Installation, erection and electrification1 lot₹0.50 lakh
Computers and printer1 lot₹4.50 lakh

From: SIDBI Stand-Up Mitra project profile — CNC Programming (2018) — private guide — confirm locally

  • Plastic and metal blanks for prototypes
  • Cutting tools
  • Software updates and licences

From: SIDBI Stand-Up Mitra project profile — CNC Programming (2018) — private guide — confirm locally

Suppliers in Building Business Bazaar

NSIC Technical Services Centre, Okhla · New Delhi →NSIC Technical Services Centre, Hyderabad · Hyderabad →NSIC Technical Services Centre, Chennai · Chennai →

§5Licences & registration

  1. Udyam registration
  2. GST registration
  3. Shops and Establishments registration or trade licence
  4. Licensed copies of CAD/CAM software

We can do this registration for you

§6Schemes & subsidies

PMEGP covers service projects up to ₹20 L, so this ₹44 L plan needs a smaller start or a bank loan with CGTMSE cover; MUDRA up to ₹20 L; Stand-Up India for eligible founders.

§7Money

How the investment is worked out: Land ₹5.00 L + building ₹10.00 L + plant and machinery ₹11.00 L (CNC plastic machine ₹7.00 L, 5 software licences ₹2.50 L, network, installation and taxes) + furniture, computers and printer ₹5.00 L + preliminary ₹1.10 L + working capital ₹12.00 L = ₹44.10 L.

Working capital: Working capital ₹12.00 L (inventory ₹6.00 L, receivables ₹3.00 L, overheads ₹3.00 L); margin ₹5.25 L, bank ₹6.75 L.

Prices from 2018 — machinery, material and salary figures will be higher now.

How to prepare a loan file

§8Export potential

A service business; CAD/CAM design work can be sold abroad online, but there are no goods to export.

§9Risks — where people fail

  • Errors that scrap customer material
  • Software piracy claims if unlicensed
  • Fast-changing software
  • Client concentration

§1030 / 60 / 90-day plan

A general plan that applies to any business. A plan for this business will be added after research.

  1. Days 1–30: Visit a working cnc programming and prototyping service unit, ask 10 buyers about price and quantity, and get quotations from 3 suppliers.
  2. Days 31–60: Udyam and the licences you need (Udyam registration, GST registration), a project report (DPR), and the scheme or loan file.
  3. Days 61–90: Space and machines, trial production, and first deliveries to 10 customers.

§11Who to connect with

Not verified yet

Associations, clusters and training institutes — the directory is being built. Connect

§12Watch

There is no episode on this business yet. Shows are coming soon on the Podcast page.

Want to start CNC Programming and Prototyping Service?

DPR, loan file or registration — ask us on WhatsApp.

Get a DPR / loan file made

Sources

  1. SIDBI Stand-Up Mitra project profile — CNC Programming (2018)

Data review: 6 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Report it. For information only — not legal or financial advice.