Understanding 3D Printing Costs
This calculator estimates the cost of 3D printing based on material, electricity, equipment depreciation, labor, and a profit markup. You can input filament weight directly or calculate the surface area of a regular pyramid to estimate material usage for coating or solid models.
Material cost depends on filament type and weight. Electricity and depreciation costs account for printer usage, while labor includes setup and print time. A markup ensures profitability. Costs vary based on filament quality, printer efficiency, and local electricity rates.
Cost Breakdown Example
| Component | Cost ($) | Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| Material | 2.00 | 100g PLA at $20/kg |
| Electricity | 0.09 | 3 hours at 100W, $0.15/kWh |
| Depreciation | 0.40 | $2000 printer, 5000-hour lifetime, 3 hours |
| Labor | 1.50 | $15/hour, 3 hours + 10 min setup |
| Profit (30%) | 1.12 | 30% of total cost |
How to Use the 3D Printing Cost Calculator
- Choose whether to input filament weight or calculate pyramid surface area for material estimation.
- For filament weight: Enter the weight and select a filament type or custom values. For pyramid: Enter base side length, height type, and height.
- Enter print time, printer power, electricity cost, printer cost, lifetime, labor rate, setup time, and markup percentage.
- Click "Calculate 3D Printing Cost" to see the total cost and final price with markup.
Cost Breakdown
Cost components for a sample 3-hour print with 100g PLA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors affect 3D printing costs?
Costs depend on material (filament type and weight), print time, electricity, printer depreciation, labor, and desired profit margin.
How does pyramid surface area help estimate material?
For models like pyramids or when coating surfaces, the surface area (base + lateral faces) can estimate material usage by approximating filament needed for a given thickness.