3D Printing Cost Comparison: SLA vs SLS vs MJF vs SLM

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Elements of 3D Printing Cost

Every quote you receive is shaped by a handful of core elements. Grasping these variables empowers you to predict expenses and optimize designs before you hit “checkout.”

1. Material Costs

Raw materials account for a significant slice of your total spend. Resin for SLA runs about $50–$200 per liter, nylon powder for SLS can be $60–$150 per kilogram, while metal powders for SLM often top $200 per kilogram. Choosing a premium material for strength or color can bump your 3D printing cost by 10–30%.

2. Machine Time & 3D Printing Rate

Service providers typically charge by build hours or by part volume. Hourly rates vary from $10–$25 (SLA) up to $50–$100 (SLM). Faster layer heights speed up printing but sacrifice surface finish, so your desired resolution directly impacts the 3D printing rate.

3. Post-Processing

Beyond the machine run, there’s washing, curing, sintering, and support removal. SLA parts need an hour of UV curing and IPA wash, while SLS parts require bead blasting. These steps can add $5–$20 per part, depending on complexity and labor.

4. Design Complexity & Support Structures

Intricate geometries and heavy support structures drive build time and cleanup effort. Hollowing thick parts or reducing overhangs cuts down material use and lowers cost. Over-engineered details can inflate your cost of 3D printing by up to 40%.

5. Shipping, Handling & Service Markup

Don’t overlook shipping fees—overnight delivery can add $20–$50. Some providers include a service markup (10–20%) for customer support and platform upkeep. Always read the fine print to see if rush orders or minimum fees apply.

Technology-By-Technology Cost Breakdown

To showcase Hi3DP’s SLA, SLS, MJF, and SLM 3D printing costs, we’ve selected a fidget cone measuring 44.74 × 92.67 × 73.04 mm as our reference model. We will compare prices across different materials to highlight the cost variations. (Post-processing is excluded from this comparison.)

For our comparison, we looked at each process’s “Starting from” prices to identify the most budget-friendly materials: Resin White for SLA, PA12 White for SLS, PA12 Gray for MJF, and AlSi₁₀Mg for SLM. Here’s how their costs compare:

From our comparison, SLA clearly offers the most budget-friendly option for this fidget cone, with costs spanning just $3.89–$10.27. SLS follows at $7.79–$20.53—roughly double SLA’s base price—thanks to its durable nylon powder and lack of support structures. MJF jumps higher ($15.57–$41.04), reflecting its superior mechanical properties and faster throughput in volume runs. As expected, SLM commands a premium ($28.81–$75.95) since metal powders and post-processing drive up both material and machine time costs.

In practical terms, hobbyists on a tight budget or creating highly detailed miniatures will find SLA or SLS most appealing. If you need end-use strength or small-batch functional parts, MJF justifies its higher “3D printing cost” with isotropic properties. And when you require true metal parts—load-bearing brackets or custom tooling—SLM remains the go-to despite its steep price tag.

Ultimately, balancing cost, material performance, and part requirements will guide you to the right technology for your project. Try Hi3DP’s 3D Printing Quote Platform Now >>

3D Printing Cost Reduction Cheat Sheet