3D printer filament cost per gram

How Much Does 3D Printing Cost?

There are several variables that contribute to the cost of 3D printing, including print time, the type of material used, and post-processing labor. Many 3D printing service companies will bill based on an hourly rate, while others may bill according to cubic inches or a combination of both.

For sake of clarity, this article will discuss 3D printing cost factors as they pertain to the industrial level. Below, we will discuss how the print time, type of material, and post-processing labor factor in to the cost of a 3D printed part.

Print Time

Many factors influence the time it takes to complete a 3D print. These factors primarily stem from the part’s design specifications, including its complexity, overall size, layer height, and resolution. Below, we’ll discuss what these elements are and how they can affect the build time:

Complexity

The complexity of a part’s geometry largely determines the shape of the cross-sectional layers that the 3D printer uses to create the part. If the layers are simple, such as single-island layers for a cube, the printer can complete them quickly. However, where there are small features, the printer will have to stop, move to the next location where the material continues, and start again. This creates islands that the printer must form boundaries for before continuing. Furthermore, some 3D printing technologies utilize support material for complex designs, and creating a layer made up of both model material and support material will take longer than a layer composed of only model material.

Overall Size

A part’s size can shorten or extend the print time drastically. Every 3D printer has a point of origin where the print head nozzle, laser, or light beam starts each layer. A large part requires this print head to move a farther distance from its starting point and, thus, the layer takes longer to complete than a part with a smaller footprint. Tall parts are also often time consuming because they require more layers to build them. For small parts, however, the printer can move through layer creation rapidly because the print head requires less movement from its starting position.

Z Height

In addition to overall size, your chosen Z height, or layer height, is an indicator of how long it will take to print your part. Every 3D printer will produce your part’s layers with a specified height so that all the layers are uniform in thickness. Thicker layers will allow the part to be printed more quickly than it would with thinner layers. However, thinner layers may be desired for a higher quality appearance in the part.

Resolution

A part’s quality, which is affected by the 3D printer’s resolution, is also worth considering when calculating print time. Resolution is primarily determined by the layer height used by the 3D printer, which can be adjusted for a finer resolution as desired. It is important to note, however, that a finer resolution will mean more layers, which means more time to print your part.

Furthermore, you may note that if you are planning to produce your part with a Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) 3D printer you will also need to account for infill influencing your part’s build time. FDM printers come with automatic settings to control your part’s infill, and it may be crucial to determine which infill will best suit your part’s application requirements while still accounting for time lost or gained from the selection.

Material

In addition to how much material you are using, your cost will also depend on what type of material you select. The majority of 3D printing materials can be categorized as one of four types: thermoplastics, photopolymers, polymers, and metals. Cost will fluctuate based on the specific material and the manufacturer, but for the most part, the estimates below are what you can expect each type of material to cost.

For these cost estimates, we are using numbers for raw materials only. A 3D printing service company will typically mark up costs 2-3 times these amounts, which you should factor into your total cost if producing via that route.

Thermoplastics

Thermoplastics are rigid, widely used materials that must be melted prior to extrusion. They are used in FDM 3D printers, which is the most common type of 3D printing. Because they are so commonly used, the cost of these materials is one of the lowest available. The average cost for thermoplastic model filament will range from $3.50 to $7.50 per cubic inch. Because FDM printers require the use of support material, it is necessary to include the cost of support material filament, which will cost around the same as model filament. However, only a fraction of the part’s overall volume will be comprised of this support material.

Photopolymers

Photopolymers are liquid resin thermosets that must be cured by UV light. They are used in PolyJet, MultiJet, and Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printers. Photopolymer model material will run $0.32 to $0.36 per gram, and support material may be between $0.11 and $0.21 per gram. This cost is based on the fact that photopolymer resins are made for these specific 3D printing processes and are not as widely used as thermoplastics. Keep in mind that SLA uses the model material for support structures and, therefore, will not need any additional support material to be purchased.

Polymers

Polymers are similar to thermoplastics, but they exist in a fine powdered state and are sintered together via a laser with Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). This powdered material is very cheap, costing around $0.10 per gram. Due to the nature of the SLS process supporting the parts with a type of powder “cake” of unsintered material, other support material is not needed.

Metals

Metal 3D printing materials are essentially the same as polymers in that they exist in a powdered form and are melted together via a laser with Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS). However, metal material is highly expensive, reaching around $0.60 per gram. Additionally, even though the DMLS printing process forms a powder cake like that of SLS, support structures are needed because metal is more dense than plastic.

Post-Processing Labor

After a print is done, the part will still have to go through more steps to make it ready to use. Some of these steps, such as the removal of support material, washing, sandblasting, sanding, drying, and gluing, will be mandatory for some parts and will not cost any extra fee. However, most all add-on steps, such as priming, dyeing, painting, coating, and more, will require extra time and manual labor to complete the part, which will factor into and result in a higher total cost.

3D Printing at 3 Space

Here at 3 Space, we aim to provide quality 3D printing services at an affordable price. Our expert engineers are happy to help advise you in how to get the best bang for your buck. For a personalized quote, contact us today.

The Real Cost of Cheap 3D Printer Filament — 3D-Fuel

The Real Cost of Cheap 3D Printer Filament

One factor that many forget about when calculating the cost of the filament is wasted time and materials. Yes, you can get a 1kg spool of no-name filament for $20 – a cost of $0.020/gram. But, a spool at this cost usually has filler materials, inconsistent diameter and ovality, and poor spool winds. All of these factors can cause issues leading to failed prints, which then need to be started again. And a failed print costs you, in more ways than you may realize.

It Costs To Re-Print

Many 3D printer operators know and understand the problems that can come along with using that no-name $20 Filament, but it’s hard to pass up that price, right? Maybe not. Using cheap materials can cost less, but in many cases leads to a jam partway through the print, requiring the print to be restarted and the partial print discarded. Let’s use the example of a 21 hour print that should only use 252 grams of Filament.

Using that same low-price filament, let’s say the print fails at exactly 50%. Assuming it prints successfully the second me, at $.020 per gram this print has now cost you $7.56 versus the original $5.04. A successful print will now take 31.5 hours versus the original 21 hours.

It Costs To Un-Jam

When cheap filament inevitably jams your printer, it may take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour to clear out. It may even take longer if the extruder has to be completely dismantled to clear the jam.

Assuming the jam is able to be cleared, this one failed print has already cost you an hour of hands-on me. On average, that’s half an hour of me you can’t get back and won’t be able to bill for. Some say time is more valuable than money, but let’s say you value one working hour at $50. With an hourly rate of $50, that’s $25 in lost revenue.

It Costs To Repair

In case the jam caused by that cheap filament is not able to be cleared, replacement parts will need to be purchased. A jam can even require the total replacement of an extruder or print head. A MakerBot Replicator 2 heater block assembly (a middle-of-the-road replacement part in terms of cost) costs $29.95. Even a simple nozzle replacement will cost $7. Remember, you’ve valued one working hour at $50. Multiply that by how many hours you spend clearing a jam, replacing parts, and restarting prints.

Suddenly, that $20 filament is not such a bargain.

ARE YOU GETTING A REAL VALUE?

So how much more are you getting for your purchase from a high-quality PLA supplier? These filaments don’t contain filler materials, have consistent diameters and ovality, and are well wound spools. This is all better for your budget, your printer, and your finished product. But what are you getting for your money? One of the primary comparison points for 3D printing materials is the cost per gram. Take a look at the cost per gram of three different PLA suppliers.

3D-Fuel • MakerBot • ColorFabb

A large spool of MakerBot PLA filament costs $48 and that spool contains 900g of filament. That leads to a cost of $.

053/gram.= $.053/gram

= 5.3¢/GRAM

ColorFabb filament spools cost $35.79. High quality, reputable filament for a decent price, right? Looking more closely, however, reveals that this filament spool only comes with 750g of filament per spool. That leads to a cost of $.047/ gram.= $.047/gram

= 4.7¢/GRAM

3D-Fuel spools of Standard PLA are loaded with a full 1000 grams of filament for $29.99 – a cost of $.029/gram. That’s less expensive per gram than both MakerBot and ColorFabb filament.

= 2.9¢/GRAM

Also consider that 3D-Fuel uses only genuine NatureWorks Ingeo™ PLA resin, with unparalleled low environmental impact and purity, and the real value is clear.

Filed in: filament, infographic, quality

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How to calculate the cost of printing on a 3D printer

For some ideas, 3D printing is the fastest and easiest solution. In some situations, purchasing your own 3D printer can be a good solution, but sometimes it is much more profitable and faster to order the necessary product from a company specializing in 3D printing. Yes, and many owners of a 3D printer are thinking about how to “monetize” their hobby, but how to correctly calculate their costs?

Despite the fact that it is customary to indicate the price per gram of working material, simply multiplying the weight of the model by the cost of 1 gram will be wrong. In addition to the cost of consumables, many more, at first glance, non-obvious costs are added to the price of the product.

Each 3D printing technology uses its own consumables. Let's analyze the most popular and affordable of them.

Available technologies and key differences

Currently, a huge number of 3D devices have appeared, from small desktop ones that fit on the desktop to huge industrial machines. Among the most affordable, 2 technologies can be distinguished - FDM and photopolymer printers (LCD / DLP / SLA).

FDM 3D printing

Today, the most affordable 3D printing technology is FDM. A variety of materials and 3D printers allow FDM to be applied to a wide range of applications.

Schematic operation of FDM printer

A large selection makes it easy to choose a 3D printer for a specific task or find a universal device.

The material for printing is a plastic thread - filament. On the market you can find filament for various tasks, for every “taste” and budget. These can be very inexpensive ABS and PLA plastics or specific ones - conductive, burnable, etc.

Pros:

Cons:

Despite the fact that FDM allows you to print a wide range of plastics with different properties, the technology has some limitations. For example, it is impossible to obtain a perfectly smooth surface, to produce miniature and very thin elements, or to produce parts with very complex internal geometry with high accuracy.

Photopolymer printing

Photopolymer printers can work on one of 3 technologies - SLA, DLP or LCD. These devices will come to the rescue if you need to make a small but very detailed model with many small details.

How photopolymer printers work

As a consumable material, a photopolymer resin hardened by UV radiation is used. Now there is a wide variety of photopolymer resins for every taste. From particularly strong and precise engineering or jewelry resins to soft flexes.

Pros:

High print precision
Good surface quality
A wide variety of printers and consumables

Minuses:

Photopolymer printers have shown themselves well in a variety of industries that require a perfectly smooth surface and high accuracy. They are used in dentistry, the jewelry industry, for making miniature master models for casting, and much more.

Industrial printers

These are already industrial machines, which require a separate room and sometimes certain requirements for ventilation, etc. In this article, we will not analyze these devices in detail, but briefly consider the most popular technologies.

FDM

In addition to desktop devices using FDM technology, industrial printers that work on the same principle are common.

This category includes devices with a large print area (from 30x30x30 cm and more). For example, Raise Pro2 with a print area of 30x30x30 cm.

Raise Pro2

Or machines designed for printing with refractory materials (eg PEEK). Such 3D printers usually have an active thermal chamber, and the extruder can be heated above 400 degrees.

CreatBot F160-PEEK designed to work with refractory plastics

Photopolymer printers

Industrial photopolymer devices usually have a much larger working area, compared to their "home" brothers. In addition, many processes have been optimized and automated for faster operation. On such printers, you can quickly and accurately produce a small batch of models, a large prototype or a master model.

Prismlab Large Area Industrial Resin Printer Family

3DP

3DP - Three-Dimensional Printing (translated as three-dimensional printing) is a logical continuation of conventional two-dimensional printers. Printing is done using nozzles that selectively apply a binder to the material (usually gypsum). A dye can be added to the binder and the model will be colored.

Colored plaster model

Since the plaster model is fragile, a similar principle is used for printing with metals. Only the finished product needs to be treated in an oven to remove the binder and improve strength. But despite the processing, such metal prints will still be inferior in strength to cast products.

MJM

This is a proprietary technology of 3D Systems. MJM is a mix of FDM, 3DP and sometimes SLA (depending on material chosen). Printing is done using a variety of small nozzles (from 96 to 488) located on the head of the machine. The accuracy and quality of the surface of models made in this way is in no way inferior to photopolymer printers.

Models made with MJM technology

Such devices can work with photopolymer resins, wax or thermoplastics. You can combine several materials at once - for example, for complex models, you can use wax as a support.

SLM

SLM is the layer-by-layer sintering of metal powder using a powerful laser. There are several similar technologies - SHS/SLS. The principle of operation is the same, only a thermal print head is used instead of a laser beam.

SLM Turbine

As a material for printing, you can use powders of various metals - gold, stainless steel, aluminum, various alloys, etc.

During printing, the working chamber is filled with an inert gas to prevent oxidation of metals. This allows printing even with titanium powder.

Models made by this method are in no way inferior, and sometimes even superior, to cast products. SLM allows you to produce models with complex internal geometry that cannot be produced by another method (casting or milling).

Cost of 3D printing

The cost of a model usually consists of several factors.

Equipment depreciation. The printer, like any machine, requires maintenance and periodic replacement of some parts. During operation, belts gradually stretch, bushings or linear bearings wear out. For example, when bushings or linear bearings are worn; shafts may wear out and need to be replaced.

Cost of materials

The main cost item for a 3D printer is, of course, the printed material.;

FDM (plastic filament)

Since FDM technology is by far the most common, the choice of filaments is very diverse.

Engineering plastics are usually nylon with various fillers added to improve the physical characteristics of the finished model. Special cost. plastics starts from 2000r per coil and above. It all depends on the manufacturer and filler (carbon fiber, fiberglass, etc.).

Decorative plastics are used to imitate various materials. Plastic can simply be unusually colored (luminous, transparent plastics) or a special filler is added to it (plastics with metal powder). The cost of decorative plastics starts from 1500 rubles per coil and more, depending on the filler.

A big advantage of FDM is the diverse choice of materials to work with. This allows, having one printer, to produce almost any product - from a child's toy to a complex engineering prototype.

Photopolymers (resin)

Photopolymer resin printing technology is becoming more and more accessible. There are many different resins.

The cost of ordinary colored resin starts from 2500 rubles per 0.5 kg (volume +/- 0.5 l). You can find a smaller volume of resin (250 gr) on sale. You can buy several different resins in small containers and find out in practice which one is best for a particular model.

Engineering resins are resins with increased strength. They can be used not only for printing decorative items, but also for making functional prototypes and models. The cost for 0.5 kg starts from 5900r and above.

Special resins - burnable, dental, soft flexes, etc. Depending on the resin, the price for 0.5 kg can start from 4800 rubles and more. It all depends on the characteristics of the resin.

Photopolymer resins have not yet reached such a variety as FDM filaments, but they are surely catching up. Although due to the fact that a liter of resin costs significantly more than a spool of filament, the cost of the product is much higher.

Print examples

FDM

Mag Pull (quick release loop) for G3 magazines.

The model was downloaded for free from an open source (the file can be downloaded here). Printing with engineering carbon-filled plastic (price per spool from 4700 rubles). The weight of the model with support is about 25 grams. Post-processing was not needed. The cost of the finished model is 250 rubles.

Plastic fastener

The file was downloaded from an open source (can be downloaded here). Plastic - carbon-filled nylon (price per coil from 4700r). The weight of the finished product is about 20 grams. Print without post-processing. The total cost is 200 rubles.

Model watch

The model is modeled to order (the cost of modeling is from 1000 rubles). The product is printed on an industrial printer using soluble support. Print without post-processing. The cost of the finished product - from 700 rubles per piece (depends on the number of required products).

Traction prosthesis

The model is taken from an open source (you can download the modified version of the prosthesis here). The weight of the used material is about 600 gr, printed with ABS plastic (the cost of the coil is from 800 r). After printing, post-processing and assembly took place. The total cost of the product - from 3000 r (depends on the print material, support material, filling, etc.).

Pedal layout

Production of a 3D model according to the drawing (from 1000 r). The weight of the finished model is about 200 gr. The product was printed with engineering carbon-filled plastic (the cost of the coil is from 4700 r). Post-processing was not needed. The cost of the finished product is about 3000 rubles.

Photopolymer printers

Model jaws for crowns

Files for printing were obtained using a 3D scanner and finalized in a 3D editor (the cost of scanning is from 3000 r, the cost of manual revision is from 1000 r). Printing on an industrial photopolymer printer. Post-processing is not needed. The cost of the finished product is from 80 r per gram.

Burnout resin rings

The model is made to order. Printing on a desktop SLA printer with a burnable polymer. Post-processing is not needed. The cost of the finished product is 200 rubles per product.

Miniatures

The models were bought on the myminifactory website (the cost of the model is from $2). Made with a desktop DLP printer. Post-processing was not required. The cost of the finished figurine is from 70 r per gram.

Custom 3D printing

Many owners of 3D printers are thinking about monetizing their hobby. But you should understand that the price of 3D printing “for yourself” and the price of commercial printing are very different.

When starting to print to order, it is better to have several printers working on different technologies.

Cost of commercial 3D printing

In addition to the cost of the model, to the commercial production of products, you can add:

Modeling. Often the client needs not only to make a part, but to pre-model it. It can be a simple cogwheel that doesn't take long to model, or it can be a complex sculpture that takes more time to model than it does to make.

Model post-processing. This can be simply the removal of supports, with cleaning of the place of their contact with the product, or a complete processing cycle (puttying, surface grinding, painting, etc.).

It should be borne in mind that it is not always possible to print the model the first time. Sometimes it may take several attempts. And these are additional costs.

What is unprofitable to print

Despite the wide possibilities of 3D printing, there are models that are unprofitable to make on a 3D printer. For such models, it is better to use other manufacturing methods.

Commercial print examples

Jewelry for further casting

Manufacture of promotional items and souvenirs

Piece miniatures or master model for further casting

3D printed model

Profitable to print on a 3D printer:

If the item is only sold as an assembly. For example, a small gear broke in the mechanism, but the mechanism is sold only “assembly”. It is much cheaper to make the desired gear on a 3D printer than to buy the entire mechanism.

A small batch of parts. Small batches, especially models with complex geometry, are more profitable to produce on a 3D printer than by casting or other methods.

Totals

If you need several models or a small project, sometimes it will be more expedient to outsource manufacturing. After all, in addition to buying equipment and materials, you will have to understand the nuances of the settings and the characteristics of various materials.

Buying a 3D printer for commercial use is justified if you can fully load it with work or then it can be used for other purposes.

To print to order, you need to have several printers working on different technologies. It is better to get several devices with a smaller print area than to buy just one printer, albeit with a large working area.

Bestfilament for 3D printers

Bestfilament is a Russian manufacturer of high quality 3D printing plastics (ABS and PLA) based in Tomsk. The brand's team consists of highly qualified employees with solid experience in 3D printing and various printing machines, which allows them to constantly improve their products and bring you the best and most sought-after types of plastic.

If earlier the main activity of the company was the production of consumables for 3D printers of various classes, today the brand's specialists are working on the creation of materials that can make 3D printing one of the most effective tools in industries such as medicine (a worthy range of materials for prosthetics), as well as the manufacture of full-fledged models and objects that can be used in industry.

The company's product line is considered one of the richest - the assortment includes plastic in various colors, which allows the implementation of projects of any complexity, as well as innovative printed materials, the composition of which is enriched with various additives, for example, real bronze.

When buying a 3D printer, it is also important to take care of purchasing high-quality printing consumables. The choice of plastic threads should be approached with all responsibility. On our website you can buy Bestfilament consumables in excellent quality. Filaments from this manufacturer do not emit toxins, there are no unpleasant odors when working with them, and the resulting 3D objects acquire high strength and wear resistance.

How to choose a quality plastic?

When buying, you should pay attention not only to the compatibility of consumables with specific equipment and the diameter of the plastic thread. An important point is the composition of the plastic. Poor-quality plastic filaments can ruin the finished product and damage the nozzle in a 3D printer. The material must contain butadiene, styrene, acrylonitrile. These elements contribute to a better resistance of the future model to mechanical stress.

Plastic of the Russian trademark Bestfilament, located in the city of Tomsk, is a clear example of quality and reliability. The material is made with strict adherence to technology, and real professionals work on its production. The company has firmly taken a leading position in the production of high-quality plastic filaments for 3D printing.

On our website you can choose the best option for your 3D equipment from a huge selection of Bestfilament products. The plastic of the Tomsk company comes in different types, properties and thread diameters. Choose the best plastic for elasticity, shrinkage, strength, durability and pliability during operation. All presented types of Bestfilament consumables are suitable for all models of 3D printers.