はじめに
3D printing has become one of the most exciting technologies in modern manufacturing, offering incredible flexibility for businesses and individuals alike. But before investing in a 3D printer or outsourcing a print job, one crucial question arises: What is the actual 3D printing price?
The cost of 3D printing depends on several factors, including the type of printer, materials used, post-processing, and additional expenses like electricity and software. In this guide, we’ll break down every aspect of 3D printing price, helping you understand how much you should expect to spend—whether you’re printing at home or using professional services.
1. 3D Printing Price: How Much Does a 3D Printer Cost?
The 3D printing price varies significantly depending on the type of printer and its capabilities. Here’s a breakdown of different categories:
- Entry-Level 3D Printers (FDM/Resin) – $200 to $1,000
- Best for hobbyists and beginners
- Uses basic materials like PLA and resin
- Limited precision and durability
- Mid-Range 3D Printers – $1,000 to $5,000
- Suitable for professionals and small businesses
- Higher precision and material compatibility
- Can print more complex models
- Industrial 3D Printers – $10,000 to $500,000+
- Used for large-scale production
- Can print with advanced materials like metal and carbon fiber
- Higher speed, accuracy, and durability
If you’re printing frequently or need high-quality results, investing in a mid-range or industrial printer may be more cost-effective than outsourcing.
2. Material Costs: The Hidden Factor in 3D Printing Price
Aside from the printer itself, materials are a significant cost factor. Here’s an overview of the 3D printing price for common materials:
- Plastic Filaments (PLA, ABS, PETG) – $20 to $60 per kg
- Affordable and commonly used
- Good for basic prototypes and functional parts
- Resins (for SLA Printers) – $50 to $200 per liter
- Offers high detail and smooth finishes
- Used in jewelry, dental, and industrial applications
- Nylon, TPU, and Flexible Filaments – $50 to $150 per kg
- Durable and flexible materials
- Ideal for mechanical and wearable parts
- Metal Powders (Titanium, Aluminum, Stainless Steel) – $100 to $1,000+ per kg
- Used for aerospace, automotive, and medical implants
- Requires specialized industrial printers
- Carbon Fiber & Composite Materials – $150 to $500 per kg
- High strength, lightweight, and used in engineering applications
The material cost directly impacts the 3D printing price, especially for large or complex projects.
3. Post-Processing Costs: The Overlooked Expens
Many 3D-printed parts require additional processing after printing. This can add to the 3D printing price, depending on the level of refinement needed.
Common Post-Processing Expenses:
- Support Removal & Cleaning – $5 to $50 per part
- Sanding & Smoothing – $10 to $100 per part
- Painting & Coating – $20 to $200 per part
- Curing (for Resin Prints) – Requires additional equipment ($50 to $500)
For businesses, investing in post-processing tools may reduce long-term costs, but for occasional users, outsourcing these tasks may be more cost-effective.
4. Outsourcing vs. Owning a 3D Printer: Which is More Cost-Effective?
If you’re not ready to invest in a printer, outsourcing may be the better option. Here’s a look at the typical 3D printing price when using online printing services like Shapeways, Sculpteo, or Protolabs:
- Plastic Prototypes – $10 to $100 per part
- High-Detail Resin Prints – $50 to $300 per part
- 金属3Dプリンティング – $100 to $1,500 per part
- Bulk Orders (Production Runs) – Price per unit decreases significantly
For occasional users, outsourcing saves the cost of a printer, maintenance, and materials. However, businesses that frequently print custom parts may find that owning a printer is more cost-effective in the long run.
5. Additional Costs: Energy, Maintenance, and Software
Beyond printers, materials, and post-processing, there are other hidden costs affecting the 3D printing price:
- Electricity Usage
- Desktop printers: 50 – 150W per hour (~$0.01 – $0.05 per hour)
- Industrial printers: 1,000W+ per hour (~$0.50 – $2 per hour)
- Maintenance & Repairs
- Nozzle replacements: $10 – $50
- Print bed replacements: $20 – $100
- Laser calibration (for industrial printers): $500 – $2,000
- Software & Design Costs
- Free software: TinkerCAD, Blender
- Professional software: Fusion 360 ($495/year), SolidWorks ($1,295/year)
- Hiring a designer for custom 3D models: $50 – $500 per project
Conclusion: What’s the True 3D Printing Price?
The 3D printing price depends on multiple factors, including printer type, materials, post-processing, and additional operational costs. Here’s a rough estimate of total expenses for different users:
| User Type | Printer Cost | Material Cost | Other Costs | Total Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobbyist | $200 – $1,000 | $20 – $100 per kg | $10 – $100 (electricity, software) | $250 – $1,500 |
| Small Business | $1,000 – $10,000 | $50 – $500 per kg | $100 – $1,000 (maintenance, software) | $2,000 – $15,000 |
| Industrial | $10,000 – $500,000 | $100 – $1,000+ per kg | $500 – $5,000 (software, energy, labor) | $20,000 – $1,000,000+ |
If you’re just starting, a budget-friendly printer with PLA filament is the best option. For businesses, investing in a high-quality printer with the right materials can lead to long-term savings. If you don’t print often, outsourcing might be the most cost-effective approach.
Ultimately, understanding the different elements of 3D printing price will help you make the right choice based on your needs and budget.
Final Thoughts
3D printing can be affordable or expensive, depending on what you need. Before purchasing a printer or outsourcing prints, consider the costs carefully. By choosing the right combination of printer, materials, and services, you can get the best value for your 3D printing price investment.