3D Printer Buy vs Outsource Calculator
Compare costs of buying a 3D printer versus using outsourcing services for your printing needs
3D Printer Cost Analysis
Buying Cost Analysis
Initial cost of the 3D printer
Cost of filament material per kilogram
Volume of the 3D model to be printed
How many models you want to print
Printer power consumption in watts
Total printing time in hours
Cost of electricity per kilowatt-hour
Cost of tools, gloves, and other accessories
Outsourcing Cost Analysis
Cost to print one model using outsourcing service
How many models to outsource
Total shipping and handling costs
Cost Analysis Results
Cost Breakdown
Buying Costs:
• Printer: $0.00
• Filament: $0.00
• Electricity: $0.00
• Accessories: $0.00
Outsourcing Costs:
• Printing: $0.00
• Shipping: $0.00
Analysis & Recommendations
Example Calculation
Educational Use - Small Project
Printer: Ender 3 V2 - $300
Filament: PLA at $25/kg for 100cm³ model
Electricity: 5 hours at $0.12/kWh
Buying Total: ~$315
Outsourcing: $45/model + $10 shipping
Recommendation: Outsource for small quantities
Commercial Use - Multiple Projects
Printer: Prusa i3 MK3S+ - $750
Multiple models: 20+ models per month
Break-even: Usually after 15-20 models
Recommendation: Buy for regular production
3D Printing Process
Design
Create or download 3D model
CAD software or marketplace
Slicing
Convert to printer instructions
Generate G-code
Printing
Layer-by-layer fabrication
Monitor for quality
Post-Processing
Remove supports, finishing
Sanding, painting if needed
Decision Factors
Volume: Higher quantity favors buying
Frequency: Regular use supports ownership
Control: Ownership offers more flexibility
Time: Outsourcing requires lead time
Space: Printers require dedicated area
Maintenance: Printers need regular care
Understanding 3D Printer Economics
When to Buy a 3D Printer
- •High printing volume (15+ models/month)
- •Need for rapid prototyping and iterations
- •Educational or learning purposes
- •Custom material requirements
- •Long-term business use
Cost Components
- Initial: Printer cost, setup, accessories
- Ongoing: Filament, electricity, maintenance
- Hidden: Time, space, learning curve
- Optional: Software licenses, design services
When to Use Outsourcing
- •Low printing volume (1-10 models/month)
- •One-off or prototype projects
- •Professional-grade finishing required
- •Limited space or time
- •Access to industrial printers needed
Break-Even Analysis
Formula: Break-even = Initial Investment ÷ (Outsourcing Cost - Running Cost per Model)
Most entry-level printers break even after 10-25 models, depending on size and complexity.