How Much Does a 3D Printer Cost and What Affects the Price?

3D printers have had a groundbreaking impact on businesses in regards to manufacturing, production, and shipping.

They have proven cost-effective and convenient, so it is no surprise they are expected to only grow more popular in the coming years.

However, not all 3D printers are created equal. It is important to look at the printer’s price and features to make sure you are getting one that is sufficient for what you need.

Keep reading to learn more about 3D printer cost and quality to figure out which type will suit your needs best.

Entry-Level 3D Printer Cost

The cost of an entry-level 3D printer is $100-$500.

This is a relatively low-cost 3D printer, making it a good way to experiment and learn about how to 3D print. Unfortunately, they have to be assembled, calibrated, and tested before they can print anything.

These printers are slow, loud, and have low durability and print quality. They can only print objects about 3 to 4 inches in each dimension and will often only print one, low-temperature material.

Hobbyist 3D Printer Cost

The 3D printer cost for hobbyists is about $400-$1500.

While many of these printers still require assembly, they are more efficient than entry-level printers. They can print about 5 to 6 inches in each dimension, and may be able to print more materials than an entry-level printer.

They still often have poor print quality and may not have an enclosed print space, limiting you to low-temperature materials. Hobbyist printers are not designed to run a long length of time, and they may require regular repair and maintenance.

Enthusiast 3D Printer Cost

Enthusiast 3D printers cost about $1000 to $4000.

These printers are a step up from hobbyist printers, but are not quite reliable enough for most professional applications. They can print about 8 to 12 inches in each dimension, often print a variety of materials, and have a decent speed and print quality.

However, for most of these printers, you will often have to choose between speed and print quality. These types of printers also still require frequent maintenance and repair, especially if you use them more than 40 hours per month.

Professional 3D Printer Cost

Professional 3D printers have a cost of around $4000 to $20,000.

These printers tend to have a larger enclosed print area, some able to print about 12 inches in each dimension. They have fairly good print quality and can use a variety of higher-temperature materials, including ABS, Nylons, and Polycarbonate. The more low-cost SLS printer varieties also start to show up in this level of 3D printer.

While most professional-level printers are suitable for a variety of commercial applications, you will want to check a physical sample print to see how if the print quality is still sufficient at faster speeds.

The required maintenance for these printers can vary by a great amount, so you will also want to make sure you choose one with good durability.

Industrial 3D Printer Cost

The average cost of a 3D printer for industrial use can range anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000.

While industrial printers are more expensive, as are the materials for them, they have high print quality at fast speeds and can print multiple parts simultaneously. Plus, they are durable and typically require less maintenance and repairs than other types of 3D printers do.

Many SLS printers are considered to be industrial 3D printers, such as the ones provided by Rapid PSI. These printers are ideal to create parts for industries that require increased durability and functionality, such as in aerospace applications.

Choosing the Right 3D Printer

3D printer cost can indicate what features the printer has, but that does not mean getting the most expensive one is your best bet.

Whether you are a hobbyist or want to use a 3D printer for your business, make sure to choose one that meets your needs. It is important to not just look at cost, but at the quality and reliability as well.

If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out our tech section for more quality posts.