1. Technology and Material

The least expensive technology and material can be chosen based on specific requirements. Factors such as load, temperature resistance, tolerances, and surface finish play a crucial role.

Selecting the right material requires expertise, especially with the continuous advancements in 3D printing technology. That’s why we offer a free recommendation for the best material selection with every request.

 

2. Weight and print volume

Reducing the weight and volume of 3D printed parts can lower production costs. Large wall thicknesses are often unnecessary; most of our designs use 2-3 mm walls. To increase strength or stiffness, we recommend adding reinforcing ribs instead of thicker walls.

Additionally, large or long parts that take up significant space in the printer’s envelope can be expensive to produce. It’s often more cost-effective to split these parts into smaller sections and assemble them post-printing.

In larger production runs, cutting part weight by 10% can save several kilograms of material.

If you’re printing a scaled model and don’t need a specific size, consider using a smaller scale to save even more.

 

3. Complexity

Compared to CNC milling, the complexity of a part has less impact on 3D printing costs. Features like chamfers, rounded edges, and different radii don’t typically increase costs in 3D printing.

For FDM printing, try to design without the need for support material to save money. This also applies to SLM parts.

While combining parts into one can be a big advantage of 3D printing, sometimes it’s better to split a part. This can save material and reduce post-processing time.

In powder-based plastic 3D printing (SLS or MJF), complexity usually doesn’t affect the cost.

 

4. Quantity

As the quantity increases, costs decrease. In 3D printing, costs typically stabilize after producing around 300 parts, though this can vary based on several factors.

If you require multiple design iterations, you can negotiate a fixed price for a batch of prototypes (e.g., 5 pieces) to save money.

 

5. Finish

Adding any finish to standard 3D printed parts increases costs. In FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), parts can be printed in the desired filament color, eliminating the need for painting. Nearly every color is available to meet demand. However, using multiple colors in one part should be avoided to keep costs low.

For SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) or MJF (Multi Jet Fusion) processes, the black dye option is the most cost-effective. Dyeing parts in black is an automated process that does not significantly impact overall costs compared to other colors.

 

6. Lead time

We understand the need for express production, which is why we offer next-day production for FDM projects. To ensure we can provide you with the best possible prices, please always indicate your deadline. If your project is not urgent, extended lead times can significantly reduce costs, allowing us to optimize our production schedule and pass the savings on to you.

 

By utilizing these cost-reduction strategies, our 3D printing service can help you optimize your projects and achieve substantial savings. From selecting the right technology and material to managing complexity and lead times, we ensure that every aspect of your project is handled efficiently and cost-effectively. Trust us to provide high-quality 3D printed parts while keeping your production expenses to a minimum. Let us take care of the details so you can focus on what matters for you most.