3D Printer Buy vs Outsource Calculator
Compare the cost of buying a 3D printer versus outsourcing your prints to find the more economical option.
Should You Buy a 3D Printer or Outsource Your Prints?
Deciding between buying a 3D printer and outsourcing your prints comes down to volume, complexity, and budget. This calculator helps you compare the total cost of ownership for an in-house printer against the per-print cost of a service like Shapeways, JLCPCB, or a local maker space. By inputting your expected print volume, material costs, and printer price, you can see which option is more economical for your specific situation.
How the Cost Comparison Works
The calculator models two primary cost paths:
- Buying: Includes the printer purchase price, filament or resin costs per print, and an estimate of maintenance or replacement parts over time.
- Outsourcing: Uses a per-print fee that typically includes material, labor, and machine time. Many services also charge setup fees or shipping, which can be factored in.
The comparison assumes you are printing the same object with the same material and quality requirements. It does not account for intangible factors like convenience, lead time, or design iteration speed.
How to Use the Calculator
- Enter your printer cost: The upfront price of the 3D printer you are considering (e.g., $300 for an entry-level FDM printer).
- Estimate material cost per print: The cost of filament or resin for a single print. For example, a 50g PLA spool at $20/kg costs about $1 per print.
- Set your expected print volume: How many prints you plan to make over the printer's useful life (e.g., 100 prints).
- Input the outsourcing cost per print: The price a service charges for the same part, including material and labor.
- Add any maintenance or setup fees: Include annual maintenance costs for the printer or one-time setup fees from the service.
The calculator then shows the total cost for each option and highlights the cheaper choice.
Example: Comparing a $300 Printer vs. Outsourcing
Suppose you want to print 50 small parts. A $300 FDM printer uses $1 of filament per print. A service charges $8 per print plus a $5 setup fee.
- Buying total: $300 (printer) + (50 × $1) = $350
- Outsourcing total: (50 × $8) + $5 = $405
In this case, buying the printer saves $55. However, if you only need 10 prints, buying would cost $310 vs. $85 for outsourcing, making the service the better choice.
Understanding Your Results
The output shows a direct cost comparison. A few things to keep in mind:
- Break-even point: The calculator can help you find the number of prints where buying becomes cheaper than outsourcing.
- Hidden costs: Buying a printer may involve additional costs like a ventilation setup, calibration tools, or failed prints that waste material.
- Outsourcing variability: Service prices vary by material (PLA vs. resin vs. nylon), part complexity, and shipping distance.
Common Mistakes When Comparing Costs
- Ignoring failed prints: Beginners often have a 10–20% failure rate. Factor in wasted material and time.
- Underestimating maintenance: Nozzles, build plates, and belts wear out. Budget 5–10% of the printer cost annually for replacements.
- Forgetting shipping: Outsourcing costs often exclude shipping. Add $5–$15 per order depending on the service and location.
- Comparing different quality levels: A $200 printer may not match the surface finish of a professional service. Ensure you are comparing like-for-like outputs.
Limitations of This Comparison
This calculator provides a financial estimate, not a full decision framework. It does not account for:
- Time spent learning, calibrating, and monitoring prints.
- Opportunity cost of capital tied up in a printer.
- Ability to iterate designs quickly in-house vs. waiting for shipping.
- Access to advanced materials (e.g., carbon fiber, metal) that consumer printers cannot handle.
For hobbyists or rapid prototyping, buying often wins on flexibility. For one-off parts or specialized materials, outsourcing is usually more practical.
Practical Use Cases
- Hobbyist makers: If you plan to print regularly (50+ parts per year), buying a printer is typically cheaper and gives you creative freedom.
- Small businesses: For low-volume custom parts or prototypes, outsourcing avoids upfront capital and maintenance headaches.
- Educators: Schools may buy a printer for classroom use, but outsourcing complex or large parts can supplement limited machine capacity.
- One-off projects: If you need a single part or a small batch, outsourcing is almost always the lower-cost option.
FAQ
What is the break-even point for buying a 3D printer?
The break-even point is the number of prints where the total cost of buying equals the total cost of outsourcing. It depends on the printer price, material cost per print, and the outsourcing fee. For a $300 printer with $1 material cost and $8 outsourcing fee, the break-even is around 43 prints.
Does the calculator include electricity costs?
No. Electricity costs for a typical FDM printer are low (around $0.05–$0.15 per print), but they are not included in this model. For high-volume or industrial printers, electricity can become a factor.
Can I use this for resin printers?
Yes. The calculator works for any printer type. Just enter the resin cost per print and the printer price. Note that resin printers often have higher material costs and more post-processing time.
What if I already own a printer?
If you already own a printer, set the printer cost to $0. The calculator will then compare only material and maintenance costs against outsourcing. This helps you decide whether it is worth using your existing machine or paying a service for a specific job.
How accurate are the outsourcing cost estimates?
Outsourcing costs vary by service, material, part complexity, and shipping. The calculator uses your input. For best results, get a quote from a service like JLCPCB, Shapeways, or a local maker space before entering the number.