Pricing depends on several factors
3D printing costs vary based on size, material, technology, and quantity. Every part is different, so the best way to get an accurate price is to upload your file for an instant quote.
What affects the price?
Material — Standard PLA is the most affordable. Engineering materials like Nylon (MJF) or high-detail resins (SLA) cost more. Specialty materials like carbon fiber composites are premium.
Technology — FDM is the most cost-effective for larger parts. SLA offers high detail at moderate cost. MJF is ideal for functional parts and small batches.
Part size & volume — Larger parts use more material and machine time. Volume discounts are available for orders of 50+ identical parts.
Post-processing — Standard support removal and cleaning is included. Sanding, painting, dyeing, or vapor smoothing add cost.
Lead time — Extended (7 days) and No Rush (5 days) are the best value. Next Day (1 day) and Rush (2 days) carry additional fees.
How to get an exact price
- Upload your 3D file at makelab.com/quote
- Select your material and technology
- Choose your quantity and lead time
- Get an instant price — no account required
For complex projects or large quantities, submit an intake form for a custom quote from our team.
Pro tip
Not sure which material or technology to choose? Select “Tech’s Choice” and our engineers will recommend the best option for your budget and requirements.
Why choose Makelab
Makelab is a professional 3D printing service in Brooklyn, NYC. We offer transparent pricing, instant online quotes, and expert guidance to help you choose the right material and technology for your budget. Our 3D printing services range from next-day rush to extended timelines for the best value.
How are prices calculated?
Makelab’s pricing is dynamically generated and primarily driven by the specifics of your part and your selected preferences:
Material & print technology: Each method—FDM, SLA, Industrial SLA, MJF, FGF—has unique material costs and operational rates.
Part volume: We calculate cost based on the total cubic centimeters (cm³) of your part(s). Small changes in your file can significantly affect this.
Lead time: Faster turnarounds (like Next-Day or Rush) are priced higher to prioritize your job in the production schedule.
Special considerations: Some materials allow for internal hollowing, which can reduce volume and lower cost—reach out if this applies.
Use our Instant Quote tool for immediate, transparent pricing. If you're unsure or need optimization, our team can review your file and help you get the most efficient result.
But also check your units selected- This usually happens when your file was modeled in inches but exported in millimeters—or vice versa. Our Instant Quote system reads files assuming millimeters by default. If your model was designed in inches and not properly converted, it will appear 25.4x smaller, resulting in a tiny part volume and an unusually low price (sometimes $1 or less).
Why is my quote so high?
Your quote reflects a few core factors: the part's actual volume (in cm³), selected material, and the lead time you choose at checkout.
Volume (cm³): Even small-looking models can have a large internal volume if not hollowed. Solid or dense parts consume more material and take longer to print. We may be able to hollow your part internally to bring the cost down—just ask.
Material: Higher-performance materials (e.g., PA12, engineering-grade resins) come with higher base costs due to durability, temperature resistance, or post-processing needs.
Lead time: Choosing a faster lead time (like Rush or Next-Day) increases cost due to priority production and scheduling.
Scaling errors: Sometimes CAD files are exported in the wrong unit (e.g., inches instead of millimeters). This can accidentally inflate part volume and result in unusually high prices. It’s a common issue—and we can help catch it.
If your quote looks off, reach out via our Intake Form. We’ll review your model and suggest ways to optimize it for cost.