If you’re planning to use 3D printing for prototypes, custom parts, or small-batch production, understanding how it’s charged is key to budgeting effectively. 3D printing fees aren’t a one-size-fits-all number—they depend on material type, model complexity, service scope, and batch size. This guide breaks down the 4 core charging methods, key influencing factors, reference price ranges, and cost-saving tips to help you navigate quotes and avoid overspending.
1. 4 Core Charging Methods for 3D Printing
Different 3D printing service providers use distinct pricing models, each tailored to specific scenarios (e.g., material type, order size). Below are the most common methods, with clear formulas, examples, and best-use cases:
Method 1: Charged by Material Weight (Most Common for Basic Materials)
This method calculates fees based on the weight of the printing material used, making it simple and transparent for common materials like PLA, ABS, and resin.
Formula: 3D Printing Fee = Part Weight (grams) × Material Unit Price (RMB/gram)
Material unit prices vary widely by type—here’s a practical reference:
| Material Type | Unit Price (RMB/gram) | Typical Applications | Example (100g Part) |
| PLA (Normal) | 0.1 ~ 0.5 | Hobby projects, low-strength prototypes | 10 ~ 50 RMB |
| ABS (Normal) | 0.2 ~ 0.8 | Functional parts (e.g., phone cases, brackets) | 20 ~ 80 RMB |
| Resin (Photosensitive) | 1 ~ 5 | High-detail parts (e.g., jewelry, dental models) | 100 ~ 500 RMB |
| Nylon (Powder) | 2 ~ 10 | Durable industrial prototypes | 200 ~ 1,000 RMB |
| Stainless Steel | 10 ~ 50 | Heavy-duty parts (e.g., small machinery components) | 1,000 ~ 5,000 RMB |
| Titanium Alloy | 50 ~ 100 | High-performance parts (e.g., aerospace, medical implants) | 5,000 ~ 10,000 RMB |
Note: Some providers include a small markup (10–20%) to cover material waste (e.g., unused powder, support structures). For example, a 100g PLA part with 10% waste would be charged for 110g, totaling 11 ~ 55 RMB.
Method 2: Charged by Model Volume or Size (Ideal for Complex Shapes)
For parts with irregular or complex geometries (e.g., hollow structures, intricate details), some providers charge based on model volume (length × width × height) or number of sliced layers, as volume better reflects material usage than weight alone.
| Charging Basis | Unit Price Range | Best For | Example |
| Volume (per cm³) | 0.5 ~ 5 RMB/cm³ | Resin or metal parts with complex shapes | A 50cm³ resin part: 25 ~ 250 RMB |
| Layers (per layer) | 0.01 ~ 0.1 RMB/layer | Simple FDM parts with uniform layer height | A 1,000-layer PLA part: 10 ~ 100 RMB |
Example:
- A resin model with a volume of 30cm³ (unit price: 2 RMB/cm³)
- 3D Printing Fee = 30 × 2 = 60 RMB
Method 3: Charged by Service Type (Flexible for Custom Needs)
This method splits fees into separate service categories—printing, post-processing, and design—so you only pay for what you need. It’s ideal for projects requiring extra steps beyond basic printing.
| Service Category | Cost Range (RMB/Piece) | What It Covers |
| Basic Printing Service | 50 ~ 1,000 | Core printing (billed via weight or volume) |
| Post-Processing Service | 50 ~ 300 | Sanding, painting, plating, assembly, or deburring |
| Design Service | 100 ~ 1,000 | 3D model modification, optimization, or custom design |
Example:
- A PLA part requires basic printing (80 RMB) + sanding (50 RMB) + simple painting (100 RMB)
- Total 3D Printing Fee = 80 + 50 + 100 = 230 RMB
Method 4: Charged by Batch (Cost-Effective for Large Orders)
For bulk orders (10+ pieces), providers offer volume discounts—the more parts you order, the lower the unit price. This is because fixed costs (e.g., machine setup, programming) are spread across more units.
| Batch Size | Discount Rate (vs. Single Piece) | Example (Single-Piece Fee: 100 RMB) | Unit Fee | Total Batch Fee |
| 1 ~ 10 pieces | 0% (No Discount) | 100 RMB × 5 | 100 RMB | 500 RMB |
| 11 ~ 50 pieces | 20 ~ 50% | 100 RMB × 20 × 0.8 | 80 RMB | 1,600 RMB |
| 51 ~ 100 pieces | 30 ~ 60% | 100 RMB × 50 × 0.7 | 70 RMB | 3,500 RMB |
| 100+ pieces | 40 ~ 70% | 100 RMB × 100 × 0.6 | 60 RMB | 6,000 RMB |
Example:
- Ordering 30 pieces of a part with a single-piece fee of 150 RMB
- Discount rate: 30% (for 11 ~ 50 pieces)
- Unit Fee = 150 × (1 – 0.3) = 105 RMB
- Total Batch Fee = 105 × 30 = 3,150 RMB
2. 5 Key Factors That Affect 3D Printing Charges
Even with the same charging method, fees can vary significantly based on these critical factors. Understanding them helps you optimize costs and negotiate better quotes:
(1) Material Cost (Biggest Price Driver)
Material is the single most influential factor—common materials like PLA are cheap, while specialized metals or resins drive up costs:
- Low-cost materials (PLA, ABS): 0.1 ~ 0.8 RMB/gram → Keep fees low (50 ~ 200 RMB/piece for simple parts).
- High-cost materials (titanium alloy, super resins): 50 ~ 100 RMB/gram → Push fees to 5,000+ RMB/piece for small parts.
(2) Model Complexity
Complex models require more time, material, and post-processing, increasing charges:
- Simple models (solid blocks, no supports): Lower fees (50 ~ 200 RMB/piece) → Fast printing, minimal waste.
- Complex models (hollow structures, thin walls <2mm, intricate details): Higher fees (200 ~ 1,000 RMB/piece) → Longer print time, more support material, and extra post-processing.
(3) 3D Printing Technology
Different technologies have varying equipment and maintenance costs, which affect fees:
| Technology Type | Cost Level | Hourly Rate (RMB/Hour) | Best For |
| FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) | Low | 20 ~ 80 | PLA/ABS parts, hobby projects |
| SLA/DLP (Light Curing) | Medium | 50 ~ 150 | High-detail resin parts |
| SLM/EBM (Metal 3D Printing) | High | 200 ~ 500 | Industrial metal parts (e.g., aerospace) |
(4) Post-Processing Requirements
Basic post-processing (e.g., simple cleaning) adds little cost, but complex steps can double or triple fees:
| Post-Processing Step | Cost (RMB/Piece) | Impact on Total Fees |
| Simple Cleaning/Deburring | 10 ~ 50 | Adds 5 ~ 10% to base printing fees |
| Sanding/Polishing | 50 ~ 150 | Adds 20 ~ 50% to base printing fees |
| Painting/Plating | 100 ~ 300 | Adds 50 ~ 100% to base printing fees |
| Assembly | 80 ~ 200 | Adds 30 ~ 80% to base printing fees |
(5) Service Provider Type
Small studios and industrial-grade providers have distinct pricing strategies:
- Personal/Hobby Studios: Lower fees (50 ~ 500 RMB/piece) → Good for simple, low-precision projects.
- Industrial-Grade Providers: Higher fees (200 ~ 5,000+ RMB/piece) → Better for high-precision, large-batch, or metal parts (with stricter quality checks).
3. Reference Price Ranges for 3D Printing Services
To help you gauge if a quote is reasonable, here’s a breakdown of typical fees by service type and material:
| Service/Material Type | Price Range (RMB/Piece) | Common Use Cases |
| Simple PLA/ABS Printing | 50 ~ 200 | Hobby projects, basic prototypes |
| High-Detail Resin Printing | 200 ~ 1,000 | Jewelry, dental models, detailed miniatures |
| Industrial Metal Printing (Stainless Steel) | 1,000 ~ 5,000 | Small machinery parts, functional components |
| Post-Processing (Sanding + Painting) | 100 ~ 400 | Aesthetic parts (e.g., custom figurines) |
| Batch Printing (10+ Pieces) | 50 ~ 80% of Single-Piece Price | Small-batch production (e.g., 20 custom brackets) |
4. 4 Practical Tips to Reduce 3D Printing Charges
You don’t have to compromise on quality to lower costs—try these strategies:
- Optimize model design: Remove unnecessary support structures (e.g., use self-supporting angles) and simplify geometry (e.g., replace complex curves with straight lines) to cut material use by 15 ~ 30%.
- Choose the right material: Use PLA instead of ABS for non-functional parts, or resin instead of metal for small, detailed items—saving 50 ~ 80% on material costs.
- Order in bulk: Even small batch increases (e.g., from 5 to 15 pieces) can unlock 20 ~ 30% discounts, lowering unit fees significantly.
- Do self-post-processing: Handle simple steps like cleaning or sanding yourself instead of paying the service provider—saving 50 ~ 200 RMB/piece.
Yigu Technology’s Perspective on 3D Printing Charges
At Yigu Technology, we believe transparency and customization are the foundation of fair 3D printing pricing. Many clients overpay because they don’t realize how model design or material choice impacts fees—for example, using titanium alloy for parts that only need PLA, or including unnecessary post-processing. Our team works with clients to optimize designs (e.g., reducing support structures by 20 ~ 40%) and select cost-effective materials, cutting charges by 15 ~ 30%. We also offer flexible batch discounts: 10+ pieces get 20% off, and 100+ pieces get 50% off. By breaking down quotes into material, printing, and post-processing costs, we ensure clients understand every expense—making 3D printing accessible and cost-effective for projects of all sizes.
FAQ
- Why do some providers charge by volume instead of weight for 3D printing?
Volume better reflects material usage for complex shapes (e.g., hollow parts, intricate details) where weight doesn’t fully capture the material needed to build the structure. For example, a hollow resin model may weigh little but have a large volume—charging by volume ensures the provider covers the actual material used.
- How much extra does expedited 3D printing cost?
Expedited service (e.g., 24-hour turnaround instead of 3–5 days) typically adds 50 ~ 100% to the base fee. For example, a 100 RMB PLA part with standard delivery would cost 150 ~ 200 RMB with expedited service, as it requires prioritizing machine time and overtime labor.
- Can I negotiate 3D printing charges with a service provider?
Yes—especially for bulk orders or simple parts. For 50+ pieces, ask for 30 ~ 50% discounts. For simple designs, you can also negotiate to skip unnecessary post-processing (e.g., polishing non-visible surfaces) or use a lower-cost material, cutting fees by 20 ~ 40%.