The cost of having someone 3D print for you depends on several factors, such as the type of material, the size and complexity of the object, the printing technology, and the service provider. The average cost of 3D printing services in the USA ranges from $0.10 to $1.00 per gram of material, or from $25 to $250 per hour of printing time.
3D printing is a revolutionary technology that allows you to create physical objects from digital models. It has many applications in various fields, such as engineering, architecture, medicine, art, and education. However, not everyone has access to a 3D printer or the skills to use it. That’s why many people opt for 3D printing services, which offer professional and convenient solutions for your 3D printing needs.
But how much does it cost to have someone 3D print for you? This article will explore the main factors that affect the price of 3D printing services and provide some tips on how to find the best deal for your project.
One of the most important factors that influence the cost of 3D printing services is the choice of material. Different materials have different properties, availability, and prices. For example, thermoplastics, such as ABS and PLA, are the most common and affordable materials for 3D printing, costing around $20 to $100 per kilogram[^1^][1]. Resins, such as SLA and DLP, are more expensive, ranging from $50 to $500 per liter[^2^][2]. Metals, such as stainless steel and titanium, are the most costly, costing up to $1,000 per kilogram[^3^][3].
The material selection also depends on the desired quality, durability, and functionality of the final product. For instance, if you want to print a simple prototype or a decorative item, you can use a cheap and easy-to-print material, such as PLA. However, if you want to print a functional part or a high-resolution model, you may need a more expensive and high-performance material, such as resin or metal.
Size and Complexity
Another factor that affects the cost of 3D printing services is the size and complexity of the object. The larger and more complex the object, the more material and time it will require to print. Therefore, the cost will increase accordingly. For example, a small and simple object, such as a keychain or a figurine, may cost only a few dollars to print. However, a large and intricate object, such as a helmet or a sculpture, may cost hundreds of dollars to print.
The size and complexity of the object also depend on the design and the level of detail. For example, if the object has overhangs, holes, or curves, it may need support structures to print properly. These support structures add to the material and time consumption, and may also require post-processing to remove. Similarly, if the object has a high level of detail, such as fine textures or intricate patterns, it may need a higher resolution and accuracy to print. These factors increase the printing time and the cost.
Printing Technology
The printing technology is another factor that influences the cost of 3D printing services. There are different types of 3D printing technologies, such as FDM, SLA, SLS, MJF, DLS, and DMLS, each with its own advantages, disadvantages, and costs. For example, FDM is the most widely used and affordable technology, costing around $0.10 to $0.20 per gram of material, or around $25 to $50 per hour of printing time[^4^][4]. SLA is more expensive, costing around $0.30 to $0.50 per gram of material, or around $50 to $100 per hour of printing time[^5^][5]. DMLS is the most costly, costing around $0.80 to $1.00 per gram of material, or around $200 to $250 per hour of printing time[^6^][6].
The printing technology also depends on the material compatibility, the quality, and the speed of the printing process. For example, if you want to print with metal, you need to use a technology that can handle high temperatures and pressures, such as DMLS or SLM. However, these technologies are slower and more expensive than other technologies, such as FDM or SLA. Similarly, if you want to print with high quality and resolution, you need to use a technology that can produce fine details and smooth surfaces, such as SLA or DLS. However, these technologies are also slower and more expensive than other technologies, such as FDM or SLS.
Service Provider
The final factor that affects the cost of 3D printing services is the service provider. There are many 3D printing service providers in the market, each with its own pricing, quality, and delivery options. For example, some service providers may charge a flat rate per gram of material or per hour of printing time, while others may charge a variable rate based on the complexity and the volume of the object. Some service providers may offer discounts for bulk orders or loyalty programs, while others may charge extra fees for shipping or handling. Some service providers may guarantee a fast turnaround time and a high-quality output, while others may have longer lead times and lower-quality results.
The service provider selection depends on your budget, your expectations, and your preferences. For example, if you want to save money and time, you can use an online 3D printing service, such as Xometry[^7^][7] or Shapeways[^8^][8], which offer competitive prices, fast delivery, and a wide range of materials and technologies. However, if you want to have more control and customization, you can use a local 3D printing service, such as MakerCarl3D[^5^][5] or PrintAWorld[^4^][4], which offer personalized service, direct communication, and flexible options.
The cost of having someone 3D print for you depends on several factors, such as the type of material, the size and complexity of the object, the printing technology, and the service provider. The average cost of 3D printing services in the USA ranges from $0.10 to $1.00 per gram of material, or from $25 to $250 per hour of printing time. However, the actual cost may vary depending on the specific requirements and parameters of your project. Therefore, it is advisable to compare different options and get quotes from different service providers before choosing the best one for your needs.
