The Real Cost of 3D Printing: What Affects the Price of Your Custom Build

If you are new to 3D printing or getting a custom piece made for the first time, pricing can feel confusing. Some prints cost a few hundred pesos. Some cost thousands. It really depends on the project. The good news is that once you understand what affects the price, everything becomes simple and predictable.

This guide walks you through the biggest factors that influence the cost of a custom 3D print, plus how we do pricing here at Loki 3D Studio.

Material Type and Volume

Different materials have different price points. PLA is affordable and great for general use. PETG is tougher. ABS has heat resistance. Resin delivers very sharp details. Your choice affects both the cost of the raw material and the time needed to print.

For example:
• PLA keychains are affordable and quick
• Large PETG parts use more filament
• Resin minis give premium detail but cost more

Print Time

3D printing is not instant. The machine builds layer by layer. The more complex or taller the model is, the longer the print takes. A small part might finish in 2 hours. A detailed model might take 14. A big prototype can take more than a day.

Print time affects cost because it uses:
• Electricity
• Machine wear
• Operator supervision
• Possible reprints if the model fails mid-print

Model Complexity

Two models can look similar but have very different printing difficulty. Fine details, thin sections, hollow structures, and heavy overhangs can require supports or slower speeds.

Accuracy also matters. If your piece needs tight tolerances, we may need to run test prints or fine tune settings.

Finishing Work

This is where the magic happens.

Finishing options include:
• Sanding
• Priming
• Painting
• Clear coat
• Assembly
• Custom decals or weathering

A raw print is cheaper. A fully painted, display ready piece takes more time and artistry. If you want to see samples, check our Gallery.

File Prep or Model Creation

If you already have a 3D file, that’s perfect. If not, we can help bring your sketches, references, or measurements to life through our Product Design Collaboration.

Let’s Talk About Your Project

We like to understand your project before quoting. Share your concept, and we’ll discuss options, timeline, and pricing.