3D printing is a cutting-edge processing method in the prototype industry. It can break through the limitation of shape, so it is very popular with customers. When making 3D printing prototypes, many customers are very concerned about its price. So how to calculate the cost of 3D printing service?
Due to the special situation of the prototypes, sometimes it is not quoted according to the weights. The factors such as complexity of the part, volume and post-processing will affect the cost of 3d printing service. Some of these cases are due to the high labor cost of post-processing such as support removing, sanding, polishing and painting. Some are due to the fact that the model itself occupies a large area in the 3D printer. resulting in that a 3D printer can’t print many models at the same time.
1.Complex shape parts
When 3d printing, the complex shape parts need to be supported to print, which will decraese deformation of the model. At the same time, the volume of the complex parts is relatively large, which takes up a large area of the printer when printing. After the complex shape parts are printed, the supports inside need to be removed manually, which requires much labor cost.
2.Volume parts
The bulid size of the 3D printers are fixed. Generally, many models are 3d printed at the same time. However, due to the large volume of volume parts, it is impossible to put other models together for 3d printing. In the same printing time, fewer models are printed, so the 3d printing cost is higher.
3.Transparent parts
All transparent parts need to be polished in the later stage, and the transparent effect will be better after polishing. For simple structure parts, it is easy to sanding. But for complex parts it is difficult. So the labor cost will increase accordingly.
I will update other factors that affect the cost of 3d printing service in the future.
