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Reducing 3D Printing Costs

Learn how smarter design decisions can reduce material usage, shorten print times, and lower overall manufacturing costs without compromising performance.

The cost of 3D printing is driven by material usage, print time, and part complexity. Small design decisions can significantly impact how much a part costs to produce.

This guide covers practical ways to reduce costs without compromising performance, whether you're producing prototypes or small production runs.

Key Cost Reduction Strategies

Reduce Infill

Lower infill percentages to reduce material and print time where full strength isn't required.

Minimise Supports

Design parts to avoid overhangs and reduce the need for support material.

Reduce Print Time

Simplify geometry and avoid unnecessary detail to speed up printing.

Optimise Geometry

Use hollow sections and ribs instead of solid parts to maintain strength while reducing material.

Why Cost Optimisation Matters

Efficient designs reduce production costs, improve scalability, and allow for faster iteration. This is especially important for startups, product development, and low-volume manufacturing.

Practical Examples

• Replace solid blocks with ribbed structures
• Split complex parts into multiple simpler prints
• Reorient parts to eliminate supports
• Use lower infill for visual prototypes

Key Takeaways

Reduce infill where full strength isn’t needed
Design to avoid supports
Simplify geometry to reduce print time
Use smart structural design instead of solid mass

FAQs

Related Guides

Materials Guide →Part Orientation →Overhangs & Supports →Tolerances & Fit →Wall Thickness →DFM for FDM Printing →

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