Compare running costs, density, price per gram, and material properties across PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, ASA, Nylon, and UV Resin for 3D printing.
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How to Use Material Cost Comparison
Enter typical market spool prices for PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, and Resin.
Enter a benchmark model cubic volume (cm³) or baseline weight (grams).
View side-by-side cost per gram, cost per print, tensile strength index, and heat deflection metrics.
What is the Material Cost Comparison Tool?
An engineering decision matrix that compares the financial and physical tradeoffs between FDM filaments (PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, PA) and SLA/MSLA photopolymer resins.
Formula Used
• Normalized Part Cost ($) = Model Volume (cm³) × Material Density (g/cm³) × Price Per Gram ($/g)
Real-World Example
A 100 cm³ gear printed in PLA (1.24 g/cm³ @ $20/kg) costs $2.48. In lightweight ABS (1.04 g/cm³ @ $20/kg), it costs $2.08. In UV Resin (1.12 g/cm³ @ $30/L), it costs $3.36.
Accuracy and Limitations
Prices vary by geographic region, brand tier (budget vs high-speed), and local tax tariffs.
Who It Is For
Product designers choosing the optimal material balance between mechanical strength, thermal resistance, and manufacturing budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which 3D printing filament is the most cost effective?
Standard PLA and ABS are generally the most affordable thermoplastics ($14–$18/kg), followed closely by PETG ($16–$22/kg). Engineering filaments like Nylon and Polycarbonate cost significantly more ($45–$80/kg).
Is resin 3D printing more expensive than filament FDM?
Yes, standard photopolymer resin ($22–$35/kg) costs roughly 30% to 50% more than basic PLA, plus additional costs for isopropyl alcohol (IPA) washing and UV curing stations.