Minimizing Cost

Tips to Minimize 3D Printing Costs:

Send smaller models.

Consider a different scale that will work equally well to convey your design or print only portions of your overall design.

Hollow-out solids.

Users are charged based on the total volume of the 3D model; if a volume can be conveyed as thickened walls rather than a complete solid, create as much interior space as possible without structurally compromising its integrity. Keep in mind that you may still have to pay for support material to fill this void with some types of 3D printers, but support is generally cheaper than model material.

Reduce Infill Density.

For large massing models where a volume cannot be hollow due to printer type, orientation, or other, use an infill density and pattern that minimizes material use. If needed, thicken walls and ceilings or floors only, rather than increase overall infill density.

3D print only what you can’t build another way.

To support academic interest in complex geometries, the Fabrication Lab charges for material use associated with the printing process only; maintenance and staffing are not included in the cost of models.

Observe minimums.

Do not send files whose features exceed the minimum recommended dimensions. Both money and time are wasted when models are too fragile to be successfully printed, removed, or handled without breaking.