How much does a 3D print service cost?

So how much does 3D printing cost? When considering initial costs, the price of 3D printing, in general, can vary depending on the complexity, size, and intricacy of the 3D print. A low-complexity, small 3D print may only cost $0.50 to produce, while a high-complexity, larger 3D print might cost around $400.

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Sometimes the cost is also affected by the overall time it takes to make a 3D print from start to finish, but you can reduce costs by optimizing your process.. To reduce expenses, it's crucial to implement efficient processes. Additionally, the type of materials used, including resin materials, can significantly impact the cost and overall profitability.. For more info, please read our helpful article, How Long Does 3D Printing Take? Learn more about 3D print timing and timelines.

This article will help you understand what goes into pricing so you can make an informed decision before making a purchase.

Understanding 3D Printing Costs

Whether you&#;re a hobbyist looking for a cost-effective way to create personal projects or a business owner aiming to optimize production, understanding the costs involved in 3D printing is crucial for success. Product designers and engineers also need to account for the varying costs depending on material and printer type, especially when striving for high-quality, functional prototypes.

Understanding the costs associated with 3D printing is crucial for individuals and businesses looking to invest in this technology. For those running a 3D printing business, managing costs effectively can lead to increased profitability and scalability. The cost of 3D printing can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the type of 3D printer, materials, print size, complexity, energy use, and maintenance. Using expensive materials, for instance, can significantly impact the overall cost. Each of these components plays a significant role in the overall cost calculation, and managing these costs effectively can lead to more efficient printing and better profitability.

When considering the actual cost of 3D printing, it&#;s essential to look beyond the initial purchase price of the printer. Material costs, electricity costs, and maintenance costs all add up over time, contributing to the overall operational costs. Additionally, the complexity, print time, and size of the print can significantly influence the final price. To make informed decisions, For accurate cost forecasting, use a 3D printing cost calculator that takes into account factors like material cost, energy consumption, and labor. This will help you estimate the total cost per project and make informed decisions on whether to outsource or print in-house. Additionally, regularly reviewing your print efficiency metrics&#;such as material usage per print&#;can help optimize future project costs. it's essential to calculate the total cost of ownership, including all these factors. By understanding these various elements, you can make more informed decisions and optimize your 3D printing processes for both quality and cost-effectiveness, improving overall profitability.

Factors That Influence the Cost of 3D Printing

Several factors influence the cost of 3D printing, and it's important to factor in potential hidden costs as well:

Material costs: The type and quantity of materials used in 3D printing can significantly impact the overall cost. Basic materials like PLA and ABS are generally more affordable, while specialized materials or composites, including high-quality materials, can be more expensive. Material consumption also varies based on the complexity and size of the print, affecting the final cost.

3D printer costs: The average cost of a 3D printer itself is a significant investment. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars for basic desktop models to tens of thousands of dollars for industrial printers. This initial investment is crucial to consider, especially for businesses looking to scale their operations.

Energy consumption: The power consumption of the 3D printer and the local electricity rates can affect the energy costs. Efficient printing practices and choosing energy-efficient models can help manage these costs, resulting in cost savings.

Maintenance costs: Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of a 3D printer. Cost of maintenance can include the replacement of consumable parts and labor costs. Common maintenance tasks include nozzle replacements, which can cost around $20 each and should be replaced after approximately 200 hours of printing. Printer calibration is another regular task that can affect print quality and efficiency, taking up to an hour for industrial models but significantly less for desktop printers Keeping your printer in good condition can prevent costly repairs and downtime.

To reduce maintenance costs, it's important to regularly clean and calibrate your printer. Simple actions like replacing worn-out nozzles or cleaning the build plate after each print can extend the lifespan of your machine. Additionally, choosing printers with self-calibration features can reduce the need for frequent manual intervention.

Labor costs: Labor costs can be a significant factor in the cost of 3D printing, particularly in professional or commercial environments. Skilled operators are needed to manage the printing process, perform post-processing, and ensure print quality.

Leveraging automation in 3D printing can significantly reduce labor costs by streamlining the print preparation process and automating repetitive tasks like material loading and print start sequences. Investing in automation tools can increase your overall production efficiency, especially in high-volume manufacturing environments.

Overhead costs: Overhead costs, such as facility costs and equipment expenses, can also impact the overall cost of 3D printing. These costs are often overlooked but can add up, especially in larger operations.

By considering these factors, you can better understand the true cost of 3D printing and make more informed decisions about your investment.

Outsourced Production vs. In-House 3D Printing

For small businesses or startups, outsourced 3D printing can be an affordable option for low-volume production, while larger enterprises may find that investing in in-house printing equipment offers more control and scalability. Engineers and designers benefit from in-house operations due to faster prototyping and reduced lead times, essential for product iteration and testing.

The truth is that 3D printers have quickly become an integral part of many industries and can be found in offices all over the world. In industries like healthcare, 3D printing is revolutionizing the production of custom prosthetics and medical devices, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional manufacturing. In the automotive industry, 3D printing enables rapid prototyping of vehicle parts, reducing the time and cost involved in bringing new designs to market. For consumer goods, 3D printing provides businesses with the flexibility to offer customized products at a lower cost than traditional manufacturing methods

They're the newest way to produce a wide range of products quickly, applicable across a wider range of applications. 3D printing can be used to create a fully customize product, tailored specifically for the customer, using innovative techniques.

In today's world, there are two methods of 3D printing: outsourced production and in-house 3D printing. With outsourced production, you send your designs and specifications to the manufacturer and they build your product for you based on those specifications. In-house 3D printing is the tried and true way to produce a large volume of custom parts efficiently.

When deciding between outsourced production and in-house 3D printing, it&#;s important to consider several factors. Outsourcing requires no upfront investment in printers or staff, making it ideal for smaller, occasional projects. However, in-house printing becomes more cost-effective as production volume increases, as it allows you to control production times and materials, and avoid ongoing service fees. Additionally, outsourcing often leads to longer lead times, whereas in-house printing provides flexibility and faster turnaround for urgent projects

In China, there are many small workshops that function as companies' in-house production facilities. However, manufacturing your own 3D printed parts has its disadvantages. It requires a lot of on-site space and equipment, which can be expensive, on top of paying for employees with the proper skill set to run the machines.

3D Printer Costs

The cost of a 3D printer can vary greatly depending on the type and quality of the printer. Here are some general price ranges for different types of 3D printers:

• FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printers: FDM printers are the most affordable option, with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to $2,000 to $6,000. These printers are popular for their versatility and ease of use, making them a great choice for beginners and hobbyists.

• Desktop SLA (Stereolithography) printers: Desktop SLA printers start from around $2,000 to $3,000. These printers offer higher print quality and are ideal for detailed and intricate designs.

• SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) printers: SLS printers, which use direct metal laser sintering, typically cost $10,000 plus. They are used for industrial applications and can produce high-strength, durable parts.

• Larger-scale industrial machines: Larger-scale industrial machines of any technology cost significantly more, often reaching into the tens of thousands of dollars. These machines are designed for high-volume production and offer advanced features and capabilities.

Types of 3D Printers and Their Prices

Type of 3D Printer

Price Range

FDM

$200-$6,000

Desktop SLA

$2,000-$3,000

SLS

$10,000

Industrial

$50,000

Considerations Beyond Direct Costs: Post Processing

3D printing has been a hot topic in recent years, and its popularity is continuing to increase. The cost of a 3D printer, including 3D printer prices, can vary greatly depending on the type and quality of the printer. Post-processing can add significant value to the final product despite contributing to additional costs, especially when additional materials are required. Minimizing post-processing costs can be achieved by optimizing your 3D print settings, such as lowering the infill percentage or selecting a finer layer height to reduce the need for extensive post-processing. Additionally, choosing a 3D printer that produces high-quality prints with minimal defects can significantly reduce post-processing labor.

To achieve a high level of precision, post-processing is often necessary, but it can also help to minimize errors and defects. The extra costs associated with 3D printing cover more than just the cost of the actual machine.

When 3D printing something, you should also factor in the time it will take to design the 3D objects as well as the cost of ink cartridges to ensure you come out on top. To get the most out of your 3D printing cost, you can use a 3D printing cost calculator to accurately estimate costs and find a printing service with affordable yet high-performance software, hardware, and materials that can help you work in a time-efficient manner.

Electricity Consumption and Energy Costs

The energy cost of a 3D printer depends on usage and local energy prices. For regular use, the energy cost of an UltiMaker 3D printer is around $50 per year. For more energy-intensive models like the MakerGear M2, which consumes 200W, the yearly energy cost rises to approximately $200. Understanding the energy requirements of each printer model can help you choose the most cost-effective option based on your specific usage needs

 

Want more information on 3d printing service price? Feel free to contact us.

It&#;s essential to consider the energy efficiency of a 3D printer, as it can significantly impact the overall cost. To estimate energy costs accurately, check the power consumption specs of a 3D printer, considering the average electricity consumption of the device. Here are some examples of power consumption and annual energy costs for different 3D printer models:

3D Printer Model

Power Consumption

Energy Cost (per year)

UltiMaker

50W

$50

Prusa i3

100W

$100

MakerGear M2

200W

$200

By understanding and managing these energy costs, you can ensure that your 3D printing operations remain cost-effective and sustainable, ultimately reducing waste and operational costs. Additionally, using a 3D printer with precision temperature control can help minimize waste and optimize energy usage, leading to a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective printing process.

3D Printing Service Price Comparison

With the introduction of 3D printing, more businesses are getting into this new technology. One of the first things that strikes people is the cost. However, printing prices can vary based on many factors. 3D printing service prices can range from $10 to upwards of $5,000 depending on what is being printed, and the location of the different materials being used.

It's best to always search and compare your options among different service providers before making a decision on where to buy so that you get the best deal for your order and reduce operational costs.

How 3D Printing Material Cost Affects Overall Cost?

The cost of 3D printing materials can vary substantially, depending on the range of materials used and the type of printing material being used. A range of factors influence the cost of the printed items, including the type of filament required, color, production volume, and more. Resin materials, whether standard or specialized, can significantly affect overall expenses due to their versatility and quality. 3D printers will use a specific type of filament to produce certain objects which are then ready for use.

The most common materials that are used for this purpose are ABS plastics, PLA plastics, TPUs, and Nylons, with each filament type affecting the cost and quality of the print. The higher the quantity and quality of the material used for the 3D model, the better the print quality will be, but the material cost will also increase.

How Much Does a 3D Model's Actual Cost?

3D modeling is a very demanding task, though it's a popular choice for designers, architects, engineers, and anyone looking for affordable and functional prototypes, so it takes time for 3D scanning to create a realistic 3D design.

Again, the pricing varies on the complexity of the project and the type of 3D printing material used. Prices are usually negotiable, so it's important to select and get several quotes before deciding on one. Models are more affordable if they're smaller or less detailed. The most escalable and cost-effective option is to use an automated model generator, but this often ends up with an imperfect model which would have to be edited manually.

Why is 3D Printing So Expensive?

3D printing has been around for a few decades, but in recent years, it's been gaining a lot of popularity in the industry. The reason why it's expensive is that it uses a different type of ink and has a variety of different materials such as plastic, metal, or ceramic to print 3D objects one layer at a time using computer-aided design (CAD) to guide their movements. The increasing use of automation in 3D printing has improved efficiency and reduced print time, but also added to the initial investment cost.

These materials are often much more expensive than traditional materials and can cost thousands of dollars for just a small amount, which can affect the cost for both money and time. Furthermore, the ability to customize and create complex designs with 3D printing requires a high degree of flexible manufacturing capabilities, which can drive up costs. The 3D printer itself is also quite pricey.

How Long Does 3D Printing Take?

The advent of 3D printing technology has led to a growing demand for businesses that offer the service, thanks to its innovative approach to manufacturing. People are eager to have their ideas turned into physical objects in less time than they ever thought possible. While the process may vary depending on what's being printed, there are some general guidelines. The time needed, also known as turnaround time, usually takes anywhere from 8-12 hours depending on how detailed or complex the design is, what material is being used, and how big it is.

By understanding these guidelines, businesses can forecast their production timelines and plan accordingly to ensure time-efficient processes. Additionally, 3D printing is often used for prototyping, allowing companies to test and refine their designs before moving into full-scale production, which can help reduce costs and improve overall efficiency.

If you want to learn more about 3D printing or to start printing your 3D project, find us by 3d printing service near you and you get in touch with the experts at There You Have It 3D.

By Jason Vander Griendt

3d printing

Last updated: 19th July

3D Printing Service Fees &#; Key Concepts:

• The cost to 3D print something can range from $1 if you are using a home 3D printer to thousands of dollars for large commercial prints.
• 3D printing is one of the most affordable forms of manufacturing for small amounts of products.
• To calculate the cost of 3D printing per hour, factor in equipment, material, operational and maintenance costs, CAD design, and labor for finishing the 3D prints.
• A do-it-yourself 3D printing service fee at a library for instance could be as low as $1 &#; $3 per hour of printing, which includes both a filament cost and a fixed cost.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Stuff 3D Printed?

So you&#;ve got a big idea to create a new amazing product. At the same time, you&#;ve seen some videos of 3D printers doing their thing, maybe even read a few articles about 3D printing.

Now you are thinking, why not give 3D printing technology a try! Why not make the most of a 3d printing service to get your idea out of your head and turn it into something tangible?

The next logical question that might occur to you is how much does a 3d printing service cost?

3D printing is the most affordable manufacturing process for making a prototype or a small batch of products.

But how affordable is it to 3d print something? What&#;s the exact amount of money you may need to spend to have your product materialize in the real world?

If those questions interest you, you are in the right place. In this article we will explain in detail how much it costs to 3d print something, how much 3d printing services charge, how much it would cost you to print that part at home yourself, and pretty much everything related to that in-between.

Examples of How Much Will It Cost to 3D Print Various Items

There are many aspects that determine how much it costs to 3D print something. The following table of 3D printed prototypes will give you a general idea of how much it costs to use a 3D printing service for a range of different products:

Item Cost to 3D Print Turnaround Time Image of 3D Printed Item Bottle lid $100 5 &#; 7 days Guitar tuning pegs $250 5 &#; 7 days Prototype brackets $300 5 &#; 7 days Belt buckle $400 5 &#; 7 days Garlic press $500 6 &#; 8 days 3D printed shoe $750 6 &#; 8 days Microphone holder / case $800 6 &#; 8 days PCB enclosure $ 6 &#; 8 days Boomerang sign $ 6 &#; 8 days Lifelike dog statue $ 1 &#; 2 weeks Architectural miniature house $ 1 &#; 2 weeks Case with multiple compartments $ 1 &#; 2 weeks Mechanical turbine model $ 1 &#; 2 weeks Toy animal set $ 1 &#; 2 weeks Keyboard prototype $ 1 &#; 2 weeks

How much does 3D printing cost per hour?

There is no simple answer to how much 3d printing costs per hour. The thing is, several factors influence the 3d printing cost per hour. There is also the fact that each company reserves the right to set its own hourly printing costs and profit margins.

But, profit margins and company policies aside, in the following prices are the main factors that influence the hourly cost for 3d printing:

Material Costs

Material costs play a significant role in the cost of the hourly rate.

For example, if you choose SLA printing, you might be asked to choose between various types of liquid resin. The thing with standard resin is that it can cost as low as $35 per kilogram or as much as a couple of hundred dollars depending on the quality you choose.

Then there are SLS printers that use PLA filament. Typically, a decent quality PLA sells for $15 to $20 per kg. At the same time, a color-changing PLA costs about $40 per kg, which is double the price. Other plastics like ABS, PETG, HIPS, and PVA feature similar price ranges as PLA.

Are more expensive 3D printing filaments better?

The point is, some high end materials can significantly increase the 3d printing cost per hour. Using them, however, can sometimes mean better print quality, more durable parts, improved flexibility, etc. Other times, a well-printed model can be printed using standard materials that are significantly cheaper.

Different technologies require different types of materials which cost differently. Then there are other factors such as infill and layer height that also affect how much material is needed, hence the cost of the print.

Operational Cost

A 3d printer, the same as any other machine, has a finite lifespan, which means it will wear down. To break even on your investment in your 3d printer over time, either you or the service provider you use will need to calculate that in the hourly amount.

For example, if your 3d printer costs $2,000 and, hypothetically, comes with an expected lifespan of 2,000 printing hours, you will need to charge $1 per hour to break even on your purchase.

It doesn&#;t matter whether you use a resin or a fused deposition modeling technology, that is how you calculate the operational cost.

Electricity Consumption of 3D Printers Per Hour

Electricity is not free. Just like in other technologies, you need electricity to print stuff.

However, a single 3d printer does not consume too much power.

But for larger business with a farm of 3d printers running long hours, the electricity bill can become a factor in how much you charge for your prints.

On average, entry and mid-range 3d printers consume 50 to 70 watts of energy per hour.

Hypothetically, if your 3d printer prints 8 hours per day, it could consume less than 10 cents worth of electricity (depending on your location).

Labour Cost

3d printing is not fully automated. A person needs to supervise and operate the process. That includes post processing such as removing supports, cleaning the parts, sanding, etc.

Furthermore, the 3d prints also need to be packed and shipped, which also requires time and effort from someone.

Whether it is the owner or an employer that does all the work, their time needs to be compensated.

Maintenance costs

Plenty of parts wear out. Parts such as belts, cooling fans, thermistors, nozzles, etc. can all degrade over time. Replacing them with new ones is an absolute must.

The best 3d printers feature premium parts that tend to last longer. Then there are less reputable 3d printers featuring low-quality parts that tend to burn out more quickly.

Other Costs

Material cost, print time, and post processing are the big three. They make a big chunk of the overall cost of the cost of 3d printing.

In addition to those big costs, there are a few more that tend to fly below the radar.

Here is a shortlist of what other materials you need to have in your 3d printing workshop:

• Glue (ideally disappearing glue)
• sandpaper assortment
• Cleaning kit
• paint and brushes

Profit Margins

On top of material costs, overhead costs, and all other expenses, there are the profit margins. Profit margins can vary from one 3d printing business to another.

3D printing businesses may not be able to control factors such as material cost and electricity price, but they can have a say when it comes to their rates.

3D Printing Cost Calculators

3D printing calculators are small pieces of software that typically account for all the major factors mentioned earlier. They basically do most of the math to determine an approximate final cost, while you just get to feed them with your raw product data.

However, keep in mind that they are there to give you a round estimate, and they often do not account for all factors.

These online calculators are some of the best out there:

3DPrintingPro

3DprintingPro is one of the most detailed printing 3d calculators on the internet. What makes it special is that it features factors that most other 3d printing calculators do not provide. One such factor is the tax rate.

Omni

Omni is a pretty basic 3d printing cost calculator. It lacks material options and some more advanced features. The best part about it is that it instantly gives you a cost estimate.

Shatter Box

This 3d printing cost calculator also comes with a downloadable version that can be used locally on your PC or laptop. It offers a wide range of functionalities.

3DAddict

3D Addict is a popular 3d printing cost calculator, often used by 3d printing services from around the world. It comes with a massive selection of cost factors such as printer maintenance, electricity, materials, shipping, etc.

How much do 3D printing services near me cost?

Finding a 3d printing service near you is as straightforward as it gets &#; a query using your favorite search engine will do the trick just fine. For example, a simple online query such as &#;3d printing service near me&#; is perfect.

When it comes to 3d printing, you can&#;t rely much on price comparison services. Instead, you need to do your own research.

If you reside in a big urban metro area, know that you will have quite a few 3d printing services near you. Typically, you might be limited to fewer options if you reside in a rural community. That means you would need to rely on online 3d printing.

But, regardless of where you live, there are always ways to 3d print your design. And it&#;s often cheaper to look further abroad than to use a local service. Here are your options, listed from most affordable to most expensive.

Community Services

These are public services run by the county government, town, or city. Sometimes they are part of a public library, whereas other times they operate as part of a recreation center.

Most times, they charge only a small fee for usage and material. This is by far the cheapest option. But don&#;t expect to find there some high-end 3d printing technology such as direct metal laser sintering. In most cases, they operate some affordable FDM 3d printers. You will also have to spend time (sometimes a lot), learning how to use them yourself. Some of these community services even offer laser cutting services.

Maker Spaces

Make spaces are similar to the community 3d printing places. The thing that makes them different than a community 3d printing service is that they operate for-profit.

The idea with these places is that they offer you the tools and technology to design and craft all sorts of gadgets and objects. They could be used for instance to make a simple prototype.

Another thing that differentiates them from community centers is that, on average, they are better equipped. They offer access to different 3d printing technologies such as selective laser sintering, high accuracy FMD 3d printing, post processing technology, etc.

Commercial Printing

Commercial 3d printing businesses are transforming additive manufacturing and are making it accessible to anyone with an idea.

Almost every 3d printing service offers anything from design to final, 3d printed product. You can also bring in, send, and upload your 3d file. Because of them, manufacturing custom parts has never been easier.

For them, and the professionals they employ, model complexity is something they deal with on a daily basis. In addition to selective laser melting, fused deposition modeling, and other 3d printing methods, they often offer access to technologies such as injection molding and higher quality machines.

Commercial printing companies are best at making functional prototypes. And, unlike community and make space printing services, they also offer access to expensive materials, and you won&#;t have to learn how to correctly configure and callibrate the printers before using them, saving you time and money.

How much does an online 3D printing service online cost?

3d printing or additive manufacturing as it is also known, can cost anywhere from $1 and up to thousands of dollars. A wide range of factors such as materials, labor, print time, post processing, and electricity determines the price of 3d printing.

In some instances, the cost of 3d printing can even exceed the price of an entry-level 3d printer. But then again, an entry-level 3d printer can&#;t handle what an industrial 3d printer can.

For example, a photon mono can produce excellent prints. But an industrial level resin 3d printer such as the NILS 480 industrial SLS 3D printer can create bigger prints, at a faster pace, all while on average using less material.

Professional, online 3d printing services are the best technology to turn complex designs into working prototypes. When it comes to creating complex parts, not many other technologies can compete with additive manufacturing.

The fact that you can submit your design online, get it printed in some distant 3d printing farm, and then delivered to your doorstep can make life really easy!

Another thing that also strongly resonates with makers is that they can get an instant quote from an online 3d printing service. They also know instantly how much it will cost for their printed part/s to be shipped to them.

 

How much do 3D printing services for hobbyists cost?

Much of the 3d printing cost for hobbyists depends on the complexity of the model, the materials used, the type of technology used to print the object, the cost of post processing, and so on, not to mention the time cost of learning how to use the software and hardware required.

Examples compared &#; 3d miniatures vs. a case

For example, 3d printing miniatures on average cost more than other similar prints of the same size. This is because miniatures are very detailed. They can&#;t be rushed which means longer print time. That also means someone needs to make sure the 3d printer is calibrated so that the prints turn out perfectly.

All these factors add up, making the overall cost of the print quite high. 3d printing a miniature compared to 3d printing a case that requires an equal amount of material can cost much more. That is because, as explained above, miniatures require a lot more effort.

Plus, not all miniatures can be printed with an affordable FDM printer. By using a more expensive 3d printing technology, the cost of the print tends to increase as well.

How much does 3d printing cost at home?

If you&#;re just starting out, 3d printing at home is an option to bring your designs to reality. To create your prints at home, for personal use, you do not need to register a business, no need to pay taxes on your 3d prints, or anything like that.

Registering a business is needed if you start selling whatever you print or design. Paying tax on what you earn is a part of being a business owner.

3d printing at home does come with costs however. As anyone that has ever been involved in 3d printing will tell you, there are quite a few costs when 3d printing at home.

Here are the main factors that will determine how much it costs to 3d print things at home.

Printing Material cost

If you plan to print your stuff at home, you will probably go with FMD or a resin 3d printer.

Here&#;s how to calculate the cost of materials if you 3d print things at home:

Cost of Material for an FMD 3d Printer

Cura Slicer can provide a fair estimate of how much filament you need for each model.

If you pay a price of $25 for 1 kg of PLA filament, know that you will have about 330 meters of filament. That means your cost will be 7.6¢ per meter.

If your model requires 10m of filament, you will use material worth 76¢. If it is a larger print, one that will take 24 hours or so to be printed, then you are probably looking at about 120 meters of filament.

That translates to a cost of $9.12USD. If we round it up, your cost to 3d print PLA for a full day (24 hours) is $10.00USD.

Cost of Material for a Resin Printer

The ChiTuBox Slice can tell you how much resin you need to print a 3d sketch. Plus, if you add the price of the resin in the settings, the ChiTuBox Slice will calculate how much it will cost you to print your design.

Same as with FDM printers, altering things like layer height and infill percentage can affect the extent of the material you need to 3d print your design.

Cost of Electricity

Most 3d printers used by DIYers tend to consume around 50 to 70 watts per hour. That&#;s the average electricity consumption that accounts for 3d printers that work with hardened plastic and those that use resin.

For a 10-hour print, the 3d printer would consume from 0.5kwh to 0.7kwh. The total price of consumed electricity by your 3d printer for a 10-hour print will be in the range of 10 cents or so.

Additional Expenses

In addition to the common costs, you also need to account for things such as isopropyl alcohol for cleaning the build plate, rubber gloves to keep your hands protected, sandpaper for post processing, brushes, and paint.

The good news is that these expenses don&#;t affect the price of your 3d prints too much. But if you want to keep a close tab on all expenses, you need to be aware of them as well.

3D printing price comparison service

One of the fastest and easiest ways to get an instant quote from multiple 3d printing services is to use a comparison service. Typically, these services work with a global network of 3d print businesses that can bring your design to life.

It is an automated process, and the only thing required from the user is to upload their design.

The final step is choosing from the given instant quotes. Typically, in addition to the printing price, you will also receive an assessment of the expected 3d printing time, delivery time, overall quality of the print, etc.

If however you need personalized help you&#;re better to work with a company like us here at JCAD!

In Conclusion

The cheapest way to 3d print something is if you own a 3d printer. But then again, if you don&#;t print too often, you will have a hard time recouping your investment in the purchase of the 3d printer.

Plus, there is a considerable learning curve, especially if it is your first 3d printer. To produce a quality 3d print is not as simple as adjusting layer height, there&#;s a lot more to it than that.

Working with JCAD for your next 3D print

We have many years experience as a cost effective 3D printing service and would love to assist you with your project. If you want to learn more about the work we do here, get in touch via our quote form, chat widget or by calling us on 202 and let us know your requirements and lead time.

In any case, whatever you decide, we wish you happy printing!

Jason Vander Griendt

Jason Vander Griendt is a Mechanical Engineering Technician with years of experience working at major companies such as SNC Lavalin Inc, Hatch Ltd. Siemens and Gerdau Ameristeel. He is the CEO of JCAD &#; Inc., a company he started in after seeing a gap in the market for businesses who could assist clients through the entire product design and manufacturing process.

Jason has been featured in Forbes, has had his businesses analyzed and discussed in multiple start-up books, was a previous winner of the Notable8 Digital Innovator of the year award, and is a regular guest on business panels and podcasts. Jason at or follow him on LinkedIn.

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