Exploded view diagrams are crucial visual tools in engineering, manufacturing, and technical communication. They break down complex products into their individual components, helping teams and users understand how things fit together—and come apart. Whether used in assembly manuals, patent filings, or product presentations, these diagrams play a pivotal role in conveying technical information clearly.
A frequent question from clients is: “What’s the cost per component for an exploded view diagram?” In our work across industries, we’ve seen this vary significantly depending on several key factors. This article breaks down those factors, shares average pricing ranges, and offers tips based on real-world experience to help you budget more effectively.
What Is an Exploded View Diagram?
An exploded view diagram visually separates a product’s components to show how they relate spatially and functionally. Parts appear “exploded” outward while still aligned to their assembly position. These diagrams are widely used for:
- Assembly and disassembly instructions
- Product catalogs and marketing visuals
- Engineering documentation
- Maintenance and repair guides
- Patent illustrations (where they must follow USPTO or EPO drawing standards)
We’ve created exploded diagrams for everything from small consumer electronics to complex automotive assemblies, and the value they provide in clarity and communication is unmatched.
What Affects Exploded View Diagram Pricing Per Component?
Through more than a decade of working with manufacturers and product designers, we’ve identified five core factors that influence exploded view diagram pricing per component:
1. Component Complexity
The complexity of each part is the single biggest pricing driver. We’ve illustrated everything from simple plastic enclosures to intricate printed circuit boards with hundreds of elements.
- Simple parts: Flat plates, rods, or symmetrical objects may cost $10–$30 per part.
- Moderately complex: Gears, levers, housings—typically $30–$70.
- Highly detailed: Items like custom-tooth gears, internal electronics, or assemblies within assemblies often exceed $100+ per component.
Complex parts demand more than just time—they require precision, referencing detailed CAD files or physical measurements, and ensuring accurate representation of tolerances and interfaces.
Example: While creating an exploded view of a precision gear pump, the internal gear profile had to match exact specifications to meet ISO technical drawing standards. That alone required several hours of custom modeling.
2. Software and Tools Used
The type of software used influences both quality and cost. A 2D diagram made with Adobe Illustrator or AutoCAD is typically faster to produce than a photorealistic 3D render from SolidWorks or Blender.
Here’s why 3D often costs more:
- Modeling: Building parts from scratch based on CAD, blueprints, or photos.
- Rendering: Simulating realistic lighting, shadows, and materials.
- View optimization: Adjusting angles to clearly show each component without occlusion.
- Exporting: Preparing files in specific formats (STL, 3D PDF, OBJ) with the correct layering or animation logic.
All these add time and require skilled operators.
3. Designer or Engineer Expertise
Professionals with mechanical engineering backgrounds or years of technical illustration experience tend to charge more—but they also bring essential accuracy.
We’ve seen numerous cases where underqualified illustrators delivered diagrams that didn’t match real-world assemblies, resulting in confusion, rework, or patent rejections.
Rates by provider type:
- Freelancers/Offshore: $10–$50/component
- Specialist studios: $60–$200+/component, often including QA and revision cycles
When accuracy is non-negotiable—such as for regulatory or training documents—it’s often worth the premium.
4. Revision and Customization Needs
Clients often underestimate the time needed for revisions. Whether adjusting viewing angles or correcting mislabeled components, each change adds time.
In one instance, we spent over 8 hours iteratively adjusting a complex HVAC system diagram to satisfy both marketing and engineering requirements—a process that significantly exceeded the base per-component pricing.
Most vendors include one or two revisions, but extensive customization (such as animations or multilingual labeling) may be billed separately.
5. File Format and Output
The delivery format impacts effort. Static SVGs or PNGs are quicker. Interactive 3D diagrams—often used in apps or web portals—require additional scripting, navigation controls, and compatibility testing.
We recently delivered an exploded diagram of a drone assembly as an embedded WebGL model that users could rotate and zoom. While the base parts were already modeled, preparing the interactive layer took nearly as long as the diagram itself.
Exploded View Diagram Pricing Per Component: Real-World Ranges
| Component Type | 2D Diagram | 3D Diagram |
|---|---|---|
| Simple (e.g., flat panel) | $10–$30 | $25–$50 |
| Medium (e.g., bracket, housing) | $30–$60 | $50–$100 |
| Complex (e.g., motor, PCB) | $60–$100+ | $100–$200+ |
These estimates are based on our project history over the past ten years, though costs vary based on scope, source files, and revision cycles.
Examples by Industry
Automotive
Having worked on assembly visuals for an EV manufacturer’s drive unit, we’ve found automotive components—especially those involved in powertrain or suspension systems—are usually medium to high complexity. Each part may cost $80–$150 in 3D, especially when compliance with OEM standards is required.
Consumer Electronics
For a startup client, we illustrated a modular smart speaker with 16 parts. The intricate design—battery, drivers, shell—meant an average of $70 per component in 3D. In 2D, it would have cost about half.
Industrial Equipment
We regularly produce diagrams for pumps, valves, and mixers. These typically involve medium-complexity parts like seals, shafts, and impellers. Expect $40–$80/component depending on detail.
Tips to Reduce Exploded View Costs
- 1. Provide CAD Files: Starting with solid models in STEP, IGES, or SolidWorks formats can reduce time and cost by up to 50%.
- 2. Bundle Orders: For assemblies with 20+ components, ask about volume discounts. We offer tiered pricing for larger projects.
- 3. Define Scope Clearly: Limit unnecessary revisions by supplying annotated sketches or BOMs early in the process.
- 4. Use Regional Talent Strategically: Offshore illustrators can be cost-effective, but always validate their portfolio for technical accuracy.
When to Pay More
- Patents: USPTO or EPO-compliant drawings require specific line weights, styles, and numbering conventions.
- Training Materials: In safety-sensitive environments, clarity is key. We once revised a forklift maintenance diagram multiple times to eliminate ambiguity that could lead to improper reassembly.
- Marketing: If the diagram will appear in a product launch, investor deck, or trade show booth, paying more for visual polish is worthwhile.
Conclusion
Exploded view diagram pricing per component isn’t one-size-fits-all. Based on our decade-long experience, typical costs range from $10 to $200+ per component, depending on complexity, format, and the expertise involved.
By understanding the factors that drive pricing—and preparing your assets and scope clearly—you can manage costs effectively while still getting a high-quality result that serves its purpose.
Need help estimating your project? Feel free to reach out. Whether you have CAD files ready or just a napkin sketch, we can guide you through the process.
FAQs
Q1. What is an exploded view diagram used for?
Exploded view diagrams are used to visually communicate how individual parts of a product fit together. Common use cases include assembly instructions, maintenance manuals, patent drawings, engineering presentations, and marketing materials.
Q2. How is pricing calculated for each component in an exploded view diagram?
Pricing is typically based on the complexity of each component, the level of detail required, whether it’s in 2D or 3D, and whether you provide existing CAD files. The more complex or customized the part, the higher the cost per component.
Q3. What is the average price per component?
On average:
- Simple parts: $10–$30 (2D), $25–$50 (3D)
- Medium complexity: $30–$60 (2D), $50–$100 (3D)
- Complex parts: $60–$100+ (2D), $100–$200+ (3D)
These are general estimates and may vary by provider and industry.
Q4. Can I reduce costs if I already have CAD files or 3D models?
Yes. Providing existing CAD files (such as STEP, IGES, or SolidWorks formats) can significantly reduce design time and cost—sometimes by up to 50%. It allows illustrators to work directly with your geometry instead of modeling from scratch.
Q5. How long does it take to create an exploded view diagram?
It depends on the complexity of the components and the number of parts involved. A basic 5–10 part assembly in 2D may take 2–3 days, while a complex 3D assembly with 30+ parts could take 1–2 weeks. Revisions may add time as well.
