PRICING, EXPLAINED
How much does 3D printing cost?
The price of your print depends on the model, material and estimated printing time. Here are 3DToDoor's current rates and examples to help you plan a project.
Filament printing: from £5 per order
For PLA, PETG and ABS, the estimator adds a £2 setup fee per order to the material cost and £0.50 per estimated printing hour. A £5 minimum applies to the print total. The setup fee is charged once for the selected quantity.
| Material | Material rate | Printing time |
|---|---|---|
| PLA | £12 / kg | £0.50 / hour |
| PETG | £15 / kg | £0.50 / hour |
| ABS | £16.50 / kg | £0.50 / hour |
These are material and machine-time rates, not finished-part prices. Estimated material includes the existing 10% allowance. Supports and the final specification need review.
A worked filament example
Imagine a PLA part with an estimated 10 g of material, including the allowance, and 1.5 hours of printing time. Its material cost is £0.12 and its printing-time cost is £0.75.
- One part: £2 setup + £0.12 material + £0.75 time = £2.87, so the £5 order minimum applies.
- 25 identical parts: £2 setup + 25 × (£0.12 + £0.75) = £23.75 at the standard estimate rates.
This is a hypothetical calculation, not a quote for a particular design. Your file, orientation, supports and production requirements can change the final quote.
Resin printing: £10 setup plus estimated time
The resin calculation uses £10 setup per order plus £0.45 per estimated printing hour, with a £10 minimum. No separate resin material charge is added by the current tool.
The time estimate assumes 0.05 mm layers, eight seconds per layer and a 15-minute allowance per part. A model 20 mm high gives 400 layers and approximately 1.14 hours in this calculation, producing an initial print estimate of £10.51 for one part.
Resin pricing requires a review of the model's orientation, supports and how multiple parts might be grouped. Filament infill and layer-height settings do not apply to this estimate. Read more about our resin 3D printing service.
What changes the price?
- Model size and geometry: the tool measures solid volume, surface area and dimensions. A printable file is needed for a useful estimate.
- Material: PLA, PETG and ABS have different material rates. Suitability depends on how the part will be used.
- Layer height: smaller filament layers increase the estimated printing time.
- Infill: more internal material changes the estimate. It does not guarantee strength on its own.
- Quantity: the calculator covers 1–100 copies of one file. Ask for a bulk 3D printing quote for 100+ units or mixed models.
- Supports and finish: orientation, support removal, visible surfaces and fit requirements need individual review.
What is quoted separately?
Delivery and any applicable tax are quoted separately. Include your delivery postcode and deadline when enquiring. The online figure is an initial print estimate; the final specification, price and delivery arrangements are agreed by email before you order.
How to get a quote for your model
- Prepare a closed STL or OBJ in millimetres. The file preparation guide explains the calculator limits.
- Choose the material and print settings that best match your intended use.
- Use the 3D printing estimate tool, then choose “Request this print”. Attach your file before sending the email.
For STEP, 3MF, larger models or anything the calculator cannot estimate, send your project for a manual quote.