What goes into the cost of 3D Printing services?
3D printing services now make up a critical corner of the supply chain. Industries rely on companies like JawsTec to produce and receive parts faster. Thanks to 3D printing technology it has never been easier to place a part into a full-scale production. The biggest question we still see is “what does a 3d printing service cost?”. Here is a full breakdown on how we structure our prices and what determines them.
3D Model Files
The absolute first step to getting a part into a 3d printing service is having a cad file. CAD files are 3D models and instructions that tell the printing service and the machines exactly how to print your part. With it, printing a part is impossible. So, it’s likely to be the first cost you run into. Some 3D Printing services can have on-site designers that could help with creating your file. Typically, this work is charged by the hour and can cost around $50 an hour. It all depends on the designer and the amount of work required. Alternatively, you could search the internet for a premade model. 3D Printing file hubs like Thing-I-Verse have a large community of creators that publish files every day, many of which are free to download. These do come with their own stipulations. Many are not for commercial use and could require an agreement or payment to the original creator to use in such a fashion.
Process
Now that you have a 3D model ready, it’s time to head to your desired 3D printing service and begin your project. The next step, selecting a process type. Many 3D Printing services specialize in one or multiple 3d printing processes. Some of the common ones are Fused Material Deposition (FDM) or Multi Jet Fusion (MJF). Each process comes with its own strengths and weaknesses. Depending on your project needs, you should choose one that best aligns with project specifications and intended use. Some processes also come with unique materials to that process meaning there is no other choice. Each process creates a piece differently. Some like MJF could save you money because they don’t require excess materials, meaning you save on material cost.
| Process | Best for | Cost |
| MJF Multi Jet Fusion |
Functional prototypes, end-use parts, and batch production. No support structures means less waste and faster turnaround. | Moderate Unused powder is recycled (~80%), keeping per-part costs competitive at volume. |
| SLS Selective Laser Sintering |
Complex geometries and durable end-use parts for aerospace, medical, and industrial applications. | Moderate ~50% powder recyclable; slightly lower material cost than MJF but similar overall pricing. |
| SLA Stereolithography |
High-detail models and visually precise prototypes where surface finish is the priority. | Moderate–High Resin cost varies by type; support removal adds labor time and cost. |
| SLM Selective Laser Melting |
High-stress metal parts for aerospace and automotive where strength rivals machined metal. | High Expensive equipment and metal powder; best justified for critical structural components. |
| FDM Fused Deposition Modeling |
Quick concept prototypes, large prints, and low-stakes testing where speed and affordability matter most. | Low Lowest cost to entry; affordable filament materials make it ideal for simple or early-stage parts. |
Material Selection
Material is likely the next step in production. Like mentioned before, some 3d printing services specialize in certain processes and materials. So, it’s important to understand what your project needs and check if a material type is available. More industrial 3d printing hubs off more versatile materials. Nylon materials offer great strength and durability for any project and offer more specialized materials such as Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). For example, say you want to produce a part that is specially designed to replace key automobile parts. This part needs to withstand the elements, high temperatures, and hold up to the strain of the machine. Through the MJF process, material like Nylon PA12 HR would be ideal. This material is engineered to withstand high temperatures and keep the same quality strength as traditional MJF.
| Material | Available process | Cost | Best use |
|
Nylon PA12 Most popular material |
MJF, SLS |
Low–Moderate Slightly cheaper than SLS materials; recyclable powder keeps costs down |
General-purpose functional parts, complex geometries, chemical-resistant components |
|
Nylon PA12 Smooth Premium PA12 variant |
MJF |
Moderate Higher than standard PA12; reduces post-processing cost for cosmetic parts |
Consumer-facing or cosmetic parts needing a refined surface finish straight off the printer |
|
Nylon PA12 Glass-Filled Reinforced PA12 |
MJF |
Moderate Cost-effective upgrade for higher strength; minimal premium over standard PA12 |
Industrial-grade parts requiring increased stiffness, heat resistance, and fine detail |
|
Nylon PA11 Bio-based nylon |
MJF |
Moderate Comparable to PA12; bio-based sourcing may vary pricing slightly |
Parts needing flexibility and impact resistance, especially in cold or outdoor environments |
|
Nylon PA2200 Premium fresh powder |
SLS |
Moderate–High Premium fresh powder; less reusable than PA12 but top-tier performance |
Highly versatile structural parts — hinges, prosthetics, functional assemblies requiring maximum durability |
|
TPU Shore hardness 86A |
SLS |
Moderate Specialized flexible material; priced above standard nylon |
Seals, gaskets, protective covers, dampers — any part requiring flexibility and impact absorption |
| Polypropylene | MJF |
Moderate Lightweight option; competitive with standard nylon pricing |
Lightweight, chemical-resistant parts such as fluid handling components and living hinges |
|
SLA Resins Multiple variants available |
SLA |
Moderate–High Resin cost varies by type (standard, tough, high-temp, watertight); support removal adds time |
High-detail visual models, watertight parts, high-temp applications, transparent or tough prototypes |
|
Stainless Steel 17-4 & 316L variants |
SLM |
High Expensive metal powder and equipment; best justified for critical load-bearing applications |
Corrosion-resistant mechanical parts, shafts, engine components, medical and aerospace designs |
|
Aluminum AlSi10Mg |
SLM |
High Similar to stainless steel in cost structure; lighter weight can reduce overall part cost |
Structural parts where weight matters — aerospace brackets, automotive components, heat-dissipating parts |
Post Processing
Now we move on to post processing, at this point in production you can choose to be done and move on to shipping your piece. Post processing has many key benefits. Especially for customer facing parts, you want them to look as complete and polished as possible. You may also want to ensure your party stands out from any competition. Post processing options include dyeing, vapor smoothing, raw, and polishing. For many when creating key components, vapor smoothing is required. Vapor smoothing is the process of using a solvent to slightly melt the outermost layer of a piece to create a smooth service. In doing so this also strengths the part, especially along the Z axis. Though choosing a post processing option will add an additional day to your products lead time.
| Finish | Process availability | Cost | Benefits |
|
Raw Default finish |
MJF, SLS, SLA, FDM |
No added cost Part is delivered straight from the printer after excess powder removal |
Fastest turnaround: ideal for internal components, mechanical parts, or early-stage prototypes where appearance is not a priority |
|
Polished Tumbled + shot-peened |
MJF, SLS |
Low Minimal added cost: automated tumbling process keeps labor low |
Removes rough surface texture and visible layer lines; delivers a clean, consistent finish suited to functional or customer-facing parts without full vapor treatment |
|
Vapor Smoothed Chemical vapor process |
MJF, SLS |
Moderate Adds ~1 day to lead time; process time ~90–120 min using AMT PostPro SF100 or DyeMansion VaporFuse |
Produces glossy, injection-molded quality finish; strengthens the part (especially along Z axis); seals surface against moisture; removes layer lines entirely; improves sanitation for medical parts |
|
Dyed Color added post-print |
MJF, SLS |
Moderate Priced per color; process adds time but less than vapor smoothing |
Adds color uniformly to the part surface; ideal for branding, product prototypes, or customer-facing parts that need to stand out; can be combined with other finishes |
Shipping
Finally, we get to shipping. At JawsTec we do allow for expedited shipping options. Many 3d printing services do the same. This can be the difference between meaning your deadlines and being late on multiple orders. Again, this is another cost you can face. Depending on the size of your order and the speed you need it delivered.
Cost is the important factor when choosing a 3d printing service. Especially today, budgets are tighter and expectations are higher than ever. It’s important to look at everything that goes into production and choose one that best suits you. But there is no one price for a project, multiple factor go into the cost and everything depends on project specifications. JawsTec is dedicated to keeping your business running. If you’re interested in getting a part into production, join our newsletter and you can save on your first order. Join our Newsletter.
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