When you upload a file, two choices affect price more than anything else: how solid the inside should be and how thin the layers should be. Here is what they mean.
Infill is not the density of the whole object
A printed part is not a solid block of plastic. It has outer walls and an internal lattice. Infill specifies how dense that lattice is.
- 10–15% — decorative objects and scale models. Holds the shape, weighs little and costs least.
- 20–25% — the usual choice. Enough for most handled objects.
- 40–60% — parts carrying loads.
- Above 70% — rarely worthwhile. Strength improves little while material and time rise quickly.
Doubling infill does NOT double strength, but almost doubles the material inside. Beyond a certain point you pay for little practical benefit.
Layer height changes appearance and time
Parts are built in layers. A thinner layer means smoother surfaces and finer detail, but more layers and more machine time.
- 0.12 mm — fine details and visible surfaces. Slowest and most expensive.
- 0.2 mm — a balance that works for most jobs.
- 0.28–0.3 mm — rough, functional parts where appearance is unimportant. Fastest.
Why tall objects cost more than wide ones
Two objects of equal volume can have very different prices because layers are counted by height.
A part lying 40 mm high with 0.2 mm layers has 200 layers. Standing the same part at 200 mm produces 1,000 layers. Material use is unchanged, but the machine runs several times longer, and machine time accounts for half the bill.
Keep the object lower if its shape allows. Sometimes this is the difference between €12 and €30.
Supports are material for the bin
Overhangs beyond a certain angle need supports: temporary structures that are printed, broken off and discarded. They are included in the price because the machine makes them.
Models with many overhangs therefore cost more than compact ones of the same volume. Splitting or rotating a part to reduce overhangs saves both material and time.
Check for yourself
Upload your file and change infill and quality. The price updates immediately, with a breakdown for material, machine time and preparation. No email enquiry or waiting is needed.
Upload a model and compare or read how the price is calculated.