3D printing is now more accessible than ever. Whether you are a hobbyist experimenting at home or a business looking to prototype parts quickly, the cost of 3D printing can vary significantly. Understanding what influences the price of a 3D print is essential for budgeting and planning. From the type of printer and material used to the complexity of the design and print time, every element has an impact on the final cost.
In this guide, we will break down the typical costs involved in 3D printing and help you decide whether to print in-house or outsource to a professional service.
The Basics of 3D Printing Costs
At the core of any 3D print job are two primary cost factors: the material and the machine. The material, usually plastic filament or resin, is priced by weight. The printer, whether you own it or use a printing service, contributes to cost through energy usage, wear on parts and time spent running. Labour may also be involved, particularly if design adjustments or post-processing are required.
Other costs to consider include design software licences, model preparation, supports and failures that can waste time and material. If you are outsourcing, you may also face delivery charges or minimum order fees.
Material Costs
The most common materials used in 3D printing are PLA, ABS and PETG, with prices starting from around £15 to £25 per kilogram. These are typically used in home and desktop FDM printers. If you are printing small models, a single kilogram of filament can last quite a while. Resin printing, often used for finer detail, can be more expensive. Bottles of resin usually cost between £30 and £60 per litre depending on quality and finish.
More advanced materials like nylon, carbon fibre-infused plastics or flexible TPU will increase your material costs. Industrial prints using metals or composites are in a completely different league, often priced per gram and requiring highly specialised machines.
Machine Costs and In-House Printing
If you already own a 3D printer, you may think the cost of each print is minimal. However, the price of the machine, maintenance, and electricity all add up. Entry-level printers for hobbyists can cost from £150 to £500, while professional printers used in business environments may cost several thousand pounds.
Printing time is also a cost to consider. The longer the print takes, the more energy is consumed and the more wear is placed on your machine. A print that takes several hours or even a full day could result in higher overall running costs even if the material is cheap.
Outsourcing to a 3D Print Service
If you do not have a printer of your own, there are many online 3D printing services that let you upload a model and receive a finished print in the post. The cost depends on size, complexity and material, but typical prices for small items range from £10 to £50. Larger or more intricate parts can cost £100 or more.
Professional services also offer options for metal printing, multi-material printing or large format prints, all of which come with significantly higher prices. However, the benefit is you are paying for expertise, high-end machines and post-processing quality you may not achieve at home.
Software and Design Costs
Another hidden cost in 3D printing is the design work. If you are creating your own model from scratch, you may need CAD software which can range from free basic tools to professional packages costing hundreds per year. Alternatively, you may pay a freelance designer to prepare a print-ready file. This can cost anywhere from £20 to several hundred pounds depending on complexity.
Time and Labour
3D printing is not always instant. You will need time to prepare your design, calibrate your machine and possibly sand or finish the model afterwards. If the process is part of a business workflow, the time spent managing prints becomes a labour cost.
Failures are also part of the process. Prints can warp, come unstuck or suffer from incomplete layers. Each failure means lost material, lost time and added cost.
Typical Cost Examples
To give a rough idea, here are some common 3D print scenarios and their likely costs:
A small home-printed item like a phone stand might use 50 grams of PLA filament. That is about £1.25 in material. Factoring in machine wear and power, the total cost may be closer to £2 or £3.
A medium desktop print such as a figurine or model for tabletop gaming may cost £5 to £10 in filament and electricity. If using resin, this could rise to £15 to £20.
A larger outsourced model like a mechanical prototype might cost £50 to £150 depending on scale, finish and material choice.
Ways to Reduce Costs
If you are printing at home, you can reduce costs by slicing your model efficiently, avoiding excessive supports and combining small parts in one print job. Buying filament in bulk also helps cut material costs. For business use, investing in a reliable machine can reduce failures and lower the cost per unit over time.
If outsourcing, comparing quotes from multiple providers and choosing a slower turnaround time can also lead to savings.
Final Thoughts
The cost of 3D printing depends on several factors including materials, equipment, size, complexity and whether you are printing in-house or outsourcing. For hobbyists, small models can be very affordable. For businesses, the cost is higher but still far less than traditional manufacturing methods for low volumes. Understanding what influences the cost will help you make smarter choices and get the most from your 3D printing project.