1. What is the Prusa Print Cost Equation?

The Prusa Print Cost Equation calculates the total cost of a 3D print by considering filament costs, energy consumption during printing, and printer depreciation. This helps users understand the true cost of their 3D prints beyond just material costs.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Prusa Print Cost equation:

Where:

• \( C \) — Total cost in currency
• \( F \) — Filament used in grams
• \( P \) — Price per gram of filament
• \( T \) — Printing time in hours
• \( E \) — Energy cost per hour
• \( D \) — Depreciation cost per print

Explanation: The equation accounts for all major cost components in 3D printing, providing a comprehensive view of printing expenses.

3. Importance of Cost Calculation

Details: Accurate cost estimation is crucial for pricing printed items, budgeting for projects, and understanding the true cost of 3D printing beyond just filament expenses.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I determine energy cost per hour?
A: Check your printer's power consumption (watts) and multiply by your electricity cost per kWh, then divide by 1000.

Q2: What should I include in depreciation?
A: Include costs like nozzle wear, maintenance, and a portion of the printer's purchase price based on estimated lifespan.

Q3: Are there other costs not included?
A: This doesn't include labor costs, post-processing materials, or failed print costs which may be significant in some cases.

Q4: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It provides a good estimate but actual costs may vary based on printer efficiency, filament type, and local energy prices.

Q5: Can I use this for other 3D printers?
A: Yes, this calculator works for any FDM/FFF 3D printer, not just Prusa models.