How much does 3D printing cost?
There is a constant question about what factors influence 3D printing costs and how prices are calculated for a 3D printing service. The easiest way to answer this question is to use the example of a small vase that can be printed on a medium-sized 3D printer for home use.
3D printing and price
Basically, the cost of 3D printing is influenced by two different factors: the purchase price of the machine and the consumption of materials (electricity costs are low). An average-sized home 3D printer costs around 1,000 euros. Assuming that it will be used for about three years for everyday printing of an object (3D printing a 65 mm high vase takes about an hour and a half), the cost of purchasing the machine is about 1 euro per vase. The second cost factor is material consumption. Therefore, the price of 3D printing per item is low.
Today, 3D printing technology is used in many areas. It is used by engineers and scientists. 3D printing has also brought enormous progress in medicine. However, this technology is constantly changing and becoming more and more accessible to everyone. There are, for example, 3D printers available on the market for home use. Not so long ago it seemed that the cost of a 3D printer was astronomical. Today this is no longer the case. Therefore, it is worth knowing how much 3D printing costs and what influences these costs.
Cost of 3D printing devices
The costs of 3D printing can be considered in three aspects. The first is the cost of the 3D printer. The second is the costs of operating the equipment. The third is the cost of a single print. Among the three areas mentioned that influence the costs of 3D printing, the largest one concerns the purchase of a 3D printer. There are various models available on the market. The more and less advanced ones.
Prices of 3D printers start around several thousand zlotys. If the 3D printer is to be used for more professional purposes, you should expect to spend up to PLN 10,000 - PLN 20,000. Of course, there are 3D printers available on the market costing up to several hundred thousand zlotys. However, these are used primarily in industrial sectors.
Materials used for 3D printing
However, the 3D printer itself is not everything. To make printing possible, it is necessary to use an appropriate 3D printing material. The materials are referred to as filaments. It is a special material wound on a spool. Under the influence of high temperature, it is formed in the printing process into a specific, previously designed object. What is important is that the filaments are made of very different materials. This also affects their price. Filaments differ in their chemical properties, strength, susceptibility to processing and the effects of various types of substances. Which filament should be chosen depends primarily on what you want to print and what effect you want to achieve.
Filament costs
As mentioned, there are various 3D printing filaments available on the market. The most popular ones include ABS filament and PLA filament. ABS filament is characterized by matteness, flexibility and elasticity. In turn, a characteristic feature of the PLA filament is the fact that it is made of biodegradable material. The price of one roll of filament is around PLN 100. However, a roll is usually a kilogram of material. However, ABS and PLA are not the only filaments used for 3D printing. PET filament is also used. This material is highly resistant to scratches and the negative effects of chemicals. The cost of PET filament is similar to the price of ABS and PLA filaments. The amount of filament that must be used for a single print is very important in the context of 3D printing costs. This depends not only on the size of the object, but also on the printing technology used.
3D printing costs can vary greatly. As mentioned, it all depends on the selected printer, filament, and what you want to print. This last factor mainly determines what printer should be used and what filament and its quantity.
