How to Price 3D Printed Parts: Simple Guide and Examples

To price 3D printed parts, calculate the total cost by adding material cost, machine time cost, labor cost, and overhead. Multiply the sum by a profit margin to get the final price.

Syntax

The basic formula to price 3D printed parts is:

• Material Cost: Cost of the filament or resin used.
• Machine Time Cost: Printer running time multiplied by hourly machine cost.
• Labor Cost: Time spent preparing, monitoring, and post-processing multiplied by labor rate.
• Overhead: Additional costs like electricity, maintenance, and workspace.
• Profit Margin: Percentage added on top of total costs for profit.

Final Price = (Material Cost + Machine Time Cost + Labor Cost + Overhead) × (1 + Profit Margin)

python

def calculate_price(material_cost, machine_hours, machine_hourly_rate, labor_hours, labor_hourly_rate, overhead, profit_margin):
    machine_cost = machine_hours * machine_hourly_rate
    labor_cost = labor_hours * labor_hourly_rate
    total_cost = material_cost + machine_cost + labor_cost + overhead
    final_price = total_cost * (1 + profit_margin)
    return round(final_price, 2)

Example

This example calculates the price of a 3D printed part using given costs and times.

python

def calculate_price(material_cost, machine_hours, machine_hourly_rate, labor_hours, labor_hourly_rate, overhead, profit_margin):
    machine_cost = machine_hours * machine_hourly_rate
    labor_cost = labor_hours * labor_hourly_rate
    total_cost = material_cost + machine_cost + labor_cost + overhead
    final_price = total_cost * (1 + profit_margin)
    return round(final_price, 2)

# Example values
material_cost = 5.0  # dollars
machine_hours = 2.5  # hours
machine_hourly_rate = 10.0  # dollars per hour
labor_hours = 1.0  # hours
labor_hourly_rate = 15.0  # dollars per hour
overhead = 2.0  # dollars
profit_margin = 0.2  # 20%

price = calculate_price(material_cost, machine_hours, machine_hourly_rate, labor_hours, labor_hourly_rate, overhead, profit_margin)
print(f"Final price for the 3D printed part: ${price}")

Output

Final price for the 3D printed part: $42.0

Common Pitfalls

• Ignoring machine setup time: Setup and calibration take time and should be included in labor cost.
• Underestimating material waste: Failed prints or support material add to material cost.
• Not accounting for overhead: Electricity, maintenance, and workspace costs add up.
• Skipping profit margin: Pricing only by cost leads to no profit.

Always track all time and material used accurately for fair pricing.

python

def wrong_pricing(material_cost, machine_hours, machine_hourly_rate):
    # Only considers material and machine time, ignores labor and overhead
    return round(material_cost + machine_hours * machine_hourly_rate, 2)

# Correct pricing includes labor and overhead

def correct_pricing(material_cost, machine_hours, machine_hourly_rate, labor_hours, labor_hourly_rate, overhead, profit_margin):
    machine_cost = machine_hours * machine_hourly_rate
    labor_cost = labor_hours * labor_hourly_rate
    total_cost = material_cost + machine_cost + labor_cost + overhead
    final_price = total_cost * (1 + profit_margin)
    return round(final_price, 2)

Quick Reference

• Calculate material cost by weight used × material price per gram.
• Estimate machine time from print duration × hourly machine cost.
• Include labor time for setup, monitoring, and finishing.
• Add overhead for utilities and maintenance.
• Apply a profit margin (usually 10-30%).

Use a spreadsheet or simple script to automate pricing for accuracy and speed.

Key Takeaways

Price 3D printed parts by adding material, machine time, labor, and overhead costs.

Always include a profit margin to ensure your pricing is sustainable.

Track all time spent on setup, printing, and post-processing for accurate labor costs.

Account for material waste and overhead expenses to avoid underpricing.

Use simple formulas or scripts to calculate prices consistently and quickly.