What does exocad design outsourcing cost in 2026?

The most common question from labs considering outsourcing: “What will it actually cost per case?” The answer is simpler than most expect — but the full picture, including how it compares to an in-house designer, is worth understanding properly.

The standard pricing model: per designed unit

Most professional exocad outsourcing studios charge per designed unit — not per case, not per hour. This is the most lab-friendly model because it scales directly with your workload. Send 20 units, pay for 20. Send nothing during a quiet August, pay nothing in August.

A “unit” is typically one designed restoration: one crown, one bridge pontic, one abutment. A three-unit bridge costs three units. Full-arch frameworks are usually priced per case or per arch rather than per tooth, so clarify this with any studio you evaluate.

What does it cost in 2026?

In the European market, expect €6–10 per unit for quality exocad design, depending on volume and provider tier. Studios with experienced designers, clear turnaround commitments, and a genuine revision policy typically price at €7–8/unit for regular monthly volumes:

• €8/unit — standard rate for 1–99 units per month
• €7/unit — volume rate for 100–300 units per month
• Custom — for 301+ units, negotiated directly

Below €6/unit, scrutinise the quality claim carefully — very low pricing usually means high designer-to-case ratios, offshore operations, or converted (non-native) exocad files.

What factors affect the price?

• Volume — the most significant driver. Higher monthly volumes unlock lower per-unit rates.
• Indication complexity — some studios charge a flat rate across all indications; others tier by complexity (full-arch / All-on-X bars typically take longer than a single crown). Ask for clarity on this before you commit.
• Rush turnaround — same-day or sub-12-hour delivery may carry a small premium. Standard 24-hour turnaround should be included at the base rate.
• White-label / NDA — this should always be included in the base price, not charged as an add-on.

How does it compare to an in-house designer?

A junior to mid-level dental CAD designer in Western Europe earns €28,000–40,000 per year. Add an exocad licence (€3,000–5,000/year), a decent workstation (€600–900/year amortised), and your management overhead — you’re looking at €32,000–47,000 per year before the cost of sick cover and holiday cover.

At full utilisation (5–8 designs per day, 250 working days), that designer produces 1,250–2,000 units per year — an effective per-unit cost of €16–37. At 60–70% utilisation, a realistic figure for most labs, the effective cost climbs to €23–62 per unit.

At €8/unit outsourcing with 80 units/month, you’re spending €640/month — €7,680/year — with zero fixed overhead, no recruitment, no licence, and no cover needed.

What you should not be paying for

A transparent studio should have no hidden charges. Watch for:

• Revision fees — always included with a quality provider
• Onboarding or setup fees — should be zero
• Per-case admin fees beyond the design charge
• Minimum monthly case commitments