3D Printing Cost (Commercial) Calculator
Estimate the commercial cost, unit cost and quoted price for a 3D print using material, machine time, labor, overhead and markup.
Overview
This commercial 3D printing cost calculator estimates the cost of an order from part weight, material price, support or waste, printer time, labor, fixed costs and markup. It can help you compare production cost with an intended customer quote on a per-order and per-part basis.
How it works
The calculator first multiplies part weight by quantity and increases it by the waste and support percentage. It converts that result to kilograms and applies the material price. Machine cost is calculated from print hours per part, quantity and the machine hourly rate. Labor and other fixed order costs are then added to produce the total production cost. The selected markup is applied to that total to estimate a quoted order price. The result is divided by quantity to show the average cost and selling price per part.
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter the number of identical parts in the order.
- 2Add the finished weight and expected material waste for each part.
- 3Enter your material cost and printer hourly rate.
- 4Add total order-level labor time, labor rate and any other fixed costs.
- 5Choose the markup you want to add to production cost.
- 6Review the estimated quote, unit price and gross profit.
Example Calculation
Quantity
10
Part weight
75
Material cost per kg
$25
Material waste and support
15%
Machine time per part
4
Machine hourly rate
$8
Labor hours per order
2
Labor hourly rate
$30
Other fixed order costs
$20
Markup on cost
30%
Quoted order price
$548.03
For 10 parts weighing 75 g each, with 15% material waste, the estimated production cost is $434.06. A 30% markup gives an estimated quote of $564.28, or $56.43 per part.
Frequently asked questions
What should be included in a 3D printing machine hourly rate?
A machine rate can include depreciation, maintenance, electricity, software, workspace, insurance and an allowance for idle time. The right mix depends on your business and equipment.
How much material waste should I allow for in 3D printing?
The appropriate allowance depends on the process, geometry and reliability. Include supports, rafts, purge material, calibration prints and a realistic allowance for failed parts.
Does the calculator include post-processing costs?
It includes post-processing when you enter the required time under labor hours or add outsourced and consumable costs under other fixed order costs.
What is the difference between markup and profit margin?
Markup is added to cost, while profit margin is measured as profit divided by selling price. For example, a 30% markup does not equal a 30% profit margin.
Should shipping and taxes be included in a 3D printing quote?
They are not included automatically. Add preparation or packaging costs under other fixed costs and handle shipping and applicable taxes separately according to your pricing process.
Why is the cost per part lower for a larger order?
Fixed order-level costs, such as setup and file preparation, are spread across more parts. Material and machine time still increase for every additional part.
Explore Related Calculators
Assumptions and warnings
Assumptions
- All parts in the order use the same material weight and machine time.
- The waste percentage covers expected supports, purge material and failed-print allowance.
- Machine and labor rates represent the costs you choose to include in each hourly rate.
- The quoted price is calculated by adding the selected markup to total production cost.
- Taxes, payment processing fees, delivery charges and customer-specific discounts are excluded unless included in other fixed costs.
Warnings
- This calculator provides a commercial cost estimate only and is not financial or pricing advice.
- Review actual machine utilization, failure rates, finishing requirements and contractual costs before issuing a final quote.