Use this comprehensive 3D Printing Price Calculator to accurately estimate the final cost of a printed part. Simply input your material usage, machine time, and desired markup to get a detailed breakdown of the final price.
3D Printing Price Calculator
Calculated Final Price
$0.00Detailed Calculation Steps
3D Printing Price Calculator Formula
Formula Source: 3D Printing Cost Analysis, Simplify3D Pricing Guide
Variables
Understanding the key variables is crucial for accurate pricing:
- Material Cost per Gram ($): The cost of the filament or powder, divided by its mass. This is often the largest variable cost.
- Part Weight in Grams (g): The final mass of the printed object, which dictates the total material usage.
- Machine Hourly Rate ($): The fixed cost per hour to run the machine, covering depreciation, electricity, maintenance, and overhead.
- Print Time in Hours (hr): The total duration the 3D printer is actively running for the specific part.
- Markup Percentage (%): The profit margin added to the total production cost to cover labor, post-processing, and business overhead.
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What is 3D Printing Price Calculator?
A 3D Printing Price Calculator is a specialized tool designed to estimate the final selling price of a 3D-printed part. Unlike traditional manufacturing, 3D printing costs are highly granular, relying heavily on variables like material volume, machine runtime, and specialized post-processing. This calculator consolidates all these factors into a single, predictable formula.
The primary goal is to ensure profitability by capturing all costs: direct (material, time) and indirect (overhead, labor, support structure removal). By accurately accounting for these elements, businesses can set competitive prices that still yield a healthy profit margin, preventing underpricing or overpricing that can hurt market position.
How to Calculate 3D Printing Price (Example)
Follow these steps to calculate the final price for a typical FDM part:
- Determine Material Cost: A part weighs 150g, and the PLA filament costs $0.10 per gram. Material Cost = $0.10 $\times$ 150g = $15.00.
- Determine Machine Time Cost: The print takes 6 hours, and the machine’s hourly rate (including electricity/maintenance) is $40/hr. Machine Cost = $40 $\times$ 6hr = $240.00.
- Calculate Total Production Cost: Add the direct costs: $15.00 (Material) + $240.00 (Machine) = $255.00.
- Apply Markup: The business requires a 25% markup. Markup Factor = $1 + 0.25 = 1.25$.
- Determine Final Price: Multiply the production cost by the markup factor: $255.00 $\times$ 1.25 = $318.75$.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the machine hourly rate the same as electricity cost?
No. The machine hourly rate is a comprehensive overhead figure. It includes electricity, but also depreciation of the printer, cost of failed prints, routine maintenance, and facility rent allocated per hour of machine usage.
Why is part weight so important for cost?
Part weight directly correlates with the amount of material used. Since 3D printing materials (especially resins and specialized filaments) can be expensive, a slight increase in weight can significantly inflate the total material cost.
Does this calculator include post-processing labor?
The markup percentage is generally intended to cover indirect costs like post-processing (sanding, painting, support removal) and labor not directly tied to the machine runtime. You must ensure your markup is sufficient to cover these hours.
What is a reasonable markup percentage for 3D printing services?
This varies widely by market, material, and service. High-volume, simple parts might use 10-20%, while low-volume, highly complex or specialized material parts might require 50-100% markup to ensure profitability.