“How much will it cost to print this?” is everyone’s first question. The honest answer is: it depends. Two parts of the same size can cost quite differently depending on their internal structure, material and technology. Instead of guessing, it is better to understand which factors form the price – then every quote becomes predictable. Here is how the real cost of a print is calculated.
The five factors that determine the price
Material
How many grams go in and their price per kilogram. PLA is cheap; composites, resins and metal powders are significantly more expensive.
Print time
How many hours the machine runs. Depends on size, layer height, speed and complexity. Time is both depreciation and energy.
Technology
FDM is cheapest; SLA adds cost for resin and washing; SLS and metal are industrial in cost.
Post-processing
Support removal, sanding, painting, UV curing. Manual labour is often the hidden big part of the price.
Depreciation & energy
The machine wears out, electricity costs money. In professional printing these are built into the cost per hour.
Why infill matters
A hollow or lightly filled part uses less material and prints faster – so it is cheaper. That is why two models of the same outer size can cost differently: the internal geometry matters, not just the dimensions. Often 15–20% infill is perfectly enough and saves noticeably.
Buy a printer or use a service
- Your own printer makes sense for frequent printing – entry FDM machines are affordable, but you add materials, maintenance, a learning curve and calibration.
- A printing service is more sensible for one-off needs, special technologies (metal, SLS) or when you need professional quality without investing in a machine.
How to get an accurate price
Instead of guessing, use the cost calculator – it accounts for material, print time, technology and part parameters and gives a realistic estimate before you even order.
Calculate your price
The cost of 3D printing is understandable once you know the factors. For an exact number try the cost calculator and the other tools. If you are choosing between technologies by budget, see FDM vs SLA vs SLS and the printer buyer’s guide. And if you prefer a finished part without a machine – request a quote through our 3D printing services.
The full picture
This article is one page from The Big Book of 3D Printing: 704 illustrated pages covering every technology, material and fix in one reference.
Read it on Kindle →Frequently asked questions
How much does 3D printing cost?
What are the main factors that determine the price of a 3D print?
Does infill percentage affect 3D printing cost?
Should I buy a 3D printer or use a printing service?
Engineer, author of The Big Book of 3D Printing and additive manufacturing expert
Updated on 30 May 2026
This article was written with AI assistance; the facts were checked against the sources on 30 May 2026.