3D Printing Water Calculator
Estimate the water associated with a 3D print using filament, electricity, post-processing and expected failed-print inputs.
Overview
Use this 3D Printing Water Calculator to estimate the water associated with a print job. Enter the finished print weight, filament and electricity water-use factors, printer power, print time, expected failure rate and any direct water used for post-processing.
How it works
The calculator converts the finished print weight to kilograms and increases it to allow for the expected failed-print rate. It multiplies the resulting filament amount by your filament water-use factor. It also estimates electricity use from average printer power and total adjusted print time, then multiplies this by your electricity water-use factor. Direct post-processing water is added to these two estimates. Because water accounting methods and supply chains differ, the quality of the result depends mainly on the factors you enter.
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter the estimated weight of the finished print.
- 2Add a water-use factor for the filament you plan to use.
- 3Enter the printer's average power draw and expected print time.
- 4Add an electricity water-use factor for your area or chosen energy source.
- 5Allow for failed prints and enter any water used during washing or post-processing.
- 6Review the total estimate and its material and electricity components.
Example Calculation
Finished print weight
150
Filament water-use factor
20
Average printer power
120
Print time
8
Electricity water-use factor
1.5
Expected failed-print rate
10%
Post-processing water
0
Estimated total water use
4.9 litres
A 150 g print with a 10% failed-print allowance requires about 0.167 kg of filament and 1.07 kWh of electricity. Using these illustrative factors, the estimated total water use is about 4.9 litres.
Frequently asked questions
What does a 3D printing water calculator estimate?
It estimates water associated with filament production, electricity used by the printer and any water used directly during post-processing.
Why do I need to enter a filament water-use factor?
Filament materials and suppliers can have very different production processes, recycled content and supply chains. A user-entered factor makes the estimate more adaptable than using one universal value.
Does the estimate include failed 3D prints?
Yes. The failed-print rate increases the estimated filament and printer time needed to complete one successful print.
How can I find my printer's average power draw?
Check the manufacturer's information or measure the printer with a plug-in energy meter during a representative print. Average draw is usually more useful than peak wattage.
Does this include the water used to make the 3D printer?
No. The calculator focuses on consumable filament, printing electricity and direct post-processing water for a specific job.
Are electricity water-use factors the same everywhere?
No. They depend on the local electricity generation mix and the method used to account for water withdrawal or consumption. Use a regional factor where available.
Explore Related Calculators
Assumptions and warnings
Assumptions
- The calculation treats the entered water-use factors as lifecycle estimates for filament production and electricity generation.
- Failed prints are assumed to use filament and printer time at the same average rate as the successful print.
- Post-processing water is added as a direct amount and is not adjusted for the failed-print rate.
- The estimate does not include water used to manufacture the printer, produce packaging, ship materials or manage end-of-life waste.
- Results are estimates and are most useful for comparing print settings, materials or scenarios using consistent factors.
Warnings
- Water-use factors can vary widely by location, material source, recycled content and production method.
- This calculator provides a general environmental estimate and should not be treated as a verified lifecycle assessment.