# Calculating the Real Cost of 3D Printing: Beyond Filament
When we start in the world of additive manufacturing, it is common to think that the only cost is the plastic that comes out of the nozzle. However, if you want to make this a business or simply manage your hobby better, you must understand that profitability lies in the details that are not visible at first glance.# The 4 Pillars of Cost in 3D Printing
Our calculator breaks down the final price into four fundamental areas: Material and Waste: Includes the weight of the part, but also the plastic used in supports, skirts, and purges. We always recommend adding a 5-10% margin for possible print failures.
Electricity Consumption: A 3D printer does not spend the same printing PLA (bed at 60°C) as ABS or Nylon (bed at 100°C+). The price of kWh can make a difference in long parts.
Machine Amortization: Every hour the printer is running, its components (belts, fans, nozzles) wear out. Including a small hourly cost will allow you to pay for future repairs.
Labor: Your time is the most valuable. Preparing the file, cleaning the bed, and post-processing the part must be accounted for.
# How to calculate amortization?
A simple way is to divide the purchase price of your printer by its estimated useful life in hours. For example, if a printer costs $400 and you expect it to work at least 2000 hours before a major renovation, its amortization cost is $0.20 per hour.Save on Electricity
If you print a lot, consider closing your printer with an enclosure. This not only helps to print technical materials but also retains heat and makes the heated bed consume much less energy to maintain the temperature.
# Sales Price Strategies
Once you know your base cost, you must decide your margin. In the world of on-demand 3D printing, a margin of 50-100% over the total cost is common to cover the risk of unexpected failures and commercial profit. If the part requires a lot of manual sanding and painting work, that margin should be higher. Pricing by time: Ideal for pure printing services.
Pricing by gram: Common for massive but simple parts.
Pricing by value: If the design is unique, the price should not be based only on cost, but on what the client is willing to pay.