Use this calculator to accurately estimate the total cost of your 3D printed parts, incorporating material, machine time, labor, and fixed overheads.
3D Print Price Calculator
Calculation Steps:
3D Print Price Calculator Formula
$$Total\ Price = (M_{weight} \times \frac{C_{material}}{1000}) + (T_{print} \times R_{hourly}) + C_{fixed}$$
Where:
- $M_{weight}$: Material Weight in grams (g)
- $C_{material}$: Material Cost per kilogram (USD/kg)
- $T_{print}$: Print Time in hours (h)
- $R_{hourly}$: Machine & Labor Hourly Rate (USD/hr)
- $C_{fixed}$: Fixed Overhead / Setup Cost (USD)
Variables
- Material Weight: The total mass of the final part plus support material, measured in grams (g).
- Material Cost (USD/kg): The cost of the raw filament or resin per kilogram.
- Print Time (hours): The total duration the 3D printer is actively running.
- Machine & Labor Hourly Rate: The cost to cover machine depreciation, electricity, and operator labor per hour of printing.
- Fixed Overhead / Setup Cost: One-time costs for a job, such as slicing time, machine calibration, and post-processing setup.
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What is 3D Print Price Calculation?
Calculating the accurate price of a 3D printed part moves beyond simply weighing the material used. It is a critical component of running a profitable 3D printing service or project. The total cost is composed of variable costs (which change based on the part geometry and size) and fixed costs (which are the same regardless of the print run).
The variable costs are primarily driven by material consumption and print duration. Print duration directly impacts machine wear, power consumption, and the labor required to monitor the process. A precise price calculation ensures that all operational expenses are covered, allowing for competitive pricing while maintaining profit margins.
How to Calculate 3D Print Price (Example)
- Calculate Material Cost: A part weighs 50g, and the material costs $25.00/kg. Material Cost = $$(50g \times \frac{\$25.00}{1000}) = \$1.25$$.
- Calculate Time-Based Cost: The print takes 12 hours, and the hourly rate is $5.00/hr. Time Cost = $$(12h \times \$5.00/hr) = \$60.00$$.
- Add Fixed Costs: The job has a one-time fixed overhead of $10.00.
- Determine Total Price: Total Price = $$\$1.25 + \$60.00 + \$10.00 = \$71.25$$.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the material cost the most significant factor in 3D printing?
Generally, no. While exotic materials can be expensive, for standard filaments (like PLA or PETG), the machine time and labor costs (overhead rate) often account for 70% to 90% of the total price, especially for long prints.
Why do I need to include a Fixed Overhead cost?
Fixed overhead covers non-printing labor such as file preparation (slicing), machine setup, part removal, initial cleanup, and packaging. These costs exist whether the print takes 1 hour or 100 hours.
How is the Machine & Labor Hourly Rate determined?
It is calculated by summing the hourly cost of the machine (depreciation, maintenance, electricity) and the hourly wage of the operator, divided by the number of prints that can be monitored simultaneously.
What is the maximum weight I can input?
The calculator accepts any non-negative weight. However, for practical purposes, most professional 3D prints range from a few grams up to several kilograms.