3D printers come in various shapes & sizes and use different technologies to deliver specific results and thus vary in price. When buying, whether as a hobbyist user or for commercial procedures, the first question that strikes the buyers’ mind is: how much is a 3D printer priced?
Though many just think about the printers’ sales price according to their characteristics, the actual cost also depends on the after-purchase energy consumption and other operational expenses.
If you are unfamiliar with all of these factors, we are here to help you understand the breakdown of the printers’ overall cost. We will also cover various features and trustworthy brand names so that you can make a wise purchase. Let’s get started:
Factors Influencing 3D Printer Cost
The cost of 3D printers varies not only based on their types but also on several other factors. The 3D printers are designed for specific tasks and vary in price based on their advanced features and capabilities. The cost of 3D printers contains more than just the initial purchase of the machine. There are additional factors to consider, Such as:
3D Printers Cost
Entry-level printers are great for beginners, hobbyists, students, and anyone new to 3D printing because they are cheaper.
Professional-grade ones are used by designers, engineers, architects, and anyone who needs higher preciseness and quality in their prints. They're also used in educational institutions and small businesses for more advanced projects.
Industrial printers are used by professionals in the aerospace, automotive, and healthcare industries for high-volume, precise, and durable prints. These are the most expensive due to their advanced features.
3D Printing Filament/ Resin Cost
Manufacturing a 3D print requires high-quality materials, which come with varying costs. We have categorized the most expensive and affordable filaments and resins:
Most Expensive Filament
Carbon Fiber Filament
Carbon fiber filament is made with expensive material, i.e., carbon fibers. They are known for their strength, stiffness, and high-quality finish.
PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone)
This type of filament is known for its mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and ability to withstand high temperatures.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate filament is durable, impact-resistant, and can withstand higher temperatures.
The above-mentioned characteristics of the filaments are the reason for their high cost.
Most Affordable Filaments
- PLA (Polylactic Acid)
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
- PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
The above mentioned filaments are cheaper as compared to other materials because they are made from renewable resources like corn starch and are easy to manufacture. These are known for their strength and flexibility.
Most Expensive Resins
- Engineering Resins
- Medical and Dental Resins
- High-Temperature Resins
These resins are designed to meet biocompatibility and safety standards. These are expensive due to their production process.
Most Affordable Resins
- Standard Resins
- Draft Resins
- Eco Resins
Standard resins are used for general-purpose printing, whereas draft resins are made for fast printing and prototyping, where preciseness is less critical. Eco resins are designed to be more environmentally friendly and are made from bio-based materials. The production process of these affordable resins is straightforward, and the sustainable products used in these help maintain lower prices.
3D Printer Operation Cost
Printing consumes a considerable amount of energy and other resources. However, the cost of running a printer isn't just limited to the electricity it uses; it also involves costs such as part replacements, accessories, and others.
Moreover, operating a 3D printer in a commercial environment, particularly for large or complex projects, involves higher labor costs. Human effort is needed to manage tasks like preparing the file, overseeing the printing process, and finishing the printed items. Besides, learning to effectively operate a 3D printer may also involve spending time and money on training courses or learning materials.
Maintenance Cost
Don’t forget to include maintenance costs when creating your budget for a 3D printer. If you want your printer to perform better and last longer, it is important to maintain it regularly. There are numerous things that need to be maintained on a regular basis, such as:
Calibration: In calibration, we check if the prints are of high quality and produced accurately from the printer. It also includes leveling the print bed checking the extruder, and the height of the nozzle.
Replacement: The parts of the 3d printer, such as nozzles, belts, and bearings, should be maintained regularly. Ignoring maintenance can lead to costly repairs or the need for a complete replacement.
Updating Software: Apart from calibration and replacement, making sure that the software is correctly installed and updated is important. Updation in new software is common to fix the bugs, improve the performance of the 3D printer, and add some new features.
Other Costs
There are other expenses you might not think about, like software licenses, sanding, painting, assembling parts, or upgrades to your printer. Sometimes, you may need specialized tools or accessories for a particular project, which should be included in your overall 3D printer budget. These additional expenses decide how much a 3D printer cost contributes to the total price of 3D printing. So be prepared before buying!
Popular 3D Printer Brands
Creality
Creality 3D printer prices range from $200 to 2500, and these are popular for their affordability, user-friendly design, and decent print quality. Here is our collection of Creality printers in the order from lowest to highest price:
|
NAME OF THE PRINTER |
SIZE |
PRICE |
|
Creality Ender 3 V3 Se |
220x220x250mm |
$191.00 |
|
Creality Ender 3 V3 Ke |
220x220x240mm |
$ 271.00 |
|
Creality Halot Mage |
228x128x230mm |
$ 399.00 |
|
Creality Cr-10 Se |
220x220x265mm |
$ 407.00 |
|
Creality Halot Mage Pro |
228x128x230mm |
$ 542.00 |
|
Creality K1c |
220x220x250mm |
$ 558.00 |
|
Creality K1 Max |
300x300x300mm |
$ 845.00 |
|
Creality Cr-M4 |
450x450x470mm |
$ 949.00 |
Intamsys
Intamsys printers are known for their ability to print high-performance materials like PEEK, ULTEM, and Carbon Fiber due to their high-temperature capabilities and industrial-grade build quality. They are available in a price range of $3,000 to $15,000. Our Intamsys printers are mentioned below with the price range:
- Intamsys Funmat Pro 610 Ht - $124,995.00
- Intamsys Funmat Pro 310 - $8,495.00
Modix
If you're looking for a 3D printer with a large build volume, sturdy construction, and an open design for customization, Modix printers are worth buying. They offer versatility for printing both small and large-scale objects, and you can find them within the $3,000 to $30,000 price range. Our Popular Modix printers are:
|
NAME OF THE PRINTER |
SIZE |
PRICE |
| Zaxe Z3s |
400x300x350mm |
$4,787.00 |
| Modix3d Everest 3d Printer Kit | 1000x1000x2000mm | $27,920.00 |
| Kit De Impresora 3d Modix3d Big Meter V4 | 1010x1010x1010mm | $15,077.00 |
| Kit De Impresora 3d Modix3d 180x V4 | 1800x600x600mm | $17,311.00 |
Sinterit
If you have a budget of $15,000 to $50,000, consider buying Sinterit printers. Sinterit printers use selective laser sintering (SLS) technology, which allows for high-resolution and functional prints using a wide range of industrial-grade materials. Here are our Best-seller Sinterit printers:
- Sinterit Lisa X SLS - $27,920.00
- Sinterit Lisa Pro SLS - $23,134.00
- Sinterit Lisa SLS - $18,348.00
- Juego De Rendimiento Sinterit Lisa X Sls $51,852.00
Conclusion
This blog must have helped you understand how much 3D printers are. Their overall costs, like materials, maintenance, and operation, all should be a part of your budget. Moreover, reputable brands can ensure quality and reliability. By considering all aspects, you can make a smart investment that meets your printing needs within your budget.
If you want to make a purchase, visit our online store today to explore our collection of 3D printers.