How Much Does 3D Printing Cost? What the Price Depends On

“How much will it cost?” is everyone’s first question before a 3D print. The price is different for every part, so below is exactly what it depends on and how to get the exact figure for your model.

What makes up the price of a 3D print

Each piece is priced from three parts:

• Material — how many grams of plastic go into the part, and which material.
• Machine time — how many hours the printer runs.
• Setup — preparing the print, taking the part off the printer and checking each piece.

The grams and the time aren’t guessed: the calculator runs your file through a real slicer — the software that prepares the print — and takes the exact values from it.

What makes a 3D print more expensive

• Size and density. More material means a higher price. A solid cube costs far more than a box of the same size.
• Height. The printer builds layer by layer, so a tall part takes longer than a flat one of the same volume.
• Overhangs. Parts that “hang in the air” need supports — a temporary structure that costs material and time.
• Very fine layers. More detail means more layers and more time.
• Several colours. In a multi-colour print the printer switches material, which adds time and material.

How to pay less for the same part

1. Order several at once. Larger quantities lower the price per piece.
2. Rotate the model. The calculator lets you pick the orientation. A part lying on its widest face often needs no supports and prints faster.
3. Pick “Optimal” strength. Higher infill is only needed for heavily loaded parts.
4. Combine several small parts in one request instead of ordering each separately.

How to get the exact price

The fastest way is to upload your STL or 3MF file — the price appears in seconds, no sign-up, no emails. If you don’t have a 3D model, see how to order a 3D print or write to us with a photo and dimensions.