Welcome to the Free 3D Print Cost Calculator. Determine the true cost of your next additive manufacturing project by factoring in material consumption, print duration, machine overhead, and profit margins.
3D Print Cost Calculator Free
3D Print Cost Calculator Formula
Total Cost = (Material Cost + Operational Cost) × (1 + Markup)
Where:
Material Cost = (Material Cost per Gram × Material Weight Used)
Operational Cost = (Total Print Time × Machine & Labor Rate per Hour)
Formula Source: Simplify3D – Cost Breakdown, All3DP – Pricing Guide
Variables Explained
- Material Cost per Gram ($): The raw cost of your filament or resin, typically priced by weight.
- Material Weight Used (Grams): The total mass of material consumed by the final part and its support structure.
- Total Print Time (Hours): The elapsed time the 3D printer is actively running for the part.
- Machine & Labor Rate per Hour ($): The cumulative overhead (electricity, depreciation, maintenance) plus the cost of labor for monitoring and preparation.
- Markup/Profit Percentage (%): The percentage added to the base cost to cover unforeseen issues (like failed prints) and generate profit.
Related Calculators
- 3D Print Time Estimator
- Filament Cost Comparison Tool
- CNC Machining Cost Calculator
- Material Yield Rate Analyzer
What is a 3D Print Cost Calculator?
A 3D Print Cost Calculator is a vital tool for both professional service bureaus and hobbyists looking to accurately price their projects. It moves beyond simply estimating the material used to incorporate the “hidden” operational expenses of additive manufacturing. This ensures that the final price reflects the true expenditure of producing a part.
Accurate cost assessment prevents underpricing, which is critical for business sustainability. By modularizing costs—material, time, and overhead—users gain transparency. For instance, realizing that the $5/hour machine rate contributes more than the material weight for a long, thin print allows for better optimization strategies.
How to Calculate 3D Print Cost (Example)
- Calculate Material Cost: Assume $0.05/gram and 200 grams used. Material Cost = $0.05 × 200 = $10.00.
- Calculate Operational Cost: Assume 8.5 print hours and a $5.00/hour rate. Operational Cost = 8.5 × $5.00 = $42.50.
- Determine Base Cost: Base Cost = Material Cost + Operational Cost = $10.00 + $42.50 = $52.50.
- Apply Markup: If a 25% markup is applied (0.25). Total Cost = $52.50 × (1 + 0.25) = $65.63.
- Final Result: The total minimum quoted cost for the print should be $65.63.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I include electricity costs in the hourly rate?
Yes. The “Machine & Labor Rate per Hour” should be a comprehensive figure that includes electricity, machine amortization (depreciation), and any hands-on post-processing labor required.
Why is a Markup Percentage necessary?
The markup covers non-calculable costs, most importantly, the average cost of failed prints, which can be significant. It also ensures a healthy profit margin for the service provider.
What is a typical Machine & Labor Rate?
Rates vary widely. For professional FDM machines, this can range from $3/hour to over $20/hour depending on maintenance, machine class, and required technician skill level.
Does this calculator handle resin printing costs?
Yes. Simply input the cost of resin per gram (or ml, if density is known) and the total grams of resin consumed. The principle of time-based overhead remains the same.