# What 3D printing costs and why

> Why there is no fixed price per part, how material, print time and quantity determine the price, and how to reduce it.

Canonical: https://printimir.ch/en/guides/what-3d-printing-costs

## What 3D printing costs and why

There is no single price per part because every model is different. The price is based on the material and print time your model actually requires, and you see it immediately after upload.

### The four components

1. **Volume and material use.** How much plastic your model requires at the selected infill.
2. **Print time.** Determined by size, layer height and infill. This is the largest factor for most parts.
3. **Material.** Standard plastics cost less than carbon-fibre-reinforced or technical materials.
4. **Scale and quantity.** Larger parts cost more, while identical parts cost less per unit in quantity.

### Fixed amounts

The minimum order value is CHF 12 including shipping, with no minimum quantity. Standard shipping costs CHF 5.90 below CHF 30 of merchandise, CHF 9 from CHF 30 and is free from CHF 80. Parcels have a tracking link; small orders may be sent as letters without one. Personal delivery anywhere in Switzerland costs CHF 50. You can choose the layer height without a surcharge. Price calculation is free and non-binding.

### Why small parts can seem expensive

For a very small part, the CHF 12 minimum order value, including shipping, has a noticeable effect. If you need several parts, order them together so the amount is spread and the quantity discount applies.

### Quantity discount

Each additional identical part costs less: the second costs 93% of the single-part price, the third 88%, parts four to nine 82%, and the tenth and every further part 75%. The discount appears automatically when you increase the quantity in the cart.

### How to reduce the price

- Choose a coarser layer height when the finish allows it
- Leave infill at the standard setting instead of increasing it without a reason
- Orient the model to require fewer supports
- Order several parts together

### Frequently asked questions

#### Can I see the price without an account?

Yes. You can upload and configure the model and see the price without signing in.

#### Is the displayed price final?

Checkout validates the relevant prices again on the server. For standard jobs, the price shown is the price you pay.

#### Will I receive a refund if my model cannot be printed?

Yes. If we cannot print your model for technical reasons, we cancel the order and refund the full amount.

### Read next

[Detailed pricing](https://printimir.ch/en/pricing) · [Upload a model and calculate the price](https://printimir.ch/en/3d-printing/upload-model) · [Small-batch 3D printing](https://printimir.ch/en/small-batch-3d-printing) · [All guides](https://printimir.ch/en/guides)

### Ready?

Upload your model and see the price instantly, or describe your project if you do not have a file yet.

[Upload model](https://printimir.ch/en/3d-printing/upload-model) · [Request a project](https://printimir.ch/en/3d-modeling/request)