The cost of running a 3D printer per hour depends on several factors, such as the type of printer, the material used, the electricity rate, and the maintenance costs. On average, a 3D printer can cost between $0.05 and $1 per hour, excluding the initial purchase price and the cost of the 3D model.
3D printing is a technology that allows you to create physical objects from digital models by depositing layers of material on top of each other. 3D printing has many applications, such as prototyping, education, art, hobby, and manufacturing. However, 3D printing also comes with a cost, both upfront and ongoing. In this article, we will explore how much it costs to run a 3D printer per hour and what factors affect the cost.
One of the main factors that influence the cost of 3D printing is the type of 3D printer you use. There are many types of 3D printers, but the most common ones are:
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM): This is the most popular and affordable type of 3D printer, which uses a heated nozzle to extrude plastic filament onto a build platform. FDM printers are easy to use and maintain, but they have lower resolution and accuracy than other types of printers. FDM printers can cost anywhere from $200 to $6,000, depending on the size, quality, and features of the printer.
Stereolithography (SLA): This is a type of 3D printer that uses a laser to cure liquid resin into solid layers. SLA printers can produce high-resolution and smooth prints, but they are more expensive and require more maintenance than FDM printers. SLA printers also use toxic and messy resin, which needs to be handled with care. SLA printers can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $100,000, depending on the size, quality, and features of the printer.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): This is a type of 3D printer that uses a laser to fuse powdered material, such as nylon, into solid layers. SLS printers can produce strong and durable prints, but they are very expensive and require a lot of maintenance. SLS printers also use high-temperature and high-power lasers, which need to be operated in a controlled environment. SLS printers can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $1,000,000, depending on the size, quality, and features of the printer.
Another factor that affects the cost of 3D printing is the material used. Different types of 3D printers use different types of materials, and each material has its own price, quality, and properties. Some of the most common materials used for 3D printing are:
Plastic: This is the most widely used material for 3D printing, especially for FDM printers. Plastic is cheap, easy to use, and comes in a variety of colors and finishes. However, plastic is also prone to warping, cracking, and fading over time. Plastic can cost anywhere from $10 to $50 per kilogram, depending on the type, quality, and brand of the filament.
Resin: This is the material used for SLA printers. Resin is more expensive than plastic, but it can produce higher-resolution and smoother prints. However, resin is also toxic, messy, and requires post-processing, such as washing, curing, and support removal. Resin can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 per liter, depending on the type, quality, and brand of the resin.
Metal: This is the material used for SLS printers and some other types of 3D printers. Metal is very expensive, but it can produce strong and durable prints that can be used for functional and industrial purposes. However, metal is also difficult to print, requires high-temperature and high-power lasers, and needs post-processing, such as sintering, polishing, and coating. Metal can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000 per kilogram, depending on the type, quality, and brand of the powder.
Electricity Rate
Another factor that influences the cost of 3D printing is the electricity rate. 3D printers consume electricity to power their motors, heaters, lasers, and other components. The electricity rate varies depending on the location, time, and provider. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average residential electricity rate in the U.S. was 13.28 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2020. However, this rate can vary from 9.66 cents in Louisiana to 28.76 cents in Hawaii.
To calculate the electricity cost of running a 3D printer per hour, you need to know the power consumption of the printer and the electricity rate in your area. For example, if you have an FDM printer that consumes 200 watts and the electricity rate in your area is 15 cents per kilowatt-hour, the electricity cost per hour would be:
200 watts x 1 hour / 1000 = 0.2 kilowatt-hours 0.2 kilowatt-hours x 15 cents = 3 cents
Therefore, the electricity cost of running an FDM printer for one hour would be 3 cents.
Maintenance Costs
The final factor that affects the cost of 3D printing is the maintenance costs. 3D printers require regular maintenance to keep them in good working condition and to prevent failures and errors. Maintenance costs include the replacement of parts, such as nozzles, belts, fans, and filters, the cleaning of the printer and the build platform, the calibration of the printer and the extruder, and the lubrication of the moving parts. Maintenance costs vary depending on the type, quality, and usage of the printer, but they can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars per year.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of running a 3D printer per hour depends on several factors, such as the type of printer, the material used, the electricity rate, and the maintenance costs. On average, a 3D printer can cost between $0.05 and $1 per hour, excluding the initial purchase price and the cost of the 3D model. However, this cost can vary significantly depending on the specific printer and the specific project. Therefore, it is important to do your research and compare different options before buying or using a 3D printer.
