3d print cost calculator

Introduction

3D printing technology has revolutionized the manufacturing industry by offering a more cost-effective and efficient method of producing parts and prototypes.

3D printing is a process of creating three-dimensional objects from a digital file. The process works by adding material layer by layer until the object is complete. 3D printing can be used to create a wide variety of objects, including toys, tools, medical devices, and even food.

However, calculating the cost of a 3D print can be a complex and challenging task due to various factors such as material, design, and printing time.

The cost of a 3D print is determined by a number of factors, including:

The type of material used: The cost of 3D printing materials can vary widely, from a few dollars per kilogram to hundreds of dollars per kilogram. The most common 3D printing materials are plastics, metals, and resins.
The design of the object: The more complex the design, the more time it will take to print and the more material will be used.
The printing time: The printing time is determined by the size and complexity of the object.
The cost of the 3D printer: The cost of a 3D printer can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
The cost of labor: If you are having someone else print your object, you will need to factor in the cost of labor.

This article aims to provide comprehensive information on how to calculate the cost of 3D printing, including the cost per hour, per gram, and per cubic inch, as well as the cost of various 3D printing materials and methods.

In this article, I will discuss the following topics:

How to calculate the cost of 3D printing
The cost of various 3D printing materials
The cost of 3D printing services
The average price of 3D printing
Whether 3D printing is a cheap hobby or a profitable business

By using a 3D print cost calculator or 3D printing cost estimator, you can accurately estimate the cost of your next 3D printing project.

There are a number of 3D print cost calculators available online. These calculators can help you estimate the cost of your 3D print based on the type of material, the design of the object, and the printing time.

Calculating 3D Printing Cost

The cost of 3D printing is determined by several factors, including the material, design, and printing time. To accurately calculate the cost of your 3D print, you can use a 3D print cost calculator or 3D printing cost estimator. These tools take into account various factors such as the cost of the 3D printing material, the amount of material used, the printing time, and the cost of electricity.

3D Print Cost per Hour

One of the most common ways to calculate the cost of 3D printing is to determine the cost per hour of printing. This is calculated by dividing the total cost of the 3D print by the total printing time. For technologies with lower speeds, such as FDM, 3D printing pricing based on time is commonly used.

The cost per hour of a 3D printing job will vary depending on several factors, including the type of printer you’re using, the material you’re printing with, and the size and complexity of the model you’re printing. To get an accurate estimate of the cost per hour of a 3D printing job, it’s essential to use a 3D printing cost calculator that takes into account all of these factors.

Some common 3D printing cost calculators include:

Formlabs
Prusa cost calculator
Cura
Simplify3d

Using these calculators, you can input the parameters of your 3D printing job, including the material you’re using, the size of your model, and the printing speed, and receive an estimate of the total cost, including the cost per hour.

It’s important to note that the cost per hour of a 3D printing job can also be influenced by factors such as the cost of electricity, which can vary greatly depending on where you live and your local energy costs.

In conclusion, calculating the cost per hour of a 3D printing job is a crucial step in determining the total cost of a 3D print. By using a 3D printing cost calculator, you can ensure that you’re getting an accurate estimate of the cost, taking into account all the relevant factors.

3D Print Cost per Gram

Another way to calculate the cost of 3D printing is to determine the cost per gram of the 3D printing material. This is calculated by dividing the total cost of the 3D print by the total weight of the material used. The cost per gram of 3D printing material will vary depending on the type of material you use, the brand, and the vendor you purchase it from.

The pricing of 3D printing services using weight as a factor is a common method in the industry, particularly for resin-based 3D printing technologies. This method takes into consideration the amount of resin material used during the printing process and is seen as a reliable and accurate way to calculate the cost of the final print. The resin material is a key factor in determining the cost, as it is the primary resource used in the printing process, and its cost per gram can vary depending on the type and quality of the resin. Additionally, the weight of the final 3D print is used to estimate the amount of resin material that was used, and this estimate is then used to calculate the cost of the print. This approach is preferred over others as it takes into account the material used in the printing process and helps to ensure that the customer is only paying for what they receive.

One of the most significant factors in determining the cost per gram is the type of material used. Popular materials like ABS and PLA can cost anywhere from $0.05 to $0.15 per gram, while specialty materials like metal and resin can cost upwards of $10 per gram.

The size of the print also plays a role in the cost per gram. Larger prints use more material, so the cost per gram can be lower for larger prints. Printing time also affects the cost, as longer print times use more material and therefore increase the cost per gram.

To determine the cost per gram of a specific print, it’s important to use a 3D printing cost calculator. Many calculators allow you to input the type of material, the size of the print, and the printing time to estimate the cost of the print. Some popular calculators include Prusa’s price calculator, the filament cost calculator, and the 3D printing service cost calculator.

Overall, the cost per gram of 3D printing varies widely and depends on several factors. By using a cost calculator and considering the type of material, the size of the print, and the printing time, you can get a more accurate estimate of the cost of your print.

3D Print Cost per Cubic Inch/Cubic cm

Another way to calculate the cost of 3D printing is to determine the cost per cubic inch or cubic cm of the 3D printed object. This is calculated by dividing the total cost of the 3D print by the volume of the object. The cost per cubic inch or cubic cm will vary depending on the size and complexity of the object, as well as the material used.

It’s important to keep in mind that the cost of 3D printing can also be influenced by additional factors such as shipping, taxes, and any required post-processing, such as sanding or painting. To get the most accurate estimate of your 3D printing costs, it’s best to use a 3D print cost calculator or 3D printing cost estimator. Some popular options include the Prusa Cost Calculator, the Filament Cost Calculator, and the PLA Price Per Gram Calculator.

3D Print Cost Per Cubic Inch/Cubic cm of bounding box volume

A bounding box in 3D printing is a rectangular box that surrounds an object or model and defines the minimum space required to contain it. The size of the bounding box can be used to calculate the volume of material required to print an object and is often used to determine the cost of 3D printing. The bounding box dimensions are typically specified in terms of length, width, and height, and can be used to calculate the cost of printing by multiplying the volume of the box by the cost per cubic inch or cubic cm. This method of cost calculation is commonly used in powder bed 3D printing technology, where the material cost is the main factor affecting the total cost of the print.

Average Price of 3D Printing

Determining the average price of 3D printing can be challenging as there are several factors that can impact the cost, such as the type of material used, the size and complexity of the object, and the printing method. However, there are a few general rules of thumb to consider when estimating the cost of a 3D print.

For example, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) prints made with thermoplastics like PLA typically cost around $0.10 to $0.50 per gram.
Stereolithography (SLA) and Digital Light Processing (DLP) prints made with resin can range from $0.70 to $3 per gram.
Metal 3D printing cost anywhere from $10 to $100 per cubic centimeter, depending on the metal and printing method used.

It’s important to note that these are rough estimates and your actual 3D printing costs may vary. To get a more accurate idea of how much your print will cost, you can use a 3D printing cost calculator. These online tools allow you to input specific parameters such as the material, printing time, and object size, and they will provide you with a more detailed estimate of the cost.

3D print cost calculator excel

The use of a 3D print price calculator in excel can greatly help with the cost estimation of 3D printing projects. It is a simple spreadsheet tool that allows users to input various parameters such as the size of the print, material type, and printing time to determine the cost. This tool can be especially useful for those in the manufacturing or design industry as it helps to accurately estimate the cost of a project before committing to it. With a 3D print price calculator in excel, users can easily compare the costs of different materials and printing methods to determine which option is the most cost-effective. Furthermore, this tool can be customized to fit the specific needs of a user, such as incorporating the cost of labor, equipment, and other expenses. Having a 3D print price calculator in excel can help to streamline the process of cost estimation and ultimately lead to more informed and cost-effective 3D printing decisions.

In this video, Austen Hartley discusses how to calculate 3D print prices using Excel.

You can also download Austin’s 3D print calculator excel file.

Is 3D Printing Business Profitable?

The profitability of a 3D printing business depends on a number of factors, including:

The cost of the materials: The type and quality of materials used will affect the cost of the final product.
The cost of the 3D printer: The price of 3D printers can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
The cost of electricity: The amount of electricity used to power the 3D printer will also affect the cost of production.
The cost of labor: If you are hiring someone to operate the 3D printer, this will also add to the cost of production.
The selling price of the final product: The final product must be priced high enough to cover the cost of production and make a profit.

While entry-level desktop 3D printers can be relatively affordable, the cost of filament and other supplies can add up over time.

The cost of filament, the material used to create 3D prints, can vary depending on the type and quality of filament. For example, PLA filament is typically less expensive than ABS filament. Other supplies that may be needed for 3D printing include print beds, glue, and lubricants.

Additionally, high-end 3D printers and materials can be quite expensive.

High-end 3D printers can cost several thousand dollars, and the materials used in these printers can also be expensive. For example, metal 3D printing can be very expensive, as the materials used are typically very expensive.

As a result, 3D printing can be either a cheap or an expensive hobby depending on your budget and the level of investment you are willing to make.

If you are just starting out with 3D printing, it is a good idea to start with an entry-level desktop printer. This will allow you to learn the basics of 3D printing without having to invest a lot of money. Once you have gained some experience, you can decide if you want to upgrade to a more expensive printer.

However, compared to other hobbies such as woodworking or metalworking, 3D printing is relatively accessible and can provide a lot of value for your money if you’re interested in design, prototyping, or product development.

3D printing is a great way to create custom objects, prototypes, and even functional parts. It is also a relatively safe hobby, as there is no risk of injury from sharp tools or hazardous materials.

There are several ways to increase profitability in 3D printing, such as:

Reducing material waste: One way to reduce the cost of 3D printing is to reduce material waste. This can be done by using efficient slicing software and by printing parts that are designed to minimize waste.
Using cost-effective materials: Another way to increase profitability is to use cost-effective materials. There are a variety of materials available for 3D printing, and the cost of these materials can vary widely.
Streamlining production processes: By streamlining production processes, you can reduce the time and cost of producing 3D prints. This can be done by automating tasks, such as slicing and printing, and by optimizing your workflow.
Offering a unique and high-demand product: One of the best ways to increase profitability is to offer a unique and high-demand product. This will allow you to charge a premium for your products.

Ultimately, 3D printing can be a profitable business, but it requires careful consideration of costs and the market demand for the products being produced.

A 3D print cost calculator or 3D printing cost estimator can help determine the potential profitability of a particular project. It is also important to conduct market research to determine if there is a demand for the products you plan to offer.

3D printing can be a profitable business venture for those who are skilled in design, engineering, and marketing.

If you have the skills and knowledge to design and create high-quality 3D prints, and you are able to market your products effectively, then you can be successful in the 3D printing business.

Charging for a 3D Design

When it comes to charging for 3D designs, there is no set rule or formula. The price you charge for your 3D design depends on a number of factors, including:

The complexity of the design: The more complex the design, the more time and effort you will need to put into creating it, which will increase the overall cost. For example, a simple 3D model of a coffee mug might cost $50 to create, while a complex 3D model of a human heart might cost $500 or more.
The materials used: The cost of the materials used in 3D printing also affects the overall cost. Consider the cost of the filament or resin, as well as any additional materials such as support structures or other parts that may be needed. For example, a 3D model printed with ABS filament might cost $10 to print, while a 3D model printed with metal might cost $100 or more.
The time and effort: The amount of time and effort you put into a 3D design also affects the overall cost. Consider factors such as the amount of research and development time, the number of iterations you went through to get the design right, and the time spent on post-processing and finishing. For example, a 3D model that took you 10 hours to create might cost $50 to print, while a 3D model that took you 50 hours to create might cost $250 to print.
Your level of experience and expertise: Your level of experience and expertise in 3D design can also affect the price you charge. If you are a new 3D designer, you may need to charge less than a more experienced designer. However, if you have a lot of experience and expertise, you can charge more for your services.
The value of your designs: The value of your designs to your clients is also a factor to consider when pricing your services. If your designs are highly valuable to your clients, you can charge more for them. However, if your designs are not as valuable, you may need to charge less.

When pricing your 3D designs, it is important to be realistic and take into account all of these factors. You should also consider the level of competition in your field and the demand for your services. A good starting point is to research what others in your field are charging and adjust your pricing accordingly.

Here are some additional tips for pricing your 3D designs:

Be clear about your terms and conditions. This includes the number of revisions you will provide, the turnaround time, and the payment terms.
Offer discounts for bulk orders or repeat customers.
Provide value-added services, such as 3D printing or post-processing, to increase your profits.
Be flexible and willing to negotiate.

By following these tips, you can price your 3D designs competitively and make a profit from your work.

Conclusion

3D printing is a rapidly growing industry that has numerous applications and benefits. From prototyping to mass production, 3D printing has made the creation of physical objects more accessible and cost-effective. The cost of 3D printing varies depending on the size, complexity, material, and other factors. However, it’s possible to estimate the cost of a 3D print using a 3D print cost calculator or a 3D printing cost estimator.

It’s also important to consider the cost of 3D printing per hour and per gram, which can greatly affect the overall cost of a print. On average, the cost of 3D printing is around $0.10 to $0.50 per cubic centimeter, with the most affordable method being FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling).

For those who offer 3D printing services or create 3D designs, it’s important to consider factors such as the cost of materials, machine maintenance, and hourly rate to determine the right price for your work. Ultimately, 3D printing can be a profitable venture if you have the right skills, equipment, and pricing strategy.

In conclusion, 3D printing is an exciting and constantly evolving technology that has the potential to transform the way we create and produce physical objects. Whether you’re a hobbyist, manufacturer, or designer, there are numerous resources available to help you calculate the cost of 3D printing and make informed decisions about your next project.