1. What is the 3D Printing Price Formula?

The 3D printing price formula calculates the total cost of a 3D printed object by considering material costs and the time spent printing multiplied by an hourly rate. This ensures fair pricing that covers both materials and machine time.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

• \( Material Cost \) — Cost of filament/resin used (in $)
• \( Time \) — Total printing time (in hours)
• \( Hourly Rate \) — Cost per hour of printer operation (in $/hour)

Explanation: The formula accounts for both the direct material costs and the operational costs associated with running the 3D printer.

3. Importance of Accurate Pricing

Details: Proper pricing ensures profitability while remaining competitive. It helps cover material costs, machine wear and tear, electricity, and labor costs associated with 3D printing services.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter material cost in dollars, printing time in hours, and your hourly rate. All values must be non-negative numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I calculate material cost?
A: Measure the weight of material used and multiply by the cost per gram/kilogram of your filament/resin.

Q2: What should my hourly rate be?
A: Consider printer depreciation, electricity costs, and your desired profit margin. Typical rates range from $1-$10/hour depending on printer quality.

Q3: Should I include setup time?
A: Yes, if significant. Either include it in the printing time or add a separate setup fee.

Q4: What about failed prints?
A: Either factor failure rates into your pricing or charge separately for failed prints.

Q5: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It provides a basic estimate. For precise pricing, consider additional factors like post-processing, design time, and overhead costs.