How is the price of a 3D print built up?
With 3D printing you mainly pay for material. The basic formula is simple: part volume (cm³) × material price (per cm³) = the starting point of the price per part. Finishing and VAT come on top where applicable.
Volume is the material actually in your part, not the size of the box around it. A large but thin-walled enclosure can therefore cost less than a small solid block. Your CAD software usually shows the volume in the model's properties.
Besides volume and material, three more things play a part:
- Orientation: how the part sits in the printer determines, for SLA, how much support material is needed and how tall the print becomes.
- Finishing: sanding, blasting, painting or lacquering takes extra work and is separate from the starting price per cm³.
- Quantity: the number of parts affects how a build is planned. In Quotebase you see the price for the quantity you choose.
Starting price per 3D printing technology
Each technology has its own starting price per cm³. It depends on the material (resin, plastic powder or metal powder) and on the process. All prices are starting prices, per cm³, excl. VAT and excl. finishing.
| Technology | Material | Where | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDM | Plastic filament (PLA, PETG, ABS) | In-house | €0.15/cm³ |
| SLA | Photopolymer resin | In-house | €0.20/cm³ |
| SLS | PA12 powder, TPU | Via partners | €0.40/cm³ |
| MJF | PA12 powder | Via partners | €0.45/cm³ |
| SLM | Metal powder (steel, aluminium, titanium) | Via partners | €2.92/cm³ |
| Binder Jetting | Metal powder with binder | Via partners | €3.80/cm³ |
Note: the starting price per technology is the lowest rate within that technology. The material you choose sets the actual price per cm³. A standard SLA resin, for example, costs more than the SLA starting price.
FDM is not in Quotebase yet. For an FDM part, request a custom quote by email; you'll get a reply within one working day. SLA, SLS, MJF, SLM and Binder Jetting you can price yourself in Quotebase.
Worked examples
Below are four worked examples using the same formula. They are not customer orders: it is volume × the material's starting price, per part, excl. VAT and finishing. Volume × material price is a starting point; you'll see your actual price in Quotebase.
| Worked example | Technology and material | Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| Prototype enclosure | SLA, Grey Resin | 25 cm³ × €0.45/cm³ = €11.25 |
| Functional clamp | MJF, PA12 Grey | 40 cm³ × €0.52/cm³ = €20.80 |
| The same clamp in SLS | SLS, PA12 White | 40 cm³ × €0.65/cm³ = €26.00 |
| Lightweight metal bracket | SLM, Titanium TC4 | 60 cm³ × €6.50/cm³ = €390.00 |
What do these examples show?
A small 25 cm³ SLA enclosure in Grey Resin starts from €11.25 per part. The same 40 cm³ clamp costs from €20.80 in MJF and from €26.00 in SLS: the technology alone already makes a difference, even though both are PA12.
Metal sits in a different price range. A 60 cm³ titanium bracket starts from €390.00. That is down to the expensive metal powder and the slower process. So choose titanium when weight and strength really matter.
How to lower the price of your 3D print
Because you pay per cm³, every cm³ you take out of the design has a direct effect. These changes work best:
- Hollow out solid sections. A hollow shape with a sturdy wall uses far less material. For powder processes (SLS, MJF) and for SLA, add at least two openings so powder or resin can escape.
- Choose a realistic wall thickness. Thicker than needed costs money with no benefit. Stick to the technology's minimum wall thickness and add ribs where you need stiffness.
- Pick the technology that fits the function. A visual model doesn't need PA12 or metal. A functional PA12 part is often less expensive in MJF than in SLS, as the worked example shows.
- Keep finishing to where it's needed. A blasted or painted surface looks good, but only makes sense on visible faces or where it helps the function.
- Use metal only where it's required. Sometimes a PA12 part with a metal insert does the job instead of a fully metal print.
Which technology fits your budget?
- Choose FDM for a simple concept model, jig or fixture where visible layer lines are not a problem.
- Choose SLA for a smooth surface and fine detail, for example a presentation model or a vacuum casting master.
- Choose MJF or SLS for a strong, functional plastic part or a small series.
- Choose SLM or Binder Jetting when the part genuinely has to be metal.
Your exact price in a few minutes
Upload your STL or STEP file to Quotebase, choose technology, material and quantity, and you'll see straight away what your part costs. Not sure what to pick? Email info@makernaut.be (Mon-Fri 8-18) and we'll take a look with you.