Inputs

Machine Cost ($): Initial cost of the 3D printer. This value spreads across all parts produced. Set to zero if only calculating part costs for resale.

Material Cost per KG ($): Price of filament or resin per kilogram.

Material Weight per Part (G): The weight of each printed part in grams.

Print Time per Unit (hours): Estimated time to print one part.

Electricity Cost per kWh ($): The local electricity rate per kilowatt-hour.

Power Consumption (kW): The printer’s power usage.

Labor Cost per Part ($, optional): Any additional labor costs per unit.

Markup (%, optional): A percentage increase for resale pricing.

Outputs

Material Cost: The cost of filament or resin per part.

Electricity Cost: The energy cost to run the printer for one part.

Labor Cost: The direct labor cost per unit (if applicable).

Machine Cost Allocation: The share of the machine’s total cost assigned to each part.

Total Cost per Part: The sum of all production costs, including markup if applied.

Business Impact

The calculator shows how the per-part cost decreases as more units are produced. This helps businesses determine how quickly a 3D printer investment pays off and when in-house production becomes cost-effective compared to outsourcing. By setting the machine cost to zero and adding a markup, businesses can also calculate optimal retail pricing for selling 3D-printed products.

This tool enables informed decision-making on whether to manufacture parts internally or buy from external suppliers.