3D Printer - Buy vs Outsource Calculator
Compare the costs of buying a 3D printer versus outsourcing your printing needs to determine the most cost-effective approach for your projects.
Calculate Your 3D Printer - Buy vs Outsource Calculator
Buy vs. Outsource Results
In-House Total Cost
$28,087.2
Outsourcing Total Cost
$124,800
Savings with In-House Printing
$96,712.8
Break-Even Point
1.1 months
Buying a 3D printer is more cost-effective than outsourcing in your scenario.
Should You Buy a 3D Printer or Outsource?
Deciding whether to invest in a 3D printer or use outsourced printing services is a common challenge for businesses, makers, and educational institutions. This calculator helps you analyze the financial aspects of both options to make a data-driven decision.
Understanding the Cost Factors
In-House 3D Printing Costs:
- Initial Investment: Purchase price of the 3D printer
- Maintenance: Annual costs for repairs and upkeep
- Materials: Filament, resin, or other printing materials
- Electricity: Power consumption during operation
- Labor: Time spent operating and managing the printer
- Training: Learning curve and skill development
Outsourcing 3D Printing Costs:
- Service Fees: Cost per hour or per project
- Shipping: Transportation costs for finished prints
- Handling: Additional fees for special requirements
- Turnaround Time: Potential delays in production
- Design Assistance: Additional services if needed
- Quality Control: Ensuring prints meet standards
When to Buy a 3D Printer
- Frequent Use: If you'll be printing regularly (multiple times per week)
- Rapid Prototyping Needs: When immediate iteration is crucial
- Long-Term Projects: For ongoing printing needs over years
- Educational Value: When learning the technology is part of the goal
- Custom Materials: If you need specific materials or properties not easily outsourced
When to Outsource 3D Printing
- Infrequent Needs: If you only need occasional prints
- High-Quality Requirements: When industrial-grade precision is needed
- Limited Space: If you don't have room for equipment
- Material Variety: When you need prints in many different materials
- Complex Geometry: For prints that require advanced machines
Beyond the Financial Calculation
While this calculator focuses on the financial aspects, there are other considerations when making your decision:
- Convenience: In-house printing provides immediate access
- Expertise: Outsourcing gives access to professional knowledge
- Quality Control: In-house gives complete control over quality
- Capacity: Outsourcing can handle larger volumes when needed
- Technology Access: Service providers often have the latest equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
Include the type of printer that meets your specific needs. For basic prototyping, an FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printer might be sufficient. For higher detail work, consider SLA (Stereolithography) printers. The cost difference between these technologies can be significant, so be realistic about what you actually need for your projects.
Start by listing all expected printing projects for the next 3-6 months. For each project, estimate the number of prints and the average print time. Add some buffer time for failed prints and iterations. Then calculate the weekly average. Be honest about your usage patterns—many buyers overestimate how frequently they'll use their printer.
The calculator doesn't explicitly account for the learning curve, which can be substantial. When first starting with 3D printing, expect more failed prints, longer setup times, and material waste. Consider adding 30-50% to your material costs for the first few months, and factor in time spent learning the technology.
Maintenance costs typically increase as 3D printers age. Parts like nozzles, build plates, and belts may need more frequent replacement after the first year. Consider increasing the annual maintenance cost by 10-20% for each year of ownership beyond the second year for a more accurate long-term calculation.
If you're planning to design your own 3D models, you should include the cost of design software in your calculations. While there are free options like Blender and TinkerCAD, professional software like Fusion 360 or SolidWorks involves subscription costs. Add these to your initial investment if they're specifically being purchased for your 3D printing workflow.
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