GUIDES › COST OPTIMISATION
COST OPTIMISATION
REDUCE PRINTING COSTS
Design optimisation and material strategies to minimise 3D printing costs without compromising quality.
COST FACTORS
PRICING COMPONENTS
MATERIAL VOLUME
HIGH IMPACT
Directly proportional to part volume and infill percentage.
PRINT TIME
MEDIUM IMPACT
Layer height and print speed affect total printing time.
SUPPORT MATERIAL
MEDIUM IMPACT
Complex geometries require additional support structures.
POST-PROCESSING
LOW IMPACT
Support removal and finishing add labor costs.
OPTIMISATION STRATEGIES
COST REDUCTION TECHNIQUES
MATERIAL OPTIMISATION
UP TO 50%
• Hollow designs with drainage holes
• Reduce infill percentage (10-20% for non-structural)
• Choose cost-effective materials (PLA vs ABS)
• Optimise wall thickness (multiples of nozzle width)
DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURING
UP TO 30%
• Minimise overhangs to reduce supports
• Orient parts for optimal printing
• Combine multiple parts in single print
• Design self-supporting geometries
PRINT SETTINGS
UP TO 25%
• Increase layer height for faster printing
• Use draft quality for prototypes
• Optimise print speed settings
• Reduce support density when possible
BATCH OPTIMISATION
UP TO 20%
• Print multiple parts together
• Utilise full build volume
• Group similar materials and settings
• Plan production runs efficiently
MATERIAL COSTS
COST COMPARISON
| MATERIAL | RELATIVE COST | BEST FOR |
|---|---|---|
| PLA | LOW | Prototypes, decorative items, learning projects |
| PETG | MEDIUM | Functional parts, containers, mechanical components |
| ABS | MEDIUM | Automotive parts, tools, high-temp applications |
| TPU | HIGH | Flexible parts, gaskets, phone cases |
| ASA | HIGH | Outdoor parts, UV-exposed components |
OPTIMISE YOUR COSTS
Get instant quotes with our optimisation tool. See exactly how design changes affect pricing.
GET QUOTEKEEP READING