How much does 3D printing cost?

3D printing is a creation technology that is increasingly sought after by companies. It is a fast, less expensive solution and a real investment, whether for the manufacture of a prototype or the creation of mass-produced objects. Moreover, this market has no limits as to the shape and dimensions to be produced. As the price of a print is the main element in the conclusion of a manufacturing contract, here are more details on the subject.

Who is 3d printing for?

3d printing is aimed at all companies regardless of their sector of activity: industry, construction, commerce, energy, service, tourism, finance, etc. For some, 3d models are the basis of their business. This is the case, for example, for industries that create objects, brands that use containers for their products, designers of all kinds (furniture designers, kitchenware designers, etc.). For others, the use of these printers is occasional: creation of logos, signs, POS displays, trophies, etc. The function of a 3D printer solves many obstacles for the majority of players.

Chaussure Alvéolée impression 3D grand format
Réservoir impression 3D grand format

What criteria determine the cost of a 3D print?

  • The file for the model: with a file that can be used for printing, you will not have any additional costs. Otherwise, you will have to create the file with specific software. This will affect the cost.
  • The printing stage: the size of the object and the number of pieces to be printed will lead to the consumption of materials. Not to mention the nature and quality of the materials, the prices of which vary greatly.
  • Finishing or post-processing: these options are determining factors in the quote. A printed part that is delivered raw will be cheaper than another that needs smoothing, labelling, colouring and varnishing. The finish of a part with or without resin defines, among other things, the final quality of the work provided.

The price of a 3d print can also be different depending on the context, the production time and the volume:

  • With a professional service provider, the budget depends on the three criteria mentioned above. The quality of the printers and the quality of the material should also be taken into account.
  • For individuals who wish to print at home, the cost will be different, including the purchase of equipment which will generally be smaller than that used by a professional. There is also the purchase of raw materials. Not to mention the time to spend on it if you have to create several small pieces to make a large format because the machine is too small. And also the time needed to create the file on a software.
  • The quality of the raw material is also important. The price of a 1Kg spool of PLA filament on the market varies from 15 euros to more than 60 euros depending on the brand and the specificities of the printer. PLA Pro1 is around 60 euros on average, while the cost of certain filaments can exceed 100 euros per kilogram.

Why opt for 3d printing at Pami3D?

  • The quality of the printer: the machines used are professional and thus allow the creation of quality objects unlike a consumer printer.
  • The quality of the materials: we use quality materials whether for a large, medium or small format production line.
  • The quality of the finish: the rendering of the final part is what counts the most. The appearance of the surface finish and the colour are identical to what is required.
  • The manufacturing process and execution: each project goes through several stages starting with the creation of the 3d file or scan, through printing, cleaning of the parts, visual finishing, assembly of the parts, painting and effects.

Everything you need to know to choose your 3D printing service provider

Collecteur impression 3D grand format
Filaments impression 3D grand format

How to choose the raw material?

The choice of material depends on the object to be printed, the printers and the printing systems such as sls, fdm and sla.

PLA for the manufacture of objects to be put inside and the cost is affordable compared to the others.

PLA Pro1 which is also a plastic but more resistant and suitable for outdoor objects. PETG, which has the particularity of deforming without breaking and is resistant to chemicals.

TPU for flexible parts and finally ABS. Metals are also used for additive manufacturing using DMLS type printers: powdered metal, stainless steel, titanium, aluminium, iron, gold, platinum, etc.