🔹 Disclaimer – Personal Opinions
📌 The following information is not absolute facts or industry-wide standards.
📌 This is my personal approach to pricing 3D printing services based on my experience.
📌 Each professional must develop their own pricing model based on:
✔️ Their business structure.
✔️ Their market.
✔️ Their operational costs.
👉 Read this as guidance, take what fits your needs, and adjust the rest to your business strategy!
🛠️ The Breakdown of 3D Printing Costs
3D printing cost estimation is simpler than 3D design pricing because it revolves around a production process.
✔️ We have specific materials.
✔️ We use defined machines.
✔️ We follow a structured workflow.
🔹 The main cost drivers are:
1️⃣ File preparation (receiving and processing the model).
2️⃣ Slicing and optimization (preparing the file for printing).
3️⃣ Risk management (ensuring print success).
4️⃣ Production and logistics (material supply and processing time).
5️⃣ Post-processing, packaging, and shipping (finalizing and delivering the product).
1️⃣ Receiving and Processing the 3D File
📌 Before starting, we analyze the client's request and 3D model.
✅ It is essential to collect detailed specifications upfront to prevent errors later.
Client Information Checklist:
✔️ File format: STL, 3MF, OBJ (we do not print images or non-3D files).
✔️ Desired print settings (layer height, infill, material, etc.).
✔️ Mechanical requirements: Does the part need high strength, flexibility, or precision?
✔️ Production volume: Single prototype or bulk manufacturing?
🔹 Example:
📌 A customer sends an STL file for a phone stand but doesn’t specify the size.
✔️ We confirm the intended dimensions before printing to avoid costly reprints.
2️⃣ Slicing and Optimization
📌 In this phase, we prepare the file using slicing software (e.g., Bambu Studio, Cura, PrusaSlicer).
✅ The goal is to balance quality, speed, and material consumption.
Key Factors in Slicing:
✔️ Print Time – Longer prints cost more.
✔️ Layer Height – Thinner layers = higher quality but longer print time.
✔️ Infill Density – More infill = stronger but more expensive parts.
✔️ Support Structures – Needed for overhangs but increase material usage.
🔹 Example:
📌 A customer wants a detailed figurine with smooth curves.
✔️ A 0.1mm layer height is needed for high quality but doubles print time compared to 0.2mm.
✔️ The customer must choose between quality and cost.
3️⃣ Risk Management: Ensuring a Successful Print
📌 3D printing is not a 100% error-free process!
❌ Clients often assume perfect results, unaware of printing limitations.
✅ We factor in risk management costs to ensure success.
Types of Risk Management:
✔️ Print Speed Adjustment – Slower speeds = higher success rate but longer print times.
✔️ Extra Support Material – More support reduces failures but increases material use.
✔️ Print Distribution – Spreading prints across multiple machines to reduce risk.
Risk Calculation Strategy:
✅ Standard projects: 5-10% risk buffer.
✅ Complex designs or unstable machines: 15-25% extra material & time.
🔹 Example:
📌 A client orders a complex gear assembly with thin walls.
✔️ We increase print time by 15% to improve adhesion and reduce failure risk.
4️⃣ Production Logistics & Material Stock Management
📌 Proper inventory management ensures smooth production.
✅ We must always have enough raw materials (filament, resins, spare parts) to fulfill orders.
Stock Calculation Formula:
✅ Daily material usage × Days to restock × Safety factor
🔹 Example:
📌 We consume 4 kg of PLA per day and need 7 days to receive new stock.
✔️ Minimum stock: 4 × 7 = 28 kg.
✔️ Safety stock: 50% buffer → 42 kg total required at all times.
5️⃣ Post-Processing, Packaging & Shipping
📌 3D prints often require additional finishing:
✔️ Support removal – Cleaning excess material.
✔️ Sanding & Polishing – Smoother surfaces for aesthetic parts.
✔️ Coating & Painting – If required by the client.
✔️ Heat treatment – Strength improvement for engineering parts.
🔹 Example:
📌 A functional prototype may need acetone vapor smoothing for a professional finish.
✔️ This adds labor time and increases cost.
🔹 How to Calculate the Cost of 3D Printing
1️⃣ Printing Time Calculation
✅ Use a slicing software (Bambu Studio, PrusaSlicer, Cura) to estimate time & material usage.
✔️ Multiply print time by the hourly machine cost.
🔹 Example:
📌 A 2-hour print job at €5/hour = €10 base cost.
2️⃣ Material Cost Calculation
✅ Multiply filament usage (grams or meters) × material cost per unit.
🔹 Example:
📌 A part requires 100g of PLA, and PLA costs €0.03/g.
✔️ 100 × 0.03 = €3 material cost.
3️⃣ Risk & Failure Cost
✅ If 10% failure rate is expected, increase cost by 10%.
🔹 Example:
📌 If a print job costs €20, with 10% failure risk, the final price is:
✔️ €20 × 1.1 = €22 total cost.
4️⃣ Minimum Order Price
📌 We set a minimum print charge to ensure profitability.
✅ Our minimum order fee is €15, even for small 5-minute prints.
🔹 Example:
📌 A customer needs a small plastic clip that prints in 10 minutes.
✔️ The material + machine time = €5, but since it's below €15, the client pays the minimum price.
🎯 Final Thoughts on 3D Printing Pricing
🚀 Key Takeaways:
✔️ Printing is more than just filament costs – risk and labor must be factored in.
✔️ Client expectations must be managed carefully (3D prints are NOT the same as injection-molded parts).
✔️ Bulk printing discounts apply, but setup and failure rates increase with volume.
✔️ Post-processing costs must always be included in pricing.
📌 3D printing is a business – price accordingly!
✅ Charge for time, knowledge, and risk management.
🚀 Never undervalue your expertise – price fairly and sustainably!
