3D Printing Labour (Commercial) Calculator Examples
Review worked commercial 3D printing labour cost examples for prototype, batch, and finishing-intensive orders.
These worked examples show how setup time, repeated handling, finishing requirements, quantity, hourly rate, and burden allowance affect commercial 3D printing labour cost. They estimate labour only, not a complete selling price.
Prototype order with detailed finishing
Single SLA presentation prototype
Input Summary
Job setup time
1.50 hours
Handling time per part
0.30 hours
Finishing time per part
1.20 hours
Quantity
1 part
Base hourly labour rate
$40.00 per hour
Labour burden
25%
Calculation Breakdown
- 1Variable hours per part0.30 + 1.201.50 hours
- 2Total labour hours1.50 + (1.50 * 1)3.00 hours
- 3Base labour cost3.00 * 40.00$120.00
- 4Fully loaded labour cost120.00 * (1 + 25 / 100)$150.00
Result Summary
Total labour hours
3.00 hours
3D Printing Labour (Commercial) Calculator
Estimated labour cost is $150.00 for one finished prototype, or $150.00 per part.
Small batch with routine post-processing
Ten FDM functional parts with support removal
Input Summary
Job setup time
1.00 hour
Handling time per part
0.25 hours
Finishing time per part
0.50 hours
Quantity
10 parts
Base hourly labour rate
$35.00 per hour
Labour burden
20%
Calculation Breakdown
- 1Variable hours per part0.25 + 0.500.75 hours
- 2Variable labour hours0.75 * 107.50 hours
- 3Total labour hours1.00 + 7.508.50 hours
- 4Fully loaded labour cost(8.50 * 35.00) * 1.20$357.00
- 5Labour cost per part357.00 / 10$35.70 per part
Result Summary
Total labour hours
8.50 hours
3D Printing Labour (Commercial) Calculator
Estimated labour cost is $357.00 for the order, or $35.70 per finished part.
Larger batch with minimal finishing
Fifty SLS parts requiring inspection and packing
Input Summary
Job setup time
2.00 hours
Handling time per part
0.10 hours
Finishing time per part
0.15 hours
Quantity
50 parts
Base hourly labour rate
$32.00 per hour
Labour burden
30%
Calculation Breakdown
- 1Variable hours per part0.10 + 0.150.25 hours
- 2Variable labour hours0.25 * 5012.50 hours
- 3Total labour hours2.00 + 12.5014.50 hours
- 4Base labour cost14.50 * 32.00$464.00
- 5Fully loaded cost per part(464.00 * 1.30) / 50$12.06 per part
Result Summary
Total labour hours
14.50 hours
3D Printing Labour (Commercial) Calculator
Estimated fully loaded labour cost is $603.20, or about $12.06 per part.
Finishing-intensive production order
Twenty painted display components
Input Summary
Job setup time
1.00 hour
Handling time per part
0.20 hours
Finishing time per part
2.00 hours
Quantity
20 parts
Base hourly labour rate
$45.00 per hour
Labour burden
15%
Calculation Breakdown
- 1Variable hours per part0.20 + 2.002.20 hours
- 2Total labour hours1.00 + (2.20 * 20)45.00 hours
- 3Base labour cost45.00 * 45.00$2,025.00
- 4Labour burden cost2,025.00 * 15 / 100$303.75
- 5Fully loaded labour cost2,025.00 + 303.75$2,328.75
Result Summary
Total labour hours
45.00 hours
3D Printing Labour (Commercial) Calculator
Estimated fully loaded labour cost is $2,328.75, or about $116.44 per part.
How to Read Your Results
Total labour hours represent estimated active staff time, not unattended printer build time.
Base labour cost shows the direct hourly cost before the burden and overhead percentage is applied.
Fully loaded labour cost includes the chosen labour burden allowance but excludes materials, machine costs, and profit.
Labour cost per finished part is an allocation for the order; it can fall as setup is spread over more parts.
Compare the estimate with recorded job times to refine future quotes and internal cost models.
Assumptions & Important Notes
- Each example treats handling and finishing time as consistent for all parts in that order.
- The stated burden percentage is applied only to base labour cost.
- Examples exclude failed prints, unexpected rework, materials, machine time, shipping, taxes, and margin.
- Currency values are illustrative and do not represent a recommended rate or price.
Related Examples
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use these examples for resin, filament, powder, and other 3D printing processes?
Yes, if the entered setup, handling, and finishing time reflects the specific process and workflow.
Why does the prototype example have such a high cost per part?
Its setup and detailed finishing are assigned to only one finished part.
How can I estimate handling time for a new process?
Time representative tasks such as unloading, depowdering, washing, support removal, inspection, and packing, then use an average per part.
Should I add a contingency to these labour examples?
If your internal costing process uses a contingency for uncertainty or rework, treat it separately and document the basis used.
Ready to calculate your own result?
Use the live calculator with your own inputs, timing, and preferences.