Costs, time & practical considerations

Entry-level printers can cost a few hundred euros, while industrial systems like SLS can range from €10,000 to over €100,000. Price reflects build size, precision, material compatibility, and automation features.

The cost comes from high-end equipment, specialized materials, and post-processing needs. Industrial-grade printers and materials are engineered for performance, not mass-market pricing. However, costs are dropping as the technology matures.

The cost of a 3D printed part depends on material type, print time, machine usage, and post-processing. For FDM, costs can start as low as €1–2, while industrial SLS or metal prints may exceed €100 per piece. Software tools can help estimate material usage and electricity consumption for accurate quotes.

SLS printing costs vary based on material, part volume, and production scale. In-house printing reduces per-part cost over time, but initial investment in equipment can range from €10,000 to €100,000+. Outsourcing can range from €5 to €50+ per part.

Energy use varies by printer type. SLS and resin printers typically consume more power than FDM due to lasers or heating systems, but overall usage is still modest compared to traditional manufacturing.

The time required to 3D print a part depends on several factors, including the size of the object, level of detail, chosen layer height, and the type of 3D printing technology. Small, low-detail models can be printed in under an hour, while larger or highly detailed parts may take several hours or even more than a day. FDM printers tend to be slower for detailed prints but efficient for basic shapes, whereas SLS and SLA can produce complex geometries faster, especially in batch production. Layer thickness also plays a key role — thinner layers improve quality but significantly increase print time. Planning ahead with optimized settings and realistic expectations is essential for managing production schedules.

In general, 3D printing can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over 24 hours, depending on the size, complexity, layer height, and printing technology used.

Print duration is affected by layer height, part size, complexity, infill density, and printer speed. High-detail prints with small layer heights take significantly longer. Smart orientation and optimized slicing can dramatically reduce build time. More about factors affecting print cost.

Post-processing improves surface finish, removes excess powder, and can enhance mechanical properties. It also affects the final look — from matte to polished finishes — and can be critical for tight tolerances. Proper post-processing makes parts look and perform more like end-use products.

Yes, depending on the technology, post-processing may include support removal, sanding, dyeing, curing, or polishing. It adds time and labor but improves surface finish, mechanical performance, and appearance. SLA and SLS prints typically need more post-processing than basic FDM parts.

Beyond material and machine costs, hidden expenses include maintenance, failed prints, calibration time, and labor for post-processing. Software licenses and workspace safety equipment (especially for resin or powder printers) can also add up. It’s important to factor these into your ROI calculations.

In-house printing offers lower long-term costs for frequent use and faster iteration. Outsourcing is ideal for low-volume or complex prints without the need for machine investment. The best option depends on your budget, capacity, and turnaround expectations.

Use optimized print settings such as lower infill, larger layer heights, and minimal supports. Select cost-effective materials like PLA or recycled filaments for prototypes. Efficient part orientation and combining multiple objects in one build also help reduce waste and time.

3D printing excels in short-run production and customization, especially when tooling costs for traditional manufacturing are too high. It enables just-in-time production, mass personalization, and design flexibility — all with reduced lead times and inventory risks.