Universal Quoting Formula: Total Job Price = (Raw Material COGS + Machine Depreciation & Energy + Finishing Labor) / (1 - Target Margin %).
All variables calculate locally in real time. Standard commercial margins are 50%–65% for B2B contracts and 65%–80% for custom retail orders.
How Much Does It Actually Cost to 3D Print with PLA?
Standard 1.75mm PLA filament costs between $16 and $24 per 1,000g (1kg) spool. This makes the raw plastic cost between $0.016 and $0.024 per gram. A standard 65g decorative or functional item uses approximately $1.30 to $1.56 in raw plastic.
However, running a 3D printing Etsy store or prototype service requires budgeting for bed heating electricity ($0.06 to $0.15 per job) and hardware depreciation ($0.15/hour) to cover belt and nozzle replacements.