Printer ROI Calculator
Calculate return on investment for your 3D printer based on print volume and outsourcing savings.
How It Works
Enter your printer cost, monthly print volume, and what it would cost to outsource (e.g., from a print service). The calculator shows monthly savings and how many months to break even.
Formula
ROI Months = Printer Cost / (Monthly Savings - Monthly Operating Cost)
Frequently Asked Questions
What do outsourced prints cost?
Online services like Shapeways, Craftcloud, or local makerspaces charge $5-50+ per print depending on size and material. Local print services may charge $1-5/hour of print time.
What operating costs should I include?
Include filament cost per month, electricity, occasional part replacements (nozzles, bed surfaces), and your time for maintenance (valued at your hourly rate).