The Cost Of 3D Printing Plastic: How Much?

how much is 3d printer plastic

The cost of 3D printer plastic varies depending on the type of plastic and the printer being used. For example, entry-level SLA resins cost around $50 per litre, while most professional options cost around $150 to $400 per litre. SLS powder is more expensive, costing around $100 to $200 per kilogram. The cost of 3D printer filament for FDM 3D printing is more affordable, with prices ranging from $20 to $50 per kilogram for everyday materials like PLA or PETG.

Characteristics Values
Regular use for an UltiMaker 3D printer $50 per year
FDM 3D printing, 3D printer filament prices for PLA or PETG $20 to $50 per kilogram
FDM 3D printing, 3D printer filament prices for specialised engineering or support filaments $60 to $120 per kilogram
Entry-level SLA resins $50 per litre
Professional SLA resins $150 to $400 per litre
SLS powder $100 to $200 per kilogram

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The cost of 3D printer filament ranges from $20 to $50 per kilogram

The cost of 3D printing materials is similar to the cost of gas for your car. While not considerable in isolation, over the long term, it will be one of the biggest running costs.

The True Cost of Plastic Packaging

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The cost of 3D printing is comparable to the cost of gas for a car

The cost of 3D printing depends on the type of printer and the material used. For regular use of an UltiMaker 3D printer, the cost is around $50 per year. However, this can vary depending on power consumption and local energy prices.

The cost of 3D printer plastic can range from $20 to $120 or more per kilogram, depending on the type and quality. This is similar to the cost of gas for a car, which can vary depending on the vehicle and driving habits but typically falls within a similar price range.

Overall, the cost of 3D printing materials and the running costs of a 3D printer are comparable to the cost of gas for a car. While not considerable in isolation, these costs can add up over time and become one of the biggest expenses associated with 3D printing or driving a car.

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SLS nylon parts are ideal for engineering consumer products

The cost of 3D printer plastic varies depending on the type of plastic and the quantity purchased. For example, FDM 3D printing filament prices for everyday materials like PLA or PETG are around $20 to $50 per kilogram, while specialised engineering or support filaments can cost $60 to $120 per kilogram. Entry-level SLA resins are approximately $50 per litre, and most professional options range from $150 to $400 per litre. SLS powder, another type of 3D printing material, typically costs between $100 and $200 per kilogram.

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Stereolithography (SLA) is one of the most popular processes among professionals. SLA parts have the highest accuracy, the clearest details, and the smoothest surface finish of all plastic 3D printing technologies. The main benefit of SLA lies in its versatility. SLA resin formulations offer a wide range of optical, mechanical, and thermal properties to match those of standard, engineering, and industrial thermoplastics. SLA 3D printing offers a wide range of materials for a variety of applications.

SLA used to be available only in large, complex industrial 3D printers that cost more than $200,000, but the process has become much more accessible. Entry-level SLA resins cost around $50 per litre, and most professional options cost around $150 to $400.

SLS 3D printers use a high-powered laser to fuse small particles of polymer powder. The unfused powder supports the part during printing and eliminates the need for dedicated support structures, which makes SLS ideal for complex geometries, including interior features, undercuts, thin walls, and negative features. Parts produced with SLS printing have excellent mechanical characteristics, with strength resembling that of injection-moulded parts. As a result, SLS is the most common plastic 3D printing process for industrial applications. SLS nylon parts are ideal for a range of functional applications, from engineering consumer products to healthcare. SLS powder can cost around $100 to $200 per kilogram.

For FDM 3D printing, 3D printer filament prices (for an everyday material like PLA or PETG) are around $20 to $50 per kilogram, or $60 to $120 for specialised engineering or support filaments.

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Entry-level SLA resins cost around $50 per litre

SLA is one of the most popular processes among professionals due to its high resolution, precision, and material versatility. SLA parts have the highest accuracy, the clearest details, and the smoothest surface finish of all plastic 3D printing technologies. Entry-level SLA resins cost around $50 per litre, and most professional options cost around $150 to $400 per litre.

SLA resin formulations offer a wide range of optical, mechanical, and thermal properties to match those of standard, engineering, and industrial thermoplastics. SLA 3D printing offers a wide range of materials for a variety of applications. While SLA technology used to be available only in large, complex industrial 3D printers that cost more than $200,000, the process has become much more accessible.

For FDM 3D printing, 3D printer filament prices (for an everyday material like PLA or PETG) are around $20 to $50 per kilogram, or $60 to $120 for specialised engineering or support filaments.

Frequently asked questions

3D printer filament prices for everyday materials like PLA or PETG are around $20 to $50 per kilogram.

Filaments for engineering or support filaments are more specialised and cost around $60 to $120 per kilogram.

Entry-level SLA resins cost around $50 per litre.

Professional-level resins cost around $150 to $400 per litre.

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