3D Printing Cost (Commercial) Calculator FAQ
Answers to common questions about commercial 3D printing costs, pricing inputs, markup, assumptions and results.
This FAQ explains the calculator's inputs and results in practical terms. It is for estimating production costs and quotes; actual commercial pricing depends on the costs, workflow and terms applicable to each job.
Using the calculator
Questions about the purpose of the tool and the main inputs.
What does the commercial 3D printing cost calculator estimate?
It estimates total production cost, cost per part, quoted order price, quoted price per part and estimated gross profit before tax.
What should I enter for quantity?
Enter the number of identical parts in the order. Weight and machine time are then multiplied by that quantity.
Is labor entered per part or per order?
Labor hours are entered for the full order, allowing setup, finishing, packing and administration to be treated as order-level work.
What belongs in other fixed order costs?
You can include packaging, inspection consumables, outsourced finishing, shipping preparation or similar fixed job costs.
Cost calculation questions
Questions about the production cost components.
How does the calculator handle support material and waste?
It increases finished part weight by the percentage entered before calculating material cost.
What can a machine hourly rate include?
Depending on the business cost model, it may include equipment depreciation, maintenance, energy, software, workspace and operating overhead.
Why is machine time multiplied by quantity?
The calculator assumes the entered machine time is for one part. It multiplies that time by the number of identical parts.
What is the difference between total production cost and cost per part?
Total production cost is the cost for the whole job. Cost per part is that total divided by quantity.
Pricing and markup
Questions about turning cost estimates into a quote.
How is the quoted order price calculated?
The calculator multiplies total production cost by one plus markup divided by 100.
What is estimated gross profit in this calculator?
It is quoted price minus the material, machine, labor and other costs entered. It is not a complete net-profit calculation.
Is markup the same as profit margin?
No. Markup is based on cost; margin is based on selling price. They produce different percentages.
Are tax and shipping included in the quoted price?
Not automatically. Include only costs you choose to place in other fixed costs, and handle tax and shipping separately if needed.
Accuracy and practical use
Questions about assumptions and reasons actual results can vary.
How accurate is a 3D printing cost estimate?
Accuracy depends on the quality of the input estimates, especially machine time, material waste, labor time, rates and unplanned rework.
Should I include a failed-print allowance?
If failures are an expected part of the workflow, they can be represented through the waste rate or an appropriate rate assumption.
Can this calculator price jobs with post-processing?
Yes. Add in-house post-processing time to labor hours and enter outsourced services or consumables as other fixed costs.
Can I use this calculator for a one-off prototype?
Yes. For low quantities, ensure labor and fixed setup costs are included because they are not spread across many parts.
What does the commercial 3D printing cost calculator estimate?
It estimates total production cost, cost per part, quoted order price, quoted price per part and estimated gross profit before tax.
Explore Related Questions
Ready to see what you can calculate?
Open the calculator and get personalized results in seconds.