The cost of 3D printing at home depends on various factors, such as the type of printer, the quality of the filament, the size and complexity of the model, and the electricity consumption. Generally speaking, 3D printing at home is not very expensive, but it can vary from a few cents to hundreds of dollars per print. In this article, we will explore the different aspects of 3D printing costs and how to reduce them.
One of the main factors that affect the cost of 3D printing at home is the type of 3D printer you use. There are many types of 3D printers available in the market, each with different features, capabilities, and prices. Some of the most common types are:
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling): This is the most popular and affordable type of 3D printer, which uses a heated nozzle to extrude plastic filament layer by layer to create a 3D object. FDM printers are easy to use, versatile, and can print a wide range of materials, such as PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and more. However, they also have some limitations, such as lower resolution, higher chances of warping, and limited color options. The average cost of an FDM printer ranges from $200 to $3000, depending on the brand, model, and features.
SLA (Stereolithography): This is a type of resin-based 3D printer, which uses a laser to cure liquid resin into solid layers to form a 3D object. SLA printers are known for their high accuracy, smooth surface finish, and ability to print intricate details. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as higher cost, lower speed, limited material choices, and toxic resin handling. The average cost of an SLA printer ranges from $500 to $5000, depending on the brand, model, and features.
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering): This is a type of powder-based 3D printer, which uses a laser to fuse nylon powder particles into solid layers to create a 3D object. SLS printers are ideal for printing strong, durable, and functional parts, such as gears, hinges, and brackets. However, they are also very expensive, complex, and require post-processing. The average cost of an SLS printer ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, depending on the brand, model, and features.
Quality of the filament
Another factor that affects the cost of 3D printing at home is the quality of the filament you use. Filament is the raw material that is fed into the 3D printer to create the 3D object. The quality of the filament can vary depending on the manufacturer, the type of material, the diameter, the color, and the additives. The quality of the filament can affect the print quality, the durability, the appearance, and the environmental impact of the 3D object.
The average cost of a 1 kg spool of filament ranges from $10 to $50, depending on the type and quality of the material. Some of the most common types of filament are:
PLA (Polylactic Acid): This is the most widely used and cheapest type of filament, which is made from corn starch or sugarcane. PLA is biodegradable, easy to print, and comes in a variety of colors. However, it is also brittle, prone to moisture absorption, and has a low melting point. PLA is suitable for printing decorative and non-functional objects, such as toys, models, and art pieces.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): This is a type of thermoplastic that is commonly used in injection molding and Lego bricks. ABS is strong, durable, and resistant to heat and chemicals. However, it is also difficult to print, prone to warping and cracking, and emits harmful fumes. ABS is suitable for printing functional and mechanical parts, such as tools, enclosures, and brackets.
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): This is a type of polyester that is commonly used in plastic bottles and food containers. PETG is flexible, tough, and resistant to water and chemicals. However, it is also sticky, stringy, and sensitive to temperature and humidity. PETG is suitable for printing flexible and transparent objects, such as vases, bottles, and cases.
Size and complexity of the model
Another factor that affects the cost of 3D printing at home is the size and complexity of the model you want to print. The size and complexity of the model can affect the amount of filament, the print time, and the electricity consumption. The larger and more complex the model, the more expensive it will be to print.
The size of the model is measured by the volume of the bounding box that encloses it, which is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of the model. The complexity of the model is measured by the number of polygons, curves, and details that make up the model. The more polygons, curves, and details, the more complex the model.
The average cost of printing a 3D model can be estimated by using the following formula:
Cost = (Filament price per gram) x (Model weight in grams) + (Electricity price per kWh) x (Print time in hours) x (Power consumption in kW)
For example, if you want to print a 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm cube with 100% infill using PLA filament that costs $20 per kg, and your electricity price is $0.12 per kWh, and your printer consumes 0.2 kW of power, the cost of printing the cube would be:
Cost = ($0.02 per gram) x (1000 grams) + ($0.12 per kWh) x (10 hours) x (0.2 kW) = $20 + $0.24 = $20.24
However, if you want to print a 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm sphere with 20% infill using PLA filament that costs $20 per kg, and your electricity price is $0.12 per kWh, and your printer consumes 0.2 kW of power, the cost of printing the sphere would be:
Cost = ($0.02 per gram) x (200 grams) + ($0.12 per kWh) x (5 hours) x (0.2 kW) = $4 + $0.12 = $4.12
As you can see, the cost of printing the sphere is much lower than the cost of printing the cube, even though they have the same size, because the sphere has less material and takes less time to print.
Electricity consumption
Another factor that affects the cost of 3D printing at home is the electricity consumption of your 3D printer. The electricity consumption of your 3D printer depends on the type of printer, the print settings, and the ambient temperature. The higher the temperature, the faster the print speed, and the more features the printer has, the more electricity it will consume.
The average power consumption of a 3D printer ranges from 50 W to 500 W, depending on the brand, model, and features. For example, a basic FDM printer with a single extruder and a heated bed might consume around 100 W of power, while a more advanced SLA printer with a laser and a resin tank might consume around 300 W of power.
The average cost of electricity in the US is $0.12 per kWh, which means that for every hour of 3D printing, you will spend around $0.01 to $0.06 on electricity. This might not seem like a lot, but it can add up over time, especially if you print frequently and for long periods.
How to reduce the cost of 3D printing at home
If you want to reduce the cost of 3D printing at home, there are some tips and tricks that you can follow, such as:
Choose the right type of 3D printer and filament for your needs and budget. If you only print occasionally and for fun, you might not need a high-end printer or filament. If you print often and for professional purposes, you might want to invest in a quality printer and filament that can deliver the best results.
Optimize your print settings and model design. You can save filament, time, and electricity by adjusting your print settings and model design to suit your needs. For example, you can reduce the infill percentage, the layer height, the print speed, and the support material to use less material and print faster. You can also hollow out your model, add holes, or split it into smaller parts to reduce the weight and volume of the model.
Recycle your waste filament and failed prints. You can reuse your waste filament and failed prints by either melting them down and extruding them into new filament, or by shredding them and mixing them with other materials to create new products. This way, you can reduce the amount of filament you buy and the amount of plastic you throw away.
Compare the prices of different filament brands and suppliers. You can save money by shopping around and finding the best deals on filament. You can compare the prices of different filament brands and suppliers online, or by visiting local stores and makerspaces. You can also look for discounts, coupons, and sales to get the best value for your money.
3D printing at home is not very expensive, but it can vary depending on the type of printer, the quality of the filament, the size and complexity of the model, and the electricity consumption. The average cost of 3D printing at home ranges from a few cents to hundreds of dollars per print, depending on these factors. However, there are ways to reduce the cost of 3D printing at home, such as choosing the right type of printer and filament, optimizing the print settings and model design, recycling the waste filament and failed prints, and comparing the prices of different filament brands and suppliers. 3D printing at home can be a fun, rewarding, and creative hobby, as well as a potential source of income, innovation, and education. If you are interested in 3D printing at home, you can start by doing some research, finding a suitable printer and filament, and downloading or designing some models to print. You might be surprised by what you can create with 3D printing at home. 3D printing at home is not only affordable, but also amazing.
