3D Printing Cost
If you’ve never worked with a 3D printing service before, pricing can feel confusing — especially when every project is different. The good news? Once you understand the factors that influence cost, it becomes much easier to estimate what your part will land at.
This guide breaks down the price ranges we see every day at Carolina 3D Print Studio, plus example scenarios to help you understand what to expect.
Whether you’re a business prototyping a new part or a homeowner replacing a broken piece, this will give you a clear picture before you request a quote.
What Affects 3D Printing Cost?
There are four main factors that determine price:
1. Size of the Part
More material + more print hours = higher cost.
Small utility parts may print in under an hour; large functional pieces may take 12–24 hours.
2. Material Choice
Different materials have different costs and print profiles.
PLA — most affordable, great for general use
PETG — stronger, outdoor-friendly
ABS / ASA — durable, heat-resistant
Flexible filaments — specialized applications
Your needs determine the best choice.
3. Printing Resolution (Layer Height)
Higher resolution = smoother finish, slightly higher cost due to longer print time.
At our shop, we typically offer:
Regular resolution – best for 90% of prints
High resolution – best for prototypes, miniatures, and display pieces
4. Post-Processing
Optional services that can affect cost include:
Sanding
Priming
Painting
Assembly
Not every project needs finishing, but it greatly enhances the final appearance.
Typical Price Ranges in Charlotte
Below are the common ranges we see for local clients. These apply to most hobby, business, and prototype prints.
Small Parts (1–3 in.)
Appliance clips
Brackets
Toy replacement parts
Typical price: $45 plus design if needed
Medium Parts (4–8 in.)
Functional household items
Mechanical prototypes
Small enclosures
Typical price: $40–$100 plus design if needed
Large Parts (9–12+ in.)
Replacement covers
Specialized industrial components
Larger prototypes
Typical price: $100–$200+ plus design if needed
Multi-Part Assemblies & Bulk Orders
Board game pieces
Custom product batches
Industrial components
Typical price: Varies, usually $150–$600 depending on quantity
For very large or complex jobs, your project may include a mix of print time, materials, and design work — all of which will be clearly itemized when you request a quote.
Real Example Scenarios
Here are a few examples similar to what our Charlotte customers request each week:
Example 1: Broken Appliance Part
A client brings in a cracked bracket that the manufacturer no longer sells.
Scanned + printed in PETG
Total cost: $100
Example 2: Small Business Prototype
A startup needs a housing for a new electronics device.
3 iterations
PETG for strength, regular resolution
Total cost: $150 plus $75 per iteration
Example 3: Custom Figurine or Display Piece
A model for a gift or display.
High resolution
Sanded + primed
Total cost: $75–$200
Why Prices Vary Between Shops
Local shops range in experience, equipment quality, and finishing capability. Factors that change pricing include:
The type of printers used (speed + precision)
Material quality
Whether the shop offers design + scanning services
Turnaround times
Professional finishing capabilities
At Carolina 3D Print Studio, we focus on high-quality models, strong materials, and end-to-end services, so your quotes will always reflect those standards.
Ready for Your Exact Quote?
If you have a file, photo, or even just an idea, we can typically provide a quote within the same day.
Most design ready prints are completed within 24–72 hours.
Upload your file or sketch here and get a fast, no-pressure quote.