3D Printing Labour (Commercial) Calculator
Estimate commercial 3D printing labour hours, fully loaded labour cost, and labour cost per finished part.
Overview
Use this commercial 3D printing labour calculator to estimate the staff time and labour cost for a production order. Enter one-off setup time, per-part handling and finishing time, the order quantity, an hourly labour rate, and a labour burden allowance.
How it works
The calculator separates one-off job setup from work that repeats for every part. It adds handling and finishing hours per part, multiplies that time by the order quantity, then adds the setup hours. Total hours are multiplied by the base hourly rate, and the selected labour burden percentage is added to produce a fully loaded labour estimate. Dividing this total by the quantity gives the labour cost per finished part.
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter the one-off time needed to prepare and release the print job.
- 2Add the handling time required for each finished part.
- 3Add any hands-on finishing time required per part.
- 4Enter the number of parts in the order.
- 5Set the base hourly labour rate and labour burden percentage.
- 6Review the total labour cost and allocated cost per part.
Example Calculation
Job setup time
1
Handling time per part
0.25
Finishing time per part
0.5
Number of parts
10
Base hourly labour rate
$35
Labour burden and overhead
20%
Estimated total labour cost
$357.00
The order requires 8.5 labour hours. At $35 per hour plus a 20% labour burden, the estimated fully loaded labour cost is $357.00, or $35.70 per part.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as 3D printing labour?
Labour usually includes file preparation, machine setup, unloading, support removal, inspection, post-processing, finishing, packing, and other hands-on work. Printer run time is normally costed separately.
Should I include printer operating time in this calculator?
No. This calculator focuses on employee labour. Add machine time, energy, maintenance, materials, and depreciation separately when building a complete part price.
What is labour burden in 3D printing costing?
Labour burden is an allowance added to direct wages for employment costs and labour-related overheads. The appropriate percentage depends on your business and location.
Why does labour cost per part fall with larger quantities?
One-off setup time is spread across more parts. Per-part handling and finishing time still rises with every additional part.
How should I estimate finishing time?
Use recorded times from similar jobs where possible. Include only hands-on time, and allow for the finish standard, support complexity, inspection requirements, and any manual rework.
Does this calculate a selling price?
No. It estimates labour cost. A selling price may also need to cover materials, machine costs, waste, administration, shipping, taxes, and your chosen profit margin.
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Assumptions and warnings
Assumptions
- All listed labour time is active staff time rather than machine run time.
- The same handling and finishing time is assumed for every part in the order.
- The labour burden percentage is applied to direct labour cost only.
- This estimate excludes materials, printer depreciation, machine operating time, shipping, taxes, and profit margin.
- Results are estimates and should be checked against actual workflow times and costs.
Warnings
- This calculator provides a costing estimate only and is not financial or professional pricing advice.
- Complex geometry, rework, failed prints, quality requirements, and batch workflow can materially change actual labour time.