How to calculate 3D printing costs? - Original Prusa 3D Printers
Understanding the Costs of 3D Printing
3D printing has gained immense popularity, leading to frequent discussions about the pricing of printed objects. One question stands out: how can one accurately calculate the costs associated with 3D printing? As various myths surround this topic, it's essential to explore the intricate aspects of pricing in this field. Below, we delve into the key factors that contribute to 3D printing costs. If you prefer a quick overview, feel free to skip to the end for a helpful resource.
Imagine Josef, a hypothetical individual from Prague, who is on a journey to profit from his three 3D printers: the Original Prusa i3 MK3S, Original Prusa MINI, and Original Prusa SL1.
Josef has received a customer request for a specific test object to be printed using the aforementioned printers. The materials specified are Prusament PLA Orange for the MK3S and MINI, and Prusa Orange Tough resin for the SL1.
Evaluating Material Costs
Josef has identified that the major costs stem from labor and the materials used (filament or resin). To calculate material costs, it’s straightforward: 1kg of Prusament PLA Orange retails at 24.99 USD (exclusive of taxes and shipping). According to PrusaSlicer, the tree frog model requires 6.27 g of filament. Thus, the material cost for one print using MK3S or MINI can be calculated as follows: (24.99 / 1000) * 6.27 = 0.15 USD. Printing with the SL1 consumes 10.43 ml of resin, resulting in a cost of 0.6 USD. Prices can significantly increase for specialized materials, reaching over 90 USD/kg for certain filaments.
Labor Costs and Preparation Time
Josef places a value of 9.50 USD per hour on his work, based on average wages in the Czech Republic. He estimates that preparing a print takes roughly 5 minutes or longer if resin needs replacing. This results in labor costs of 0.8 USD for the MK3S/MINI and 1.6 USD for the SL1, demonstrating that preparation for smaller models is relatively affordable. However, some models may require extensive preparation, which can increase costs significantly.
Operating Costs for the Printer
Josef also accounts for the operation costs associated with his 3D printers. He determined that electricity costs range between 0.07 and 0.09 USD per kWh. Assuming an input power of 150W, the electricity cost for printing a tree frog on the MK3S amounts to approximately 0.023 USD, a negligible expense. To recover investments, Josef adds fixed fees based on his printer prices, totaling 0.21 USD/hour for the MK3S and varying rates for the other printers.
Incorporating a Margin for Safety
To ensure that he recoups his expenses, Josef accounts for potential mistakes, maintenance, and print failures. He decided to set a 30% margin on the material costs to cover unforeseen expenses. His pricing for each type of printer, excluding tax, ultimately comes to 1.3 USD for the MK3S, 1.16 USD for the MINI, and 3.15 USD for the SL1.
Each calculation factor must be taken into consideration to arrive at a fair pricing model that addresses material costs, preparation time, potential mishaps, and operating costs, resulting in minimal energy expenses. It's crucial to also factor in local laws regarding taxation when running a business centered on 3D printing.
For a comprehensive guide tailored to your needs, we crafted a user-friendly 3D printing service price calculator. This tool simplifies the pricing process by allowing users to input necessary data to get instant results. Try it out to enhance your workflow.
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