How much does 3D printing service cost? Prices, examples, and cost factors.
The short answer: It depends on the process, material, component geometry, quality, and delivery time. To help you quickly get a realistic overview, we explain the most important cost factors – and show you, How you can get a quote from Brinktec in just a few minutes.
Go straight to the price: With our instant quote tool, you'll receive a quote in no time. A first price indication – ideal for prototypes, spare parts and functional components.
Start an instant offer →Contents
1) The most important price factors for 3D printing services
Proceedings
- FDM (filament): often cost-efficient for functional parts and large components.
- SLA (resin): high level of detail and surface quality, often requires more rework.
- SLS (powder/nylon): suitable for series production, complex geometries without supports, higher process effort.
Geometry & Requirements
- Volume / Material usage (cm³, infill, wall thicknesses)
- Print time (layer height, details, component height in Z)
- Rework (support, grinding, finishing, inserts, assembly)
- Tolerances / Fits / Quality Assurance
- Delivery time (Standard vs. Express)
In practice , printing time is often the biggest cost driver – especially at high resolutions. Unfavorable orientation (many supports) or very tall components. If you need a quick price indication, The best way to start is directly with the 3D printing direct offer .
2) FDM vs. SLA vs. SLS: Price logic comparison
FDM (filament deposition modeling) is often the most economical choice for robust functional components, fixtures, brackets, enclosures, and prototypes. The price typically comprises material, machine time, and any support/finishing costs.
SLA (resin printing) is ideal when details, fine structures, and smooth surfaces are crucial. Besides material and printing time, post-processing is almost always required (washing, curing, support removal, and optional finishing).
SLS (powder bed fusion/nylon, e.g., PA12) is particularly suitable for complex geometries, functional components, and small production runs because support structures are eliminated and the components are very durable. However, the process is more industrial and therefore requires more careful budgeting.
Tip: If you are unsure which method is right for you, use the instant quote tool – it can quickly give you an initial overview.
3) Typical price ranges: What you should expect (orientation)
Important: The following examples are intentionally formulated as a guide only. Binding prices will only be determined after reviewing the file and specifications (material, tolerances, finish, delivery time, quantity). Brinktec's direct offer is suitable for a quick initial assessment.
Example A: Small functional part (5–10 cm)
- Typical: clip, holder, cover, adapter
- Method: FDM or SLS
- Price range: often in the double digits to low three-digit range
Quick check: Upload file in the instant quote tool .
Example B: Housing/Cover (15–25 cm)
- Typical: Prototypes, spare parts, functional housings
- Process: FDM (robust) or SLS (suitable for series production)
- Price range: mostly low to mid three-figure range
Go directly to price indication: Start direct offer .
Example C: High detail/visible part
- Typical features: fine font, small features, smooth surfaces
- Procedure: SLA
- Price range: often in the three figures , depending on support and finish.
If you need it fast: Use the instant offer or request a quote directly.
Example D: Small series (10–100 pieces)
- Typical examples: assembly aids, holders, housings, functional series components
- Process: often SLS or FDM series production
- The price per part decreases through bundling (setup, nesting, rework)
For series production: Start with an initial calculation in the direct offer and add quantities/requirements.
4) Reduce costs without sacrificing quality
- Optimize alignment: Reduce component height, minimize support.
- Design wall thicknesses realistically: not unnecessarily massive, but stable enough.
- Define tolerances appropriately: only tight where functionally necessary.
- Use finishes selectively: refine visible surfaces, leave the rest as is.
- Bundle quantities: calculate several parts together (better setup/nesting effects).
- Choose materials wisely: "as high-quality as necessary", not "as expensive as possible".
Want to see the immediate impact of factors like material or quantity? Use the Brinktec instant quote tool .
5) This is how Brinktec calculates – this is how you receive a quote
To provide you with a reliable quote, we typically need the print data and the intended use. For a quick initial estimate, we recommend the direct quote option . For complex requirements (tolerances, finish, assembly), we will also prepare a binding offer.
- File type: STL or STEP (STEP preferred for functional components)
- Quantity: current + optional forecast (e.g. 1 / 10 / 50)
- Application: mechanical load, temperature, UV, chemicals, indoor/outdoor use
- Appearance: Visible part yes/no, desired surface quality
- Fits: where exactly does it need to fit, what mating components exist
- Appointment: Standard or Express
Option 1: Instant offer (recommended for getting started)
Perfect for quick price indications and initial feasibility checks. Upload your file, select parameters, and receive the result.
Start an instant offer →Ideal for prototypes, spare parts, and functional components.
Option 2: Binding offer
If you have defined requirements (finish, fits, QA, quantities): Send us an inquiry – we will provide a binding quote.
Request a binding offer →For series production, visible parts, tolerance parts and projects with specifications.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about 3D printing service costs
How is 3D printing billed in the service sector?
Typically a combination of material, machine time, process setup and any necessary rework (support, finish, inserts, assembly). The instant quote tool is suitable for a quick initial price indication.
Why is SLS often more expensive than FDM?
SLS is an industrial powder bed process with higher equipment and process costs. In return, you receive robust, series-production-ready parts. often without support structures, and for complex geometries it can be economically superior.
Can I get a "price per gram"?
A simple price per gram does not accurately reflect printing time, support, tolerances, and post-processing. For a reliable assessment, The geometry (STL/STEP) and the specification are crucial. For a quick start, use the Direct offer .
Is express delivery possible and what does it cost?
Express service is often possible, depending on the material, workload, and amount of rework required. Express service is priced separately. as production planning and prioritization need to be adjusted. For an initial indication, you can refer to the Start the instant quote tool and then agree on the delivery time.
Note: The information provided is for price guidance only. A binding offer requires a file and your requirements. For a quick price indication, start here: https://brinktec.de/pages/3d-druck-direktangebot
0 comments