1. What is the Prusa 3D Print Cost Equation?

The Prusa 3D Print Cost equation calculates the total cost of a 3D print by considering both material costs and energy consumption. It helps users estimate expenses before printing.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Prusa cost equation:

Where:

• \( C \) — Total cost (currency)
• \( F \) — Filament used (grams)
• \( P \) — Price per gram of filament (currency/g)
• \( T \) — Print time (hours)
• \( E \) — Energy cost per hour (currency/hour)

Explanation: The equation accounts for both material costs (filament used × price) and operational costs (print time × energy rate).

3. Importance of Print Cost Calculation

Details: Accurate cost estimation helps in budgeting print jobs, comparing different print settings, and determining pricing for commercial prints.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter filament used in grams, price per gram, print time in hours, and energy cost per hour. All values must be non-negative.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this cost estimate?
A: It provides a basic estimate but doesn't include printer depreciation, labor costs, or failed prints.

Q2: Where can I find my energy cost?
A: Check your electricity bill for cost per kWh, then calculate printer consumption based on its wattage.

Q3: Does this account for support material?
A: No, you should include support material in the total filament used (F).

Q4: What's a typical price per gram for filament?
A: Standard PLA is typically $0.02-$0.05/g, while specialty filaments can cost more.

Q5: How can I reduce print costs?
A: Optimize infill percentage, print speed, and layer height to reduce both time and material usage.