Calculator Inputs
Use detailed production, labor, energy, and commercial inputs for more realistic quoting.
Example Data Table
These example rows show how different technologies and batch sizes can affect the final cost structure.
| Job | Technology | Qty | Volume (cm³) | Print Time/Part (h) | Material $/kg | Total Cost ($) | Cost/Part ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor Housing | SLS | 25 | 125 | 3.40 | 72.00 | 1,627.18 | 65.09 |
| Prototype Bracket | FDM | 8 | 64 | 2.10 | 28.00 | 372.40 | 46.55 |
| Dental Guide | SLA | 40 | 18 | 0.65 | 145.00 | 798.60 | 19.97 |
| Metal Insert | DMLS | 12 | 22 | 4.80 | 310.00 | 1,942.32 | 161.86 |
Formula Used
Net Mass (g) = Part Volume (cm³) × Density (g/cm³)
Effective Material (kg) = Net Mass ÷ 1000 × (1 + Support %) × (1 + Scrap %)
Material Cost = Effective Material per Part × Quantity × Material Cost per kg
Effective Print Hours = (Print Time per Part × Quantity) ÷ Build Utilization
Machine Cost = (Effective Print Hours + Setup Hours) × Machine Rate
Labor Cost = (Setup Hours + Post-Process Hours × Quantity) × Labor Rate
Energy Cost = Effective Print Hours × kWh per Machine Hour × Electricity Rate
Direct Cost = Material + Machine + Labor + Energy + Packaging + Fixed Job Cost
Overhead Cost = Direct Cost × Overhead %
Total Job Cost = Direct Cost + Overhead Cost
Quote per Part = Cost per Part ÷ (1 - Desired Margin %)
Total Quote = Quote per Part × Quantity
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter a part name and choose the additive manufacturing process.
- Fill in part volume, density, and order quantity.
- Add support and scrap percentages to reflect real material loss.
- Enter print time, machine rate, setup hours, and post-processing time.
- Provide labor rate, power use, electricity rate, and build utilization.
- Add packaging, overhead, fixed job cost, and desired margin.
- Press Calculate Cost to show results above the form.
- Use the CSV and PDF buttons to export the calculated summary.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Why does build utilization affect cost so much?
Low utilization spreads idle machine time across fewer parts. That increases effective print hours, machine cost, energy use, and often overhead allocation.
2) Should support material always be included?
Yes, whenever the process needs rafts, supports, purge material, or unfused powder allowances. Ignoring these often understates the true material requirement.
3) What is the difference between scrap and support factors?
Support factor covers planned auxiliary material. Scrap factor covers expected loss from failed prints, contamination, trimming, rejects, and handling waste.
4) Why is setup time counted in both machine and labor cost?
During setup, the machine is occupied and an operator is working. Counting both gives a more realistic quote for short production runs.
5) When should I add a fixed job cost?
Use it for quoting administration, tooling inserts, build prep files, QA documentation, machine qualification, or shipping cartons shared by the whole job.
6) Is margin the same as markup?
No. Margin is profit as a share of selling price. Markup is profit as a share of cost. This calculator uses margin.
7) Can I use this for prototypes and production batches?
Yes. It works for single prototypes, bridge production, and larger batches. The main difference is how setup and fixed costs spread across quantity.
8) Which input should I validate first with shop data?
Start with print time, utilization, and post-processing labor. Those three often drive the largest difference between theoretical and actual cost.