3D Printing Water (Commercial) Calculator
Estimate the water use and water cost of commercial 3D printing based on production volume, process water, reuse and local utility rates.
Overview
Use this commercial 3D printing water calculator to estimate fresh water demand and utility costs for regular production. Enter your daily part volume, water used for processing and cleaning, water reuse rate, operating days and local water and wastewater rate.
How it works
The calculator adds process and cleaning water to find the gross water needed for each part. It reduces that amount by the water reuse percentage to estimate fresh replacement water. Fresh water per part is multiplied by daily production and operating days to calculate monthly litres. The monthly volume is converted to cubic metres and multiplied by the entered water and wastewater rate to estimate cost. Annual figures assume the same monthly pattern continues throughout the year.
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter the average number of finished parts printed each operating day.
- 2Add the process water and cleaning water used for one part.
- 3Enter the percentage of water your operation recovers and reuses.
- 4Set the number of operating days in a typical month.
- 5Enter your combined water and wastewater rate per cubic metre.
- 6Review the estimated monthly and annual water use and cost.
Example Calculation
Parts printed per day
120
Process water per part
1.8
Cleaning water per part
0.7
Water reuse rate
35%
Operating days per month
22
Water and wastewater rate
3.2
Monthly fresh water use
4,290 litres
At 120 parts per day, 2.5 litres of gross water per part and 35% reuse, the operation uses about 4,290 litres (4.29 m³) of fresh water per month. At a rate of 3.20 per m³, this is approximately 13.73 per month or 164.74 per year.
Frequently asked questions
What water use should I include for each 3D printed part?
Include water directly used in printing, cooling, support removal, washing, rinsing and other post-processing steps that can reasonably be allocated to one finished part.
Does the calculator account for recycled or reused water?
Yes. The water reuse rate reduces gross process and cleaning water to estimate the fresh replacement water your operation needs.
Why is water cost calculated in cubic metres?
Commercial water utilities commonly bill by cubic metre. The calculator converts litres to cubic metres by dividing by 1,000 before applying your rate.
Should I include wastewater charges in the utility rate?
If your supplier bills wastewater or sewerage separately, add it to the water supply charge and enter the combined rate for a fuller operating-cost estimate.
Does this include water used by the whole facility?
No. It estimates water associated with the printing production inputs you enter. Building cooling, sanitation, staff facilities and other site uses should be estimated separately.
How can I reduce commercial 3D printing water consumption?
Measure water at major process steps, improve recovery and reuse where suitable, reduce unnecessary rinsing, and maintain equipment to prevent leaks or excessive water flow.
Explore Related Calculators
Assumptions and warnings
Assumptions
- Water use per part is assumed to remain consistent across the entered production volume.
- The reuse rate is applied equally to process and cleaning water.
- Monthly results use the entered number of operating days and annual results assume the same pattern for 12 months.
- The entered utility rate is assumed to include all relevant water and wastewater charges.
- Results are planning estimates and do not include water used by building services, employee facilities or unrelated operations.
Warnings
- This calculator provides operational estimates only; actual water use and charges can vary with equipment, local tariffs, discharge requirements and production practices.
- Check local wastewater, treatment and disposal requirements where printing materials or cleaning agents enter the water stream.