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If you are new to the world of physical printing, you may wonder how much 3D printing costs. Some of the best printers, after all, are 3D printers, and these models can be expensive, not to mention the inclusion of materials like filament. So how much does it cost to purchase and use the best 3D printers, and what are some cost-saving tips? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Once you learn how big 3D printers are, you can start to see why they cost so much. Generally speaking, a 3D printer costs anywhere from $300 for extremely budget-friendly models to $10,000 or more for high-end industrial machines if you are learning how 3D printers are made. The average price for a decent model is around $1,000 to $3,000. However, the price of 3D printing does not include just the printer. There are resin, filament, and related materials worth considering, especially if you are just learning how a resin-based 3D printer works.
Insider Tip
Clean and maintain your printer to avoid repair calls; these repair visits will eat into your printing budget.
Resins and filament cost anywhere from $50 to $200 per liter, and a single liter is enough to make a fairly good variety of objects. In other words, the cost to print a specific object depends on its size and complexity.
Looking to cut costs? Here are some tips worth considering to help ease the strain on your bank account.
If you are looking to start a business that relies on 3D printing techniques, this is not the best choice. For average users, however, there is little reason to splurge on a high-end printer before learning the ins and outs of the process. Start with an entry-level model that costs $1,000 or so before moving on to more expensive models with the associated bells and whistles. This allows you to experiment with the process without breaking the bank.
STAT: In short, the larger the volume, the higher the cost. There are ways to reduce the cost of 3D printing, and one of them is to hollow your model. (source)
Whether you use standard resin, filament, or some other adhesive material, look for deals when making your purchases. One of the best ways to save money on 3D printing materials is to buy in bulk, especially near the holidays when companies hold sitewide sales. This allows you to save serious money while buying all of the printing materials you will need for the whole year.
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