What is Costs to Make a 3D Printed Product

3D printing is a popular manufacturing process that can produce functional parts at scale. However, many people consider 3D printing to be expensive, mainly due to misconceptions about the process. In this blog, we will explore the main factors that contribute to the cost of 3D printed parts and provide tips on how to make them more affordable.
Raw Materials

1. The first factor that affects the cost of 3D printed parts is the raw materials used. This includes not only the plastic used to make the part but also the labor required to produce it. When submitting a part for mass production, it's important to know the desired material and its properties or have a detailed description of what the part needs to do. This will help the manufacturer recommend materials that are both functional and affordable. For example, ABS is a popular plastic used in 3D printing, but it can be more expensive than other materials like PETG, PLA, or others that are easier to work with and lower in cost.

Design

1. The design of the part is the single most important factor in determining the cost of a 3D printed part. Poorly designed parts with features like overhangs, warping, or failure modes can increase the cost of the part and lead to failures down the line. If you have an injection-molded design that you want to 3D print, it's important to understand that these are different processes and have different rules. 3D printing can produce functional parts, but they need to be designed differently than injection-molded parts.

Volume

1. The ultimate quantity of parts that you want to produce also affects the cost of 3D printed parts. Many people consider 3D printing to be a prototyping technology, but it can actually affordably produce tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions of parts. The cost of a single part can be high, but the cost per part decreases with increasing volume. When reaching out to a contract manufacturer, it's important to state upfront how many parts you want to produce so that the scope of the project can be properly defined and the cost can be calculated accurately.

In conclusion, the cost of 3D printed parts is determined by a combination of factors including raw materials, design, and volume. By understanding these factors and optimizing each of them, it's possible to produce high-quality 3D printed parts at a lower cost. If you're planning to mass produce a product, reach out to a contract manufacturer and set expectations early to ensure the best possible outcome.