Gain Deeper Insights Into 3D Printing Costs With Our Essential Whitepaper

How Much Does Industrial 3D Printing Cost? A Full Breakdown

Blog Article | June 7, 2024

The world of 3D printing offers incredible potential to bring your ideas to life. But for industrial applications, the focus shifts from readily available filaments and resins to a world of advanced materials and high-precision technologies. This blog dives deep into the cost factors of industrial 3D printing. We'll explore the most popular industrial 3D printing technologies, like those utilizing high-performance nylons, and the strategies to keep your projects cost-effective without sacrificing quality. Get ready to embark on a journey that equips you to leverage the power of industrial 3D printing for real-world applications. Let's dive in!

Industrial 3D Printer Costs: Price Ranges by Technology

Industrial 3D printers are designed for continuous operation, producing high-precision parts with robust mechanical properties. This translates to significantly higher upfront costs compared to hobbyist printers. Here's a breakdown of the starting price ranges for the most common industrial 3D printing technologies:

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)

This technology uses spooled plastic filament, offering the most affordable entry point for industrial printing. Prices typically start around $5,000, making it suitable for prototyping and low-volume production runs of parts that don't require exceptional strength or heat resistance.

Stereolithography (SLA)

SLA printers utilize lasers to cure liquid resin into intricate, high-resolution parts. They offer superior detail and surface finish compared to FFF, making them ideal for applications like producing finely detailed models, jewelry, and functional prototypes. The mid-range price point for SLA printers can vary significantly depending on build volume and features, ranging from $10,000 to over $50,000.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

SLS printers use lasers to fuse nylon into robust, functional prototypes with unmatched complexity and strength. Widely used in industrial settings for applications like aerospace and automotive parts, the prices for SLS printers typically range from $100,000 to $700,000, depending on the size, capabilities, and materials they support.

Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)

MJF printing is known for its speed and precision, often surpassing SLS in both regards. MJF is highly regarded for producing parts with excellent mechanical properties and fine detail, making it ideal for both prototyping and end-use production. Additionally, MJF offers a faster turnaround and often lower costs per part compared to SLS, enhancing its appeal in various industrial applications. The starting prices for MJF printers typically range from $100,000 to $250,000, reflecting the advanced technology and capabilities they offer.

How to Calculate Cost Per Part in Industrial 3D Printing

There's no magic formula for calculating cost per part. It's a combination of factors specific to each project. Here are the key elements to consider:

Material Cost

This can vary widely depending on the chosen material and the amount used. Industrial materials like high-performance nylons or metal powders can be significantly more expensive than the filaments used in hobbyist printers.

Part Size

Larger parts require more material, increasing the overall cost. Optimizing your design for minimal material usage can lead to significant savings.

Upfront Hardware Costs

In your calculation of the part cost, you should account for your upfront investment and amortize it over time. This includes the initial purchase price, accessories, and setup costs, spread over the printer's lifetime and expected production volume to determine the true cost per part.

Labor Costs

Post-processing tasks like support removal, sanding, and painting can be labor-intensive, adding to the expense. Optimizing your design to minimize support structures can help reduce these costs.

Operation Costs

Consider electricity consumption during printing, especially for longer jobs. Energy-efficient printers can help minimize operational expenses. Additionally, include maintenance costs for your 3D printers, such as replacement parts and regular servicing, which can add to the overall operational expenses.

Software Fees

Slicing software, used to prepare 3D models for printing, and design tools may have associated costs. Open-source options are available, but some advanced features might require paid software subscriptions.

Industrial 3D Printing Material Costs: A Breakdown

Material selection is a crucial factor influencing your project budget. Here's a look at common industrial 3D printing materials and their cost considerations:

Nylon

Offering excellent strength, durability, and flexibility, nylon is a popular choice for industrial applications. Prices can vary depending on the specific grade and its properties. However, expect to pay at least $50 per kilogram, which can be significantly higher compared to hobbyist filaments.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

This cost-effective engineering-grade plastic is known for its good balance of strength, impact resistance, and printability. ABS is often used for functional prototypes, housings, and parts requiring moderate mechanical properties. Prices typically start around $30 per kilogram, making it a more affordable alternative to nylon for some applications.

Polyetherimide (PEI, Ultem)

Ultem is an engineering-grade plastic offering exceptional heat resistance, flame retardancy, and high strength-to-weight ratio. These properties make it a popular choice for demanding applications in aerospace, automotive, and medical sectors. Due to its advanced properties, Ultem comes at a higher cost, typically starting around $100 per kilogram and sometimes even exceeding that depending on the specific grade.

In-House vs Outsourced 3D Printing: Cost, Quality, & Control

The choice between in-house and outsourced printing depends on your project volume and priorities. Let's explore the key factors.

In-House Printing: Ideal for high-volume projects or those requiring frequent tweaks. You maintain control over materials and turnaround times, potentially reducing costs for one-off prints. However, this approach demands upfront investment in printers, post-processing equipment, and skilled personnel.
Outsourcing to a Service Bureau: Cost-effective for low-volume production runs. Service bureaus offer a wider range of printers and materials, along with expert operators, ensuring top-notch quality for specialized applications. Additionally, they handle large-scale production efficiently, eliminating the need for you to invest in extra equipment. The downside? Less control over the process and potentially higher costs for low-volume prints.

Here are some additional considerations when making the decision to print in-house or outsource:

Expertise
In-house printing requires skilled personnel to operate and maintain the printers, as well as expertise in post-processing techniques. Outsourcing eliminates this need, as the service bureau handles the technical aspects.

Lead Time
In-house printing offers more control over lead times, especially for smaller projects. Outsourcing may involve additional lead time for communication and project setup with the service bureau.

Quality Control
When printing in-house, you have complete control over the printing process and quality assurance. However, service bureaus can offer inspection reports and often operate under a quality control system, which may not always be feasible for in-house users. Establishing clear communication and quality control procedures with the service bureau is crucial when outsourcing.

Saratech’s Industrial 3D Printing Solutions

Saratech offers sales, service, and support of Markforged, and BigRep 3D printers. The breadth of 3D Printing technologies allows us to provide the right solutions according to customer requirements.

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Strategies for Cost Reduction in Industrial 3D Printing

By implementing these strategies, you can optimize your budget and keep your industrial 3D printing projects cost-effective:

Choose The Right Printer

Don't overspend on features you don't need. Carefully evaluate your project requirements and select a printer that offers the necessary capabilities without unnecessary functionalities that inflate the price.

Material Selection

Whenever possible, opt for cost-effective materials like Nylon, which provides good strength and durability at a lower cost compared to higher-priced options like Polyetherimide (PEI, Ultem). Explore alternatives such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), which can meet your project's functional requirements without breaking the bank.

Design Optimization

You can achieve significant cost savings by optimizing your 3D models for minimal material usage. Techniques like hollowing out structures, incorporating lattice patterns, and minimizing support structures reduce material consumption. Additionally, optimizing infill settings balances strength and material usage, lowering costs without compromising quality.

Bulk Purchases

If you anticipate frequent and large-scale printing, consider buying materials in bulk quantities. Purchasing in larger amounts can lead to significant cost savings through volume discounts and reduced shipping costs. This approach not only lowers the overall expense but also ensures you have a steady supply of materials, preventing delays in your printing projects.

Software Exploration

Explore open-source slicing software options to minimize software expenses. However, for complex projects, some advanced features might necessitate paid software subscriptions. Weigh the cost against the potential benefits for your specific needs.

Conclusion: Optimizing Industrial 3D Printing Costs

Understanding the various factors that influence 3D printing costs empowers you to make informed decisions for your industrial projects. By carefully considering factors like printer type, material selection, and design optimization, you can ensure that your 3D printing endeavors are not only innovative but also budget conscious. By implementing cost-saving strategies, you can leverage the power of industrial 3D printing to achieve your manufacturing goals while keeping your projects financially viable.

At Saratech, we provide cutting-edge 3D printing services and solutions tailored to meet the demands of production environments. Featuring industry leaders such as Markforged and BigRep, we focus on delivering high-quality printing solutions for businesses and professionals seeking robust and reliable performance. Our curated range of 3D printers and materials is geared towards industrial applications, ensuring precision, durability, and efficiency for a wide range of manufacturing needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of industries are using 3D printers?

Industrial 3D printing has become a key manufacturing solution across industries that demand precision, durability, and speed. Leading sectors include aerospace and defense, where lightweight, high-strength components are essential; automotive and transportation, which rely on 3D printing for tooling, prototyping, and end-use parts; and medical devices and healthcare, where customization and biocompatible materials support patient-specific solutions.

Other major adopters include consumer products, electronics, industrial machinery, and energy and utilities. Each of these industries leverages 3D printing to shorten lead times, enhance design flexibility, and reduce production costs.

How fast can an industrial 3D printer print?

Print speed varies widely based on the technology, material, and part complexity. For example, Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) systems may print several cubic inches per hour, while Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) printers can produce entire batches of parts in a matter of hours.

Generally, industrial 3D printers are optimized for throughput, meaning multiple parts can be printed simultaneously or within a continuous production workflow. The faster layer deposition rates and automated post-processing of advanced printers significantly reduce turnaround times compared to traditional manufacturing—helping companies meet tight deadlines without compromising quality.

How much does an industrial 3D printer typically cost?

Industrial 3D printer prices vary widely based on the technology, build volume, and performance features.

FFF printers offer the most accessible entry point for industrial printing and are well-suited for prototyping and short-run production.
SLA printers occupy the mid-range, providing exceptional resolution and surface finish ideal for detailed parts.
SLS printers are positioned in the higher cost tier, delivering strong, functional nylon components for demanding applications.
MJF printers also fall within the high-performance range, combining speed, precision, and consistent part quality for production environments.

Beyond the printer itself, it’s important to consider material, maintenance, labor, and software expenses when estimating your total investment. For a detailed overview, see the Industrial 3D Printer Cost Guide.

What are the advantages of using industrial 3D printers?

Industrial 3D printers provide numerous advantages that extend well beyond prototyping:

Reduced Production Costs – Minimize waste and tooling requirements by printing parts directly from CAD models.
Design Flexibility – Create complex geometries, lightweight structures, and custom components impossible with traditional methods.
Faster Time-to-Market – Rapid prototyping and short-run production accelerate innovation cycles.
High-Performance Materials – Print with advanced thermoplastics, composites, or metals tailored to your application.
Scalability & Repeatability – Consistent quality across production batches ensures reliable results. For manufacturers looking to enhance performance, precision, and efficiency, industrial 3D printing delivers a measurable return on investment through time and material savings.