What makes up the cost of a 3D print?
The price of a 3D print is not a simple formula. It depends on several factors that together determine the final amount. The main components are: model volume (how much material is consumed), chosen material (PLA is cheapest, carbon-fibre filaments and specialty resins cost more), layer height (thinner layers mean longer print times but better quality), technology (FDM is cheaper, SLA is more precise but pricier), infill density (15% for decorative items, 50-100% for functional parts), and surface finish (standard, sanded, primed, or painted).
Beyond direct material costs, the price includes equipment depreciation, energy consumption, print preparation, and quality control. At Send3DSend, our algorithm calculates all these components automatically: just upload your model and see the final price instantly.
How much does FDM printing cost?
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) is the most accessible 3D printing technology and the go-to choice for prototypes, functional parts, and decorative objects.
The price of an FDM print is driven mainly by model volume (how much material is used), the chosen material, the support structures needed, and the quantity. A small pendant or enclosure uses little material, larger and more solid models use more, and engineering filaments such as carbon-fibre grades (PA6-CF, PAHT-CF) cost more than PLA and PETG.
The fastest way to find out the exact price for your model is our instant online calculator at send3dsend.com. Upload your STL, 3MF, or STEP model, select the material and settings, and the price is calculated in seconds. We are the only such service in Croatia, so there is no need to send an email and wait days for a reply.
How much does SLA printing cost?
SLA (Stereolithography) printing uses a UV laser to cure liquid resin, achieving precision that FDM cannot match. The cost is higher because resins are more expensive than filaments and the process requires post-processing (washing and UV curing).
For SLA too, the price is set by model volume, the chosen resin, support structures, and the quantity. A tabletop miniature or a jewellery casting model uses little resin, larger dental or architectural models use more, and Tough and specialty resins cost more than standard ones.
As with FDM, you can find the exact SLA print price for your model instantly in our online calculator, the only one in Croatia offering instant quotes for both processes.
How to reduce 3D printing costs
There are several strategies for optimising print costs without sacrificing quality. First, reduce infill density: 15-20% is perfectly adequate for decorative models, while functional parts typically need 30-50%. Second, increase layer height: 0.2 mm instead of 0.1 mm halves the print time with only a minor loss of detail. Third, choose the right material: PLA is the cheapest and sufficient for most applications. Use PETG, ABS, or carbon-fibre filaments only when their specific properties are genuinely needed.
Also consider model orientation: printing with fewer support structures reduces material usage and print time. Our calculator automatically optimises settings, but you can manually adjust them according to your priority: speed, quality, or cost.
Why use an online calculator?
Traditional 3D printing services in Croatia require you to email a model and wait for a manual quote, which can take hours or days. Send3DSend is the only service in Croatia offering an instant online calculator: upload your model, choose settings, and the price appears immediately.
The benefits are clear: time savings, transparent pricing (no negotiation), the ability to compare different materials and settings in seconds, and 24/7 online payment. Our calculator uses the same algorithm used in production, so the quote is accurate to the cent. Try it at send3dsend.com. It is free, no registration required.