How Much Do 3D Prints Cost? Factors, Calculations, and More

Beginners in the world of 3D printing often ask, “How much do 3D prints cost?” However, the answer is far from simple, as it depends on a variety of influencing factors. To help you get an all-encompassing understanding of this question, this article will analyze the main factors that affect the overall cost of 3D printing, including printer costs, printing materials, running costs, and more. Keep reading to learn more!

Is 3D Printing Expensive?

When it comes to the question of how expensive is 3d printing, the answer isn't straightforward, as 3D printing price hinges on several factors.

Your choice of 3D printer, be it a basic desktop model for hobbyists or an industrial-grade machine, influences the cost. Materials also matter, specialty ones are pricier than standard options like PLA. The size, complexity, energy consumption, maintenance, and post-processing of your 3D prints all contribute to the total cost.

Factors That Influence the Cost of 3D Printing

Now, let's delve into the key elements that influence the overall 3D printing costs. 

3D Printers Cost

3D printers can vary greatly in cost. Basic desktop models for beginners can be found for a few hundred dollars, while industrial-grade printers for professional or complex projects can cost thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. Your choice of printer will significantly impact your initial investment.

3D Printing Material Cost

When it comes to 3D printing, the type of material you use can significantly impact the cost. Basic materials such as PLA and ABS are usually affordable, with prices typically around $20 to $30 per kilogram. Specialized materials or composites can cost over $100 per kilogram.

3D Printer Operation Cost

Running a 3D printer consumes electricity, which is part of the total cost. The cost of energy depends on the power of the printer, the printer settings, the duration of the print job, and other factors. Energy-efficient printers will be more cost-effective in the long run. And you'd better consider local electricity rates for a more accurate estimate of operating costs.

Manpower Cost for 3D Printing

Although 3D printing is an automated process, there could still be some labor costs involved in tasks such as file preparation, monitoring the print, or post-processing. For individuals who operate and use 3D printers themselves, there would be little to no labor cost to calculate. However, labor costs may be considerably high in a professional or commercial environment, particularly for complex or large projects. 

Maintainance Cost

Taking care of your 3D printer ensures its optimal performance and longevity. Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to expensive repairs or even replacements, which is why it's important to include maintenance costs in your budget for any 3D printing project.

Other Costs

Extra expenses can increase the total cost of a project. This includes the cost of post-processing such as sanding, painting, or assembling parts, which can vary depending on the finish required. If your project requires ancillary materials, this will also add to the cost. Furthermore, you also need to consider any specialized tools or accessories required for a particular project when calculating the total cost.

How Much Does It Cost to 3D Print for One Hour?

How to calculate 3D printing cost for one hour? You need to consider various factors such as electricity costs, material expenses, labor charges, maintenance expenditures, and additional costs like support materials or equipment.

By evaluating these factors, you can arrive at a comprehensive estimate of the total cost of an hour of 3D printing. Here's a simplified formula for calculating this:

Total cost per hour = Electricity* + Material costs* + Wear and tear + Labor costs + Amortized printer costs + Overheads

Electricity Cost = (Printer Power Consumption in KW) x (Printing Hours) x (Electricity Rate per kWh)

Material Cost = (Material Price per Unit) x (Material Consumption per Hour)

To provide a practical example, a do-it-yourself 3D printing service in a location like a library might charge between $1 to $3 per hour, which accounts for both the cost of the filament and other fixed expenses.

3D Printing Cost Calculators

If you want to know quickly and easily how much do 3D prints cost, there are various online tools and software programs available that can help you calculate the cost of your 3D prints accurately. We've selected a few for you below.

• Prusa- This user-friendly calculator offers more inputs than the basic calculator, including factors such as maintenance, power, and labor costs. It supports many currencies, optional cost drop-downs, preloaded filaments, etc. 
• MakerShop- This calculator automates generating 3D printing quotes. It calculates print time, filament usage, and maintenance costs based on uploaded STL files.
• 3D Print HQ- It offers customization options, including printer purchase price and failure rate adjustments, and provides helpful explanations for beginners.

Which 3D Printers Offer Cost-Effective Printing?

When it comes to cost-effective 3D printing, two reliable options are the AnkerMake M5 3D Printer and the AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer.

AnkerMake M5 3D Printer

AnkerMake M5 3D Printer is known for providing an affordable entry point to 3D printing without compromising on quality. It supports adjustable print speeds, which reduces overall energy consumption during 3D printing. It also features an intelligent heated bed with fast heating and heat retention, improving print quality and minimizing the energy required to maintain a stable temperature.

AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer 

AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer offers larger and more complex prints and is also sustainable and energy efficient. It utilizes advanced power management features to ensure that it consumes less power during long print jobs. In addition, the touchscreen interface, quiet operation, and efficient printing make it an excellent choice for users seeking cost-effective and high-quality printing.

Conclusion

In summary, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how much 3D prints cost. It is determined by various factors like the type of printer, materials, print size, complexity, energy use, and maintenance.

Whether you're a hobbyist or planning a 3D printing business, this article provides a comprehensive understanding of these cost factors to help you make informed decisions and manage your budget effectively in the world of 3D printing.

FAQs

Is 3D printing becoming cheaper?

Yes, 3D printing has become increasingly cost-effective in recent years due to technological advances, a wider range of affordable materials, increased competition among manufacturers, open source and DIY initiatives, and the emergence of commercial 3D printing services. While costs still vary, the overall trend is to become more affordable, making 3D printing technology more accessible to a broader audience and for various applications. 

How much does 3D print cost per gram?

The cost per gram of 3D printing can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the type of 3D printer, the material used, the brand of material, and the supplier. On average, filament-based 3D printing materials like PLA cost between $0.02 and $0.10 per gram. However, specialty or composite materials can be more expensive, costing up to $0.30 per gram or more. Keep in mind that the actual cost will depend on all relevant factors.

Is a 3D printing business profitable?

Profitability in a 3D printing business is achievable but depends on specific factors. The business model you choose, such as custom printing services, product sales, or design consulting, can have a significant impact on profitability.