One of the first questions we hear at our Glendale studio is simple: how much does 3D printing cost? The honest answer is that it depends on the technology, the material, and the size of your part — but the ranges are predictable once you know what drives the price. As a full-service 3D studio serving Los Angeles for more than two decades, we’ve quoted everything from a single miniature figurine to production runs of hundreds of functional parts. This guide breaks down what actually moves the price, typical ranges by technology, and practical ways to keep your costs down.
Want a number for your exact part right now? Upload your STL to our instant 3D printing quote tool and see live pricing in seconds.
3D Printing Cost at a Glance
| Technology | Typical starting price (small parts) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| FDM | $10–$50 | Functional prototypes, jigs, fixtures, enclosures |
| SLA / resin | $30–$150 | Fine detail, smooth finishes, jewelry & dental patterns |
| SLS / MJF nylon | From ~$40 | Strong end-use parts, complex geometry, small batches |
| PolyJet | Premium over SLA | Multi-material, multi-color, realistic models |
| DMLS metal | Low hundreds | Stainless, aluminum & titanium components |
Ballpark figures for planning, not firm quotes — your part’s size, material, and finishing determine the final number.
What Determines 3D Printing Cost
Four variables move the price of nearly every job:
1. Material volume. You pay for the resin, filament, or powder your part consumes, measured in grams or cubic centimeters. A hollow bracket costs far less than a solid block of the same outer size.
2. Machine time. Printers are priced partly by the hours they run. A tall part that takes twenty hours occupies a machine that could be running other jobs, so height in the print orientation matters more than most people expect.
3. Technology and material. A prototype in standard PLA is inexpensive; the same part in heat-resistant nylon, a biocompatible resin, or titanium can cost many times more.
4. Post-processing and labor. Setup, support removal, washing, curing, sanding, painting, or dyeing all take skilled hands. A raw print straight off the bed is the cheapest option; a finished, show-ready part reflects the handwork involved.
One of the beauties of 3D printing: complexity itself is nearly free. An intricate geometry usually costs no more than a simple shape of the same volume.
Price Ranges by Technology
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
FDM is the most economical option and the workhorse of functional prototyping. Small parts often land in the $10–$50 range, while larger or multi-part assemblies can run into the hundreds. Ideal for jigs, fixtures, enclosures, and concept models where fine surface finish isn’t critical. More about our FDM service →
SLA and Resin Printing
Stereolithography produces smooth surfaces and crisp detail — a favorite for visual models, dental and jewelry patterns, and small precise components. Small detailed parts frequently fall in the $30–$150 range depending on resolution and material. Not sure whether you need FDM or SLA? Read our FDM vs SLA comparison.
SLS and MJF (Nylon Powder)
Selective Laser Sintering and Multi Jet Fusion print durable nylon parts without support structures — excellent for end-use components and complex geometries. Pricing is driven by how much of the build chamber your parts occupy, so nesting several parts in one run improves value. Functional nylon parts commonly start around $40 and per-part costs drop quickly when you batch.
DMLS Metal and PolyJet
Direct Metal Laser Sintering in stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium typically starts in the low hundreds for small components — still often far cheaper than machining a one-off from billet. PolyJet excels at realistic multi-color, multi-texture models and is priced at a premium over standard resin.
How to Lower Your 3D Printing Cost
You can influence your quote before you ever send the file:
Hollow out solid volumes where strength allows, or use infill instead of full density. Orient for height — reducing part height in the print orientation saves machine time. Match the technology to the job — don’t pay for SLA smoothness on a bracket nobody will see. Batch your parts — printing several pieces in one run, especially with SLS or MJF, spreads setup across more parts. Print a draft first — a quick FDM check of fit and form before committing to resin or metal catches design issues early. And send clean geometry — a watertight STL or STEP file means no repair time on our end.
If you’re not sure which choices make sense for your part, send us the file — reviewing a model and recommending the most economical approach is part of our 3D printing service, and it costs you nothing.
Why Work With a Local Los Angeles Shop?
Online instant-quote platforms are convenient, but they can’t look at your part and tell you it should be printed in a different orientation, a cheaper material, or a different process entirely. A local partner can — and you can pick parts up the same week, review prototypes in person, and iterate quickly. eCadCam has served designers, engineers, inventors, and manufacturers from our Glendale studio for over 22 years, with FDM, SLA, SLS, MJF, PolyJet, and DMLS metal printing under one roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest 3D printing technology?
FDM. Small FDM parts often cost $10–$50, making it the go-to for prototypes and functional parts where surface finish isn’t critical.
Does a more complex shape cost more to print?
Usually not. Unlike machining, 3D printing prices are driven by material volume and machine time — an intricate geometry typically costs the same as a simple one of equal volume.
How can I get an exact price for my part?
Upload your STL or OBJ to our instant quote tool for live pricing, or request a quote for STEP files, large projects, or anything unusual — we respond the same day.
Get an Accurate Quote in Los Angeles
Every project is a little different, which is why the most reliable number comes from a real quote on your actual file. Ready to see what your part will cost? Get an instant price, call 213.489.1173, or visit us at 4212 San Fernando Rd, Glendale, CA 91204 — we serve Glendale and the greater LA area.