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Real-Time 3D Printing Price Estimator
Instantly calculate the cost for predefined models. Simply select a model, choose your desired material, and adjust the size and other specifications to see how much the printing will cost in real time.
Prices are estimates and may vary based on final dimensions and material selection.
Check key product specifications, pricing breakdowns, and additional charges to understand your final cost before placing an order.
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Prices are estimates and may vary based on final dimensions and material selection.
Explore how order volume impacts pricing. The charts update to show how unit costs decrease as larger quantities are ordered, helping you identify the most cost-effective purchase volume.
Pricing economics
3D Printing Cost Breakdown
Discover how 3D printing is reshaping industries with cost-efficient manufacturing processes and enhanced design flexibility. This guide explains the various cost components in 3D printing, helping businesses, hobbyists, and engineers optimize their projects for affordability and efficiency. Explore how machine time, material consumption, post-processing, and bulk pricing factor into the final price, complete with practical examples and formulas.
1. Machine Time Cost Breakdown
Machine time is one of the most significant contributors to 3D printing costs. It represents the amount of time the printer operates to complete a job. Machine time costs vary depending on the type of 3D printer, its hourly operating rate, and the print time, which is influenced by layer height, part size, and design complexity.
Formula:
Machine Time Cost = Hourly rate of the printer × Print time (in hours)
Scenario 1(FDM):
A desktop FDM printer with an hourly rate of ₹20/hour takes 10 hours to complete a small prototype.
Machine Time Cost = ₹20/hour × 10 hours = ₹200
Scenario 2(FDM):
An industrial FDM printer with an hourly rate of ₹50/hour takes 6 hours to print a detailed part.
Machine Time Cost = ₹50/hour × 6 hours = ₹300
Insights
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Impact of Resolution: Higher print resolutions
require thinner layers, increasing the print time and
cost.
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Cost Optimization: Adjusting layer height can
balance quality and print time, significantly reducing
costs.
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Use Case Differences: Desktop printers are
cost-effective for prototyping, while industrial printers
excel in production-quality prints.
2. Material Cost with Support Structures
Material cost is a critical component of 3D printing expenses. This includes the primary material used for the part and any additional material required for support structures. Support structures, often necessary for complex designs or overhangs, can account for 10-25% of total material usage. The type and cost of material—be it thermoplastics, resins, or metals—also influence the overall expense.
Formula:
Material Cost = Volume of Part × Material Cost per cc × (1 + Support Structure Percentage)
Scenario 1 (FDM):
A part with a volume of 83 cc is printed using PLA at ₹6/gram. Weight would be about 103 grams. Support structures add 15% to material usage. It takes around 10 hours to print.
Material Cost = (103/gram × ₹6/gram) × (1 + 0.15)
Material Cost = ₹618 × 1.15 = ₹710.7
Printer Cost = ₹10/hour × 10 = ₹810.7
Scenario 2 (SLA):
A resin part with a volume of 50 cc is printed using engineering resin at ₹40/cc. Support structures add 20%.
Material Cost = (50 cc × ₹40/cc) × (1 + 0.20)
Material Cost = ₹2,000 × 1.20 = ₹2,400
Insights
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Material Selection: Engineering-grade materials
are costlier but offer superior mechanical
properties.
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Support Minimization: Redesigning parts to
minimize overhangs can significantly reduce material
costs.
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Efficiency Gains:Choosing lightweight materials
with high strength-to-weight ratios can optimize costs
while maintaining performance.
3. Post-Processing and Labor Costs
Post-processing adds the final touch to 3D-printed parts, enhancing their appearance, durability, and functionality. Tasks like support removal, sanding, polishing, curing, and painting contribute to post-processing costs. Labor rates and time requirements for these activities vary based on the material and complexity of the part.
Formula:
Post-Processing Cost = Labor rate per hour × Time for post-processing (in hours)
Scenario 1 (Support Removal and Sanding):
A PLA part requires 1 hour of support removal and 0.5 hours of sanding. The labor rate is ₹100/hour.
Post-Processing Cost = ₹100/hour × (1 + 0.5) = ₹150
Scenario 2 (Polishing and Curing):
An SLA part requires 2 hours for polishing and curing. The labor rate is ₹200/hour.
Post-Processing Cost = ₹200/hour × 2 hours = ₹400
Insights
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Automation Potential: Automated support removal
systems can lower labor costs and improve
efficiency.
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Material Impact: Materials like ABS, which can be
smoothed with acetone vapor, require less labor-intensive
finishing.
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Surface Quality Goals: Adjusting print settings to
improve surface finish can reduce post-processing time and
cost.
4. Total Price
The total price of a 3D-printed part is the sum of the following components. This comprehensive calculation provides a clear breakdown of expenses involved in producing a 3D-printed part.
1. Machine Time Cost.
2. Material Cost.
3. Post-Processing Cost.
Formula:
Total Cost = Machine Time Cost + Material Cost + Post-Processing Cost
5. Bulk Pricing
Bulk pricing leverages economies of scale by applying dynamic pricing models based on the quantity ordered. As the order volume increases, per-unit costs decrease due to discount curves applied to material and processing costs.
Formula:
Bulk Price Per Unit = Dynamic cost calculation based on material, weight/volume, and print time with discount functions.
Scenario 1 (FDM - PLA Material):
A PLA part wights 103g and the print time is about 10 hours. For one part the price is ₹810.7.
Bulk Price for 500 units = ₹570 per part
Insights
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Dynamic Discounts: Higher quantities lead to
progressive discounts on material and processing costs,
reducing the overall cost per unit.
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Material-Specific Pricing: Each material type and
technology (FDM, SLA, SLS, MJF) has tailored pricing
functions for accurate bulk cost estimation.
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Efficiency Gains: Larger orders optimize print and
post-processing time, enhancing cost efficiency.
Service plans
Choose the right 3D printing plan for your unique production needs with tailored features and expert support.
Basic production
Ideal for small projects and quick prototypes with fast turnaround.
Features:
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Minimum Quantity(1-50)
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Material Assistance
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24/7 Support
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Fast delivery
Best For:
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Prototyping
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Concept testing
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Small orders
Batch production
Perfect for mid-scale production with cost-effective options and reliable support.
Features:
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Min. Qty: 50-1,000
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Bulk pricing
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Material guidance
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Quick delivery
Best For:
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Functional tests
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Short-run manufacturing
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Product launches
Mass production
Comprehensive services for scaling ideas to market-ready mass production.
Features:
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CAD design
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Reverse engineering
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Min. Qty: 1000-10000
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Full support
Best For:
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Large-scale production
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End-to-end design
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Custom projects