How 3D printing prices are calculated – and how to lower them

What you pay for

1. Material – the volume of the part in cm³ times the material rate. Resin is the cheapest per cm³, metal the most expensive.
2. Machine time – roughly proportional to the height of the part and, for nylon, to the space it takes in the build.
3. Post-processing – removing supports, cleaning, sanding, dyeing or polishing.
4. Minimum charge – very small parts have a minimum price per material.
5. Shipping, import and VAT – our price already includes transport, duties, VAT and delivery. You receive one invoice in euros.

Quantity discounts

From 5 pieces the unit price starts dropping; at 50+ pieces the discount reaches around 18 % and at 100+ around 25 %. Ordering several different models in one order does not lower the print price, but it does share the shipping.

Five ways to lower the price

• Hollow the part. Shell walls of 2–3 mm keep the strength while removing most of the volume.
• Split large parts. Two smaller parts that fit into a standard build volume are cheaper than one oversized part.
• Remove unnecessary detail. Logos, text and decorative features add surface area and post-processing time.
• Choose the technology for the job. A visual prototype does not need nylon; a functional bracket does not need polishing.
• Batch your models. Upload several files in one order – one shipment, one invoice.

See it live

The configurator shows the price for each model as soon as the file is analysed. Change material, quantity or finish and the price updates immediately, so you can compare options before ordering.