The price of 3D prints is a frequently discussed topic online, especially when it comes to understanding how to calculate the cost for 3D printing services. With various misconceptions prevalent, a detailed exploration of the factors influencing 3d Printing Costs is essential. So, what is the right way to determine the price of a 3D print? We will guide you through the key aspects of 3D printing pricing, but if you prefer a quick solution, feel free to skip to the end for a helpful tool.
Let’s consider a hypothetical example of a maker named Alex from New York (any resemblance to actual persons or places is purely coincidental), who invested in three 3D printers to generate income: the Original Prusa i3 MK3S, Original Prusa MINI, and the Original Prusa SL1.
A customer requests a quote from Alex for printing this test object. They want it printed using the printers mentioned above. The material specifications are Prusament PLA Orange for the MK3s and MINI, and Prusa Orange Tough resin for the SL1.
Orange 3D printed tree frog model
Key Factors Influencing 3D Printing Cost
To accurately calculate 3D printing cost, several factors need to be considered. These can be broadly categorized into material costs, manpower costs, 3D printer operation costs, and desired profit margin.
Material Costs: Filament and Resin
Alex understands that material and labor are the most significant cost drivers. Filament and resin prices are determined by manufacturers, making material cost calculation straightforward. A 1kg spool of Prusament PLA Orange is priced at $24.99 USD (excluding taxes and shipping). According to PrusaSlicer, the tree frog model requires 6.27g of filament using standard settings (0.15mm layer height, 15% gyroid infill).
Alex calculates the material cost for the tree frog on the MK3s or MINI as follows: ($24.99 / 1000 * 6.27) = $0.15 USD. For the SL1, printing the tree frog without supports (at 0.05mm layer height) consumes 10.43ml of resin, costing $0.6 USD. It’s important to note that using different materials can significantly impact costs. Some specialized filaments can exceed $90 USD per kg, and certain resins can be more expensive than $315 USD per kg.
Therefore, the basic formula for material cost is:
*Material Cost = (Filament or Resin Price / Weight or Volume) Model Weight or Volume**
Manpower Costs: Time and Expertise
Alex values his time at $20 USD per hour, reflecting the average wage for skilled labor in New York City in 2024, and accounting for his expertise in 3D printing. He estimates that print preparation, including slicing, takes about 5 minutes for standard models (and 10 minutes if resin changes are needed for the SL1). Based on this, labor cost for preparing the tree frog is calculated as approximately $1.67 USD for the MK3s/MINI and $3.33 USD for the SL1.
While preparing simple, pre-designed models is relatively quick, many 3D printing projects demand more complex preparation. Intricate models or those requiring support structures for SLA printing can significantly increase slicing time, sometimes taking 30 minutes or more.
Furthermore, designing custom parts from scratch adds substantial labor costs. Even seemingly simple technical components can require several hours of design work, drastically increasing the overall 3D printing cost. The value of design and preparation time is a crucial element often overlooked when estimating 3D print prices.
3D Printer Operation Costs: Beyond Electricity
Alex also considers the operational expenses of his 3D printers. Electricity consumption is a factor, though often less significant than other costs. Using an average electricity rate of $0.15 USD per kWh and a printer power consumption of 150W, printing a tree frog on the MK3s (1h 16 min), MINI (1h 10min), or SL1 (1h 48 min) consumes a negligible amount of electricity, less than $0.03 USD per print.
However, Alex wants to recoup his printer investment within a reasonable timeframe, say 12 months (approximately 8760 hours of printing). To achieve this, he incorporates a printer usage fee into his hourly costs. Based on the initial printer prices, this fee is calculated at $0.10 USD/hour for the MK3S, $0.05 USD/hour for the MINI, and $0.18 USD/hour for the SL1.
The formula for 3D printer operation cost is:
*3D Printer Operation Costs = (Printer Price / Desired Investment Return Time (h)) Print Time (h)**
Electricity Cost = Usually Negligible
Prusa Mini 3D printer in operation
Margin: Accounting for Risk and Profit
Alex recognizes that relying solely on calculated costs might not guarantee a sustainable business. Unexpected events like print failures, material waste, and machine maintenance can impact profitability. Print quality issues are also common, particularly when working with materials like ASA, which can be prone to warping. Resources are available to address these challenges, such as articles on troubleshooting common 3D printing errors.
To buffer against these uncertainties, Alex incorporates a profit margin. The appropriate margin depends on various factors, including experience level and risk tolerance. Initially, Alex sets his margin at 40% of the material cost to account for potential risks and ensure profitability.
Example 3D Printing Cost Calculation
Let’s summarize Alex’s pricing for the tree frog order:
For MK3s:
- Material: $0.15 USD
- Labor: $1.67 USD
- Printer Operation: ($0.10/hour * 1.27 hours print time) = $0.13 USD
- Margin (40% of material cost): $0.06 USD
- Total (excluding tax): $2.01 USD
For MINI:
- Material: $0.15 USD
- Labor: $1.67 USD
- Printer Operation: ($0.05/hour * 1.17 hours print time) = $0.06 USD
- Margin (40% of material cost): $0.06 USD
- Total (excluding tax): $1.94 USD
For SL1:
- Material: $0.6 USD
- Labor: $3.33 USD
- Printer Operation: ($0.18/hour * 1.8 hours print time) = $0.32 USD
- Margin (40% of material cost): $0.24 USD
- Total (excluding tax): $4.49 USD
These calculations provide a transparent breakdown of the cost components. Pricing perceptions vary; some customers may be price-sensitive, while makers need to ensure their services are profitable.
Consider a more complex scenario: printing a large, intricate model on the MK3s. Even a readily available model can take 1 day, 17 hours, and 48 minutes to print. Using a specialized carbon fiber composite material XT-CF20 at $49.99 USD per 750g, and requiring 756g for the print, the cost calculation changes significantly:
- Material: ($49.99 / 750) * 756 = $50.39 USD
- Labor: $1.67 USD (preparation remains similar)
- Printer Operation: ($0.10/hour * 41.8 hours print time) = $4.18 USD
- Margin (40% of material cost): $20.16 USD
- Total (excluding tax): $76.39 USD
As expected, larger models and premium materials lead to substantially higher final prices, even if labor for basic preparation remains constant. Longer print times also increase printer operation costs. Furthermore, seemingly simple parts can become more expensive if they require extensive design time or complex support generation.
Streamlining Cost Calculation with a 3D Printing Calculator
3D Printing Price Calculator Interface
Recognizing the numerous factors involved, a 3D Printing Price Calculator simplifies this process. This user-friendly tool allows you to input all relevant variables and instantly calculate the 3D printing cost. You can customize parameters and even import G-code files to further streamline the process. Explore the calculator to simplify your 3D printing price estimations.
Are you using 3D printing for commercial purposes? Share your pricing strategies and experiences in the comments below – your insights can be valuable to the community!
Happy printing!
