What are the most effective ways to reduce 3D printing costs?

1 Simplify your design

One of the easiest ways to reduce 3D printing costs is to simplify your design as much as possible. This means reducing the number of parts, features, and details that are not essential for the purpose or appearance of your object. You can use CAD software tools such as Boolean operations, fillets, chamfers, and shells to modify your geometry and remove unnecessary elements. Simplifying your design can also improve the printability and strength of your object, as it reduces the need for supports, overhangs, and bridges.

2 Optimize your infill

Infill is the internal structure that fills the hollow spaces of your 3D printed object. It affects the weight, strength, and material usage of your print. To reduce 3D printing costs, you should optimize your infill settings according to your design requirements. You can use CAD software tools such as Cura or Slic3r to adjust the infill percentage, pattern, and density. Generally, lower infill percentages save material and time, but they also reduce the strength and durability of your object. You should also choose an infill pattern that matches the shape and load of your object, such as honeycomb, grid, or triangular.

3 Choose the right material

The material you choose for your 3D printing project can have a significant impact on the cost, quality, and performance of your object. There are many types of 3D printing materials available, such as PLA, ABS, PETG, nylon, and resin. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as strength, flexibility, temperature resistance, and biodegradability. You should research the properties and prices of different materials and select the one that suits your design goals and budget. You can also use CAD software tools such as Materialise Magics or Autodesk Netfabb to compare the cost and quality of different materials for your model.

5 Avoid errors and failures

The last but not least way to reduce 3D printing costs is to avoid errors and failures that can ruin your print and waste your resources. You should check your CAD model for any errors or defects that can affect the printability and quality of your object, such as holes, gaps, intersections, or inverted normals. You can use CAD software tools such as Meshmixer or Meshlab to repair and optimize your model. You should also test your print settings and preview your print before starting the actual printing process. You can use CAD software tools such as PrusaSlicer or Simplify3D to simulate and visualize your print and identify any potential problems or improvements.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?