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How much does 3D printing cost?
Once you understand how 3D printing works, it's important to talk money. A 3D printer should be a long-term asset for your organization that delivers value for years after you buy it. But how much does 3D printing cost?
The article provides a list of costs involved in owning a 3D printer, including the price of the printer itself, peripherals for post-processing, maintenance and service, energy consumption, materials, and software. The prices of 3D printers vary depending on the technology, with FDM printers ranging from a few hundred dollars to higher-performance desktop printers in the $2,000 to $6,000 range. SLA printers start from around $2,000 to $3,000, while SLS printers typically cost $10,000 plus.
Peripherals such as post-processing stations are essential for SLA and SLS printers, while peripherals for FDM printers depend on individual needs. Maintenance and service costs mainly involve replacing consumable parts, and some sellers may include installation and maintenance in the price. Energy consumption costs for an UltiMaker 3D printer are estimated to be around $50 per year, but can vary based on usage and local energy prices.
Material costs, comparable to gas for a car, are one of the biggest running costs for 3D printing. For FDM printing, filament prices range from $20 to $50 per kilogram. Entry-level SLA resins cost around $50 per liter, while professional options can cost between $150 and $400. SLS powder can cost around $100 to $200 per kilogram.
Most professional-level 3D printers come with software included, but cheaper printers may require additional software. UltiMaker Cura software is compatible with hundreds of machines and available for free download. Consider an enterprise software plan for added features like direct support, online training courses, and cloud storage.
Overall, owning a 3D printer entails considering the costs beyond the initial purchase, such as peripherals, maintenance and service, energy consumption, materials, and software. These costs should be factored into long-term planning for the financial sustainability of 3D printing operations.
Read more: https://ultimaker.com/learn/how-much-does-3d-printing-cost/
Contact us: Phone 93404337, email Christian@3dverkstan.dk