What Affects the Cost of a 3D Print?
Every factor that affects what a maker charges for a 3D print: material, weight, time, infill, finishing, post-processing, design work and rush fees.
Two parts the same size can quote at completely different prices. That's not because makers are inconsistent — it's because eight different factors feed into the final number. Understanding them helps you predict your quote and identify where you can save money without compromising the part.
1. Material
Material cost varies more than people expect. PLA at $25–$35/kg is the cheapest mainstream option. PETG and ABS are similar, $30–$45/kg. ASA is slightly higher. TPU runs $50–$70/kg. Nylon is $60–$120/kg. Carbon-fibre composites are $80–$200/kg. Resin is $50–$120/litre. SLS nylon powder is significantly more once machine cost is factored in.
Choose the cheapest material that meets the requirement. A bracket that lives indoors doesn't need ASA; a phone stand doesn't need nylon. Tell the maker what the part will do and they'll suggest the right material.
2. Weight (volume × infill)
Material consumed = part volume × infill density + walls + supports. A 100 g part at 15% infill might use 30 g of filament; the same part at 100% infill uses all 100 g and quadruples the material cost.
Default infill of 15–20% is plenty for most decorative parts. 40–60% is normal for functional parts. 100% is rarely necessary and adds significant cost and print time.
3. Print time
Print time depends on size, layer height, speed and number of perimeters. A small part at 0.2 mm layers might take 2 hours; the same part at 0.08 mm layers takes 5+ hours and costs more.
If finish quality isn't critical, ask the maker to use 0.24–0.28 mm layers. The cost saving from halved print time often outweighs the slightly visible layer lines.
4. Supports
Overhanging features need scaffolding to print successfully. Supports consume material that gets thrown away and add post-processing time.
Two ways to reduce support cost: design parts with self-supporting angles (under 45° from vertical), or orient the part on the build plate to minimise overhangs. A good maker handles this for you, but if you're sending CAD, designing for printability cuts cost.
5. Design / modelling work
If you send a ready-to-print STL, STEP or 3MF, design time is zero. If the maker has to model the part from photos, drawings, or by reverse-engineering a broken piece, expect $40–$120 per hour of CAD time.
Simple parts (a flat bracket, a basic knob) take 15–60 minutes. Complex parts (a reverse-engineered carburettor part, a multi-feature assembly) can take several hours. Ask for a design quote upfront, separate from printing.
6. Finishing and post-processing
Raw off-printer: cheapest. Layer lines visible.
Light sanding and edge cleanup: small premium, much nicer in hand.
Full sanding, filler primer, paint and clear coat: can double the print cost — expect $40–$150 extra for a typical part.
Vapour smoothing (ABS/ASA only): glossy injection-mould-like finish; $20–$80 extra.
Media blasting (SLS): standard, included in most SLS quotes.
Resin parts: washing, UV curing and support removal are included; painting is extra.
7. Quantity
Per-unit cost drops sharply with quantity. One bracket might be $25 each; ten brackets might be $12 each; a hundred brackets might be $6 each. The maker can batch print, share setup time, and amortise design across the run.
If you might need spares, order them with the first batch — adding parts after the fact restarts setup costs.
8. Lead time and rush fees
Standard lead time (5–10 business days) is built into normal pricing. Need it in 48 hours? Expect a 20–50% rush surcharge because the maker has to bump other work. Need it in 24 hours? Some makers will do it; expect to pay double.
If you're flexible on timing, say so up front — makers often offer a small discount for jobs they can slot into idle printer time.
Bonus: location and shipping
A local maker can save you postage. A regional NSW farmer ordering from a Melbourne maker pays $15–$25 shipping; from a maker in their own town, maybe nothing if pickup is offered. Printit4Me shows maker locations, so you can filter for nearby options.
Putting it together
A typical $35 quote for a 100 g functional bracket breaks down roughly: $4 material, $8 print time, $10 maker overhead and margin, $5 design tweaks, $8 finishing and packaging. A $150 quote for the same shape with full paint, premium material and rush turnaround reflects every dial turned up.
Knowing this, you can ask: which dials can I turn down without affecting the part's job? Often the answer is several.
FAQ
Why is my quote so much higher than I expected?
Common reasons: the part needs supports you didn't notice; the maker added design time you weren't expecting; you chose a premium material; or the print time is longer than the part's weight suggests (tall thin parts take ages).
Can I lower the quote by reducing infill myself?
Tell the maker what the part needs to do and let them choose infill. They'll often arrive at lower-cost settings than you would, because they know what's worked on similar jobs.
Does file format affect price?
Yes — STEP is preferred over STL because the maker can modify it without quality loss. Some makers offer small discounts for STEP.
Ready to get something printed?
Post a job and Australian makers will quote you within hours.