3D printing has been quite a popular process that is chosen by many industries for manufacturing their complex parts. This process offers suitability for all kinds of parts irrespective of their use and is chosen widely.
However, 3D printing also comprises a set of factors that are termed to be the determiners of the cost of this service. Hence, when choosing this process and service, it is imperative to assess all these factors.
In this article below, we have provided a detailed guide regarding determining the cost of a 3D printing service, so let's look at these factors.
How Is the Cost of 3D Printing Determined?
The first thing that must be assessed before you hand over your 3D printing service to someone else or choose to do it on your own is the amount of capital you will need to invest.
Here we have discussed a few things that determine the cost of capital and will help you decide what to do. So, let's have a look.
Cost of the 3D Printer
Various factors are associated with the cost of 3D printers. There is a wide variety of 3D printers in terms of their features, specifications, and working performance, and the prices differ accordingly.
These could be divided into specific categories, and this comprises of the following considerations:
Technology in 3D Printer
There is no single technology that is present when it comes to choosing a 3D printer. Various technologies are present, and each has its properties and uses. There is SLA, SLM, SLS, and many more, and depending upon the purpose of printing, these are chosen by the manufacturers.
Price of Printer Setup
The entire setup of a 3D printer will also cost something; an expert is needed to set up the kind of printer you choose, and you will have to pay the price to that expert. For instance, when you are looking forward to installing an FDM printer, the installation charges might be between $200 to $1000.
Operating Cost of Printer
The 3D printer will have its operating cost, which will also depend upon its usage. The more printers used, the more will be the cost. This cost comprises electricity charges that are applicable due to the use of printers. Also, the price will consist of maintenance and repairs too.
Maintenance Expense
Every machinery requires maintenance, and if you use a 3D printer for your manufacturing, you must also ensure its maintenance. Hence the maintenance cost is also a consideration that must be considered. This cost is between $200 to $500 and might vary between the different technologies used.
Cost of the Material
A 3D printer will also require relevant material to work on. There are different kinds of materials, and with time, new materials are explored now and then. Each type of material will have its properties, and the selection will vary depending on the application requirements.
Filament and Powder Based Materials
The most affordable 3D printing is obtained using powders and filaments, which are thermoplastics. They are very flexible, and you can remelt and remold them until you achieve the desired results. However, despite being cheaper, they are time-consuming because they require repetitive cycles for a perfect outcome.
Hence, people who are not experts might save a lot of their time; however, this material costs around $20 per kg.
Resin Plastic
When looking for the best material to produce 3D-printed parts, resin amounts are the right choice. It is very user-friendly and also creates amazing details. The perfection of the parts manufacturing using resin is excellent, and it also has room for post-operation.
However, one downside of choosing resin to work with is the cost of the material. Since resin is expensive, it also increases the cost of the parts manufactured through 3D printing, and on the other hand, the service will also charge more for the 3D printing due to the high price.
Premium Materials
Some of the materials like cobalt, aluminum, and nickel are metals and hence are considered high-end materials, therefore, very expensive. These materials are also only available with help. Such materials are used in technologies like DMLS for manufacturing specific 3D parts.
The layout of the 3D Printed Components
The layout and geometrical complexity is also a factor that determines the cost of the 3D printed part. The first step in determining the cost of the 3D printed component is creating a model. Once the model is made, the cost of the service would be estimated easily.
However, the price would consider the component's size and how much accuracy and precision are needed in that part. Therefore a model could help save time and money by offering timely estimates.
Quantity of the 3D Printed Components
The idea of quantity is a determinant in identifying the cost of the components manufactured under 3D printing. However, when something is created in bulk, it offers cost-effectiveness, but apart from this, the size of the components counts as well.
When the component size is larger, the printing time will increase, and the finishing will also be a factor to consider for such a product. All these factors impact the price of the components and, therefore, must be considered.
Finishing of the 3D Printed Components
The final touches are essential when it comes to the 3D-printed components. Hence, there are many techniques to add this finish to the surface of these components. However, the finishing process also adds to the cost of the component and the service of 3D printing.
Therefore depending upon the finishing chosen, this will make up the cost. Some of the common forms of finishing comprise the following:
Polishing the Surface
Polishing the 3D printed component is an expensive and expert process that also needs sufficient skills. Hence, this finishing process is costly and requires much detailing by sanding the print, rinsing it, and applying the polish.
Electroplating
Electroplating is a process where the 3D-printed component is subjected to a coating of some metal. The component acts as a cathode, whereas the metal to be coated acts as an anode. When current passes through the apparatus, the metal is deposited on the component as a layer.
The electroplating process is an excellent finishing process but, at the same time, is very expensive and will also add to the cost of components in a big way.
Finishing with Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resin is also coated over the 3D component and is a process that adds strength to the component. It is an expensive process that will add to the cost but simultaneously seal away all the components' pores, leaving it flawless.
Tips to Reduce the Cost of the 3D Printing Process
The 3D printing process is vital to manufacturing various components, but due to the expensive cost, it sometimes becomes a problem. However, there are specific ways to reduce the cost of the process and achieve the desired perfection in the final component.
Choosing a Cost-Effective Material
The material chosen for creating a 3D print is one of the most important things and will add to the cost. Hence, to achieve a budgeted cost, it is imperative to choose a material that offers cost-effectiveness and also, at the same time, has good quality.
When you strike a balance between these two aspects, you can design and manufacture a 3D component that falls under your budget.
Selection of Affordable Technology
Every technological process used in manufacturing 3D components has its properties and functionalities. However, as they differ in their features, they also have different sets of costs.
Hence, one may reduce the cost of 3D parts by choosing the process for printing backed with the proper technique, which is affordable and does not compromise the quality and performance of the component.
Cutting Down the Material Usage
The cost of the 3D print component is directly linked to the cost of the material chosen for manufacturing. Hence, if you want to reduce the cost of printing, you must also work to reduce material usage.
There are many ways to make this reduction, and you can add hollow areas in the component when they need no perfect solidification on all dimensions. Apart from this, you can also eliminate the unwanted support structures that are excessively present and cut down the infill percentage. All these things will help you reduce the usage of material and hence will cut down the cost of the printed parts.
Choosing Finishing Efficiently
In most of the components, finishing the surface of a 3D component is very important, and at the same time, choosing the cost-effective finishing technique is equally desired. So, it is better to look for alternates of the different finishing processes so that they only add up a little in the cost of components.
Conclusion
3D printing service at an affordable cost is one of the main concerns of various industries where this technique is applied. Hence, when looking forward to having a hands-on, affordable 3D printing service, you can always get in touch with Ares rapid prototyping, and you will always be amazed.
We ensure to look for alternatives that will help you reduce the cost of production and, at the same time, provide you with the best quality component.
