Machine time and labor are different
A printer can run unattended, but it is still occupied. Active labor covers setup, cleanup, support removal, packing and customer communication.
3D Price3D printing hourly rate calculator
Check whether a 3D print is worth the hours it takes.
Long prints tie up a printer, and custom jobs take hands-on time. 3D Price shows the effective hourly rate so you can avoid work that looks profitable but pays poorly.
Inputs
What 3D Price calculates.
Labor minutes
Labor rate per hour
Post-processing time
Machine wear per hour
Print time and quantity
Effective hourly rate
Use the effective rate warning
A job can show a margin and still pay badly for your time. The effective hourly rate helps you catch that before you accept the order.
Set a minimum order price
Small parts often need a minimum price because communication and handling can cost more than the printed plastic itself.
FAQ
Questions about 3d printing hourly rate calculator.
What hourly rate should I charge for 3D printing?
It depends on your market and service level. Start with your target labor rate, then include wear, risk and margin.
Should machine time have a separate rate?
Yes. Machine wear and printer occupancy are separate from hands-on labor.
Does batch pricing change the hourly rate?
Yes. Batch jobs can spread setup labor across more parts, but print time and material still scale.
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