🔹 Disclaimer – Personal Opinions
📌 The following is not a set of strict rules or officially recognized industry standards.
📌 Instead, it reflects my personal methodology and how I price my services.
📌 Each professional may have a different pricing system, depending on:
✔️ Their business model.
✔️ The market they target.
✔️ Their level of expertise.
👉 Feel free to read this as advice, take what suits you, and adapt the rest to your needs.
🛠️ The Stages of 3D Design and Pricing
To establish proper pricing, we first need to break down the 3D design process into its key stages.
✔️ Core Steps:
1️⃣ Understanding our position in the market.
2️⃣ Analyzing the stages of the design process.
3️⃣ Defining accurate pricing for each stage.
🔍 Where Do We Stand in the Market?
📌 Until recently, 3D design services were only accessible to large companies due to expensive software and specialized expertise.
🔹 With the expansion of 3D printing, more individuals and small businesses are looking for custom designs tailored to their needs.
✔️ What category do we fall into?
3D design is positioned between graphic designers and mechanical engineers:
- Graphic Designer: Works on 2D designs (logos, graphics, print layouts).
- 3D Designer: Creates three-dimensional objects, manages geometry, and prepares designs for production.
- Mechanical Engineer: Designs technical parts and industrial components with strict engineering requirements.
📌 Conclusion:
✔️ 3D designers charge more than graphic designers because we handle complex 3D geometries and production processes.
✔️ We charge less than mechanical engineers because we don’t always need to conduct structural and mechanical analysis (unless required).
🔹 Example:
📌 A client wants a 3D sign for their business.
- If it were a 2D design, a graphic designer could do it for €100-€200.
- Since it requires 3D modeling and volume, the price increases to €250-€400.
- If the sign needed to be manufactured using CNC machining or injection molding, it would require engineering specifications, raising the cost above €1,000.
💰 How Do We Price Our Work?
✔️ General Pricing Guidelines:
✔️ Basic graphic work (e.g., converting a logo to 3D) → €150 - €300/hour
✔️ Complex mechanical 3D design (without project documentation) → €500 - €700/hour
✔️ Advanced mechanical designs → €700+/hour + potential Royalties
📌 Pricing should reflect knowledge, expertise, and the time invested in the process.
🔹 Example:
📌 A client needs a spare part for their drone.
- If it’s a simple replacement part, it might cost €100-€200.
- If it requires aerodynamic simulation and testing, the price jumps to €500-€800.
🔹 The Stages of the Process
Understanding the Client’s Needs and the Design Concept
📌 In this phase, the client describes what they need.
✅ If they have a clear idea and can communicate it well, the process is quick.
❌ If they lack technical knowledge, they require guidance, which adds cost.
🔹 Example:
📌 A client wants a custom phone stand.
✔️ If they provide precise dimensions and requirements, it can be designed in 1-2 hours.
❌ If they don’t know what they need and require multiple revisions, the process can take 5-6 hours.
⏳ Analysis Time and Simulations
📌 If the design requires engineering simulations (stress tests, fluid dynamics, thermal analysis), these must be priced separately.
✅ Simulations require powerful hardware and extra computation time.
🔹 Example:
📌 If we design a metal bracket that must support weight, we need to test if it will break.
✔️ Without structural simulation, there’s a risk of failure.
✔️ With a proper strength test, the cost increases by €300-€500, but guarantees reliability.
📏 Materials and Printing Techniques
📌 Designing for PLA, PETG, or PEEK involves different considerations.
✅ If a material change is needed, the design must be adapted, requiring additional work and pricing adjustments.
🔹 Example:
📌 A design optimized for PLA can be printed easily.
📌 If it needs to be printed in Nylon with carbon fiber, the wall thickness and geometry must change, increasing work by 30-50%.
🎯 Pricing Should Be Clear and Transparent
✅ We charge for knowledge, expertise, and our ability to transform ideas into physical products.
📌 If you offer this service, make sure you understand its value! 🚀
