{"id":32504,"date":"2025-09-18T16:49:30","date_gmt":"2025-09-18T08:49:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/firstmold.com\/?p=32504"},"modified":"2026-02-02T13:28:31","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T05:28:31","slug":"3d-printing-price","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/firstmold.com\/ja\/tips\/3d-printing-price\/","title":{"rendered":"3D\u30d7\u30ea\u30f3\u30c8\u306e\u4fa1\u683c3D\u30d7\u30ea\u30f3\u30c8\u30b3\u30b9\u30c8\u306b\u5f71\u97ff\u3059\u308b\u8981\u56e0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The quest for more efficient automation of manufacturing processes and the building of precision products led to the creation of 3D printers. They use additive methods to build three-dimensional objects from a digital model created using CAD software. While this technique is fascinating, manufacturers often weigh the 3D printing price and wonder if it is worth it in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Printing production technique allows manufacturers to create complex geometries with high precision. Other reasons why 3D printing is considered for manufacturing are that it allows faster prototyping, significantly cuts down material waste, and makes production accessible to all sizes of businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manufacturers hoping to exploit the printing technique have the option to either outsource the process or do it themselves (DIY). The cost of 3D printing will significantly vary depending on how the manufacturer handles the production. This article will highlight everything you need to know about the true price of 3D printing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Breakdown of 3D Printing Costs When Outsourcing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Outsourcing your 3D printing removes the need for upfront capital investment in acquiring the technology. In the prototyping phase or small-scale runs, doing this frees up funds for the manufacturer to invest in other critical sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several factors will affect the 3D printing outsourcing cost, including the size and number of parts, the complexity of the design, the type of 3d printing material<\/strong><\/a>, the exact technique that will be used in developing the product, and the quantity and quality of labor that will be involved in post-processing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Size and Number of Parts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The larger the size of the part to be produced, the more material will be required. Direct material costs usually take up 30% to 70% of the entire production costs, depending on the industry [1]<\/a><\/sup>. The automotive industry usually has higher material costs. Likewise, the greater the number of parts you want, the more materials will be required, which will also add to the cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Complexity of the Design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Complex designs will usually require more materials, which pushes up the 3D printing price. Additionally, more labor will be required in the post-processing of complex designs to fine-tune the details. As you already know, labor is expensive, especially if you are manufacturing in the United States. One way to cut down on labor costs is through nearshoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Type of Material<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

3D printing can be done with different materials, including plastics (nylon, PLA, TPU, and so on), photopolymer resins, and metal or carbon fiber powders. The choice of material will depend on the 3D printing technology in use and the intended properties of the part in production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plastic materials are mostly used with FDM printers or Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) printers. Metal powders are usually used with Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) or Binder Jetting, while resins are used with Stereolithography (SLA). Each material has its cost implications [2]<\/a><\/sup>. Plastic is the most common and most affordable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3D Printing Materials<\/th>Properties<\/th>Cost ($) per kg<\/th><\/tr>
Plastics<\/td>BiodegradableEasy to printBrittle and less heat-resistant<\/td>PLA: 15 \u2013 40ABS: 20 \u2013 50Nylon: 40 \u2013 100TPU: 40 \u2013 100<\/td><\/tr>
Resins<\/td>Offers a good balance of mechanical propertiesHigh-quality surface finish<\/td>Standard resin: 20 \u2013 50ABS-like resin: 40 \u2013 200 Medical resin: varies<\/td><\/tr>
Metals<\/td>High-strength and durabilitySuitable for printing complex parts<\/td>Aluminum: 50 \u2013 100Stainless steel: 50 \u2013 100Titanium: 300 \u2013 over 1,000<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The 3D Printing Technology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are different 3D printing technologies, and the materials they handle differ. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) melts and extrudes plastic filaments to create the product. They are the most common and most affordable. However, the products from this machine need more post-processing, which is labor-intensive. The table below shows the comparison of the different 3D printing costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3D printing method<\/th>Materials used<\/th>Process<\/th>Industrial application<\/th>Cost profile<\/th><\/tr>
FDM<\/td>Thermoplastic filaments<\/td>Melts and extrudes materials to build a product<\/td>Low-volume production of automotive parts<\/td>Most affordable<\/td><\/tr>
SLA<\/td>Liquid resins<\/td>Light cures liquid resin to form solid parts<\/td>Highly detailed, smooth surface parts<\/td>Moderately affordable<\/td><\/tr>
SLS<\/td>Powder material (mostly nylon)<\/td>Use a laser to bind powder materials<\/td>Medical, automotive, aerospace<\/td>Moderately affordable<\/td><\/tr>
Direct Metal Laser Sintering<\/td>Metal powder<\/td>Use a laser to melt metal powder<\/td>Aerospace for engine parts and brackets<\/td>Most expensive<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When to Outsource 3D Printing to Save Cost<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Outsourcing is best for a manufacturer trying to prototype a new product or validate a production process. Here are some of the times when you can save on 3D printing costs by outsourcing the printing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n