How much does 3D printing cost in 2026? What drives the price, with real examples
Updated 5 November 2026 · 3 min read
In short
In 2026, having an object printed by an industrial service costs anything from a few tens of dollars for a small object to several hundred for a piece of furniture, delivery included. On objekto, the public designs open to orders range from $40.90 (Vulpe, a low-poly fox figurine, 1 part) to $100.90 (Vintage rolling scooter figurine, 5 parts), incl. VAT and delivered in France. The price mostly depends on material volume, the material, the number of parts, the finish and delivery. Design is paid separately, in credits.
- Material volume (in cm³) matters more than how complex the shape is.
- For a small part, delivery often costs more than the material, so grouping parts brings the price down.
- PA12 is the cheapest material; resin, full colour and metal cost more.
- On objekto, the firm price with VAT and delivery is shown before you order.
What drives the price
- Material volume: the price is mostly calculated per cm³. A hollow or open shape costs less than a solid block.
- Material: from PA12 (the cheapest) to cast brass (the most expensive), the gap is more than ten to one per cm³.
- Number of parts: each part carries a fixed preparation and handling cost.
- Finish: vapour smoothing, dyeing or full colour add a surcharge.
- Quantity: several copies share the same delivery.
- Delivery and VAT: often the biggest share for a small object.
Ballpark figures by material
The table below gives each active material's relative price level, from $ to $$$$, based on the workshop's reference prices. The firm price depends on the actual volume of each part.
| Material | Min. wall | Min. detail | Min. clearance | Max. size (mm) | Properties | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PA12 white (SLS) | 0.7 mm | 0.2 mm | 0.5 mm | 650 × 550 × 350 | rigid · outdoor | $ |
| PA12 dyed black (SLS) | 0.7 mm | 0.2 mm | 0.5 mm | 320 × 230 × 180 | rigid · outdoor | $ |
| PA12 dyed colours (SLS) | 0.7 mm | 0.2 mm | 0.5 mm | 320 × 230 × 180 | rigid | $ |
| PA12 vapour smoothed (SLS) | 1.5 mm | 0.5 mm | 0.7 mm | 440 × 375 × 345 | rigid · outdoor | $$ |
| PA12 natural grey (MJF) | 0.5 mm | 0.2 mm | 0.6 mm | 380 × 380 × 284 | rigid · outdoor | $ |
| PA12 matte black (MJF) | 0.5 mm | 0.2 mm | 0.6 mm | 360 × 210 × 210 | rigid · outdoor | $ |
| PA12 black vapour smoothed (MJF) | 1.5 mm | 0.5 mm | 0.7 mm | 360 × 210 × 210 | rigid · outdoor | $$ |
| PA12 full colour (MJF) | 1 mm | 0.2 mm | 0.6 mm | 330 × 247 × 190 | rigid | $$$ |
| Flexible TPE (SLS, Shore ≈ 88A) | 0.8 mm | 0.8 mm | 2 mm | 220 × 190 × 190 | flexible · outdoor | $$$ |
| Flexible TPU 95A (FDM)rules to be confirmed | 1.6 mm | 1 mm | 0.8 mm | 250 × 250 × 250 | flexible · outdoor | $ |
| Standard resin (SLA, Somos GP Plus) | 1 mm | 0.4 mm | 0.2 mm | 790 × 790 × 590 | rigid | $$ |
| Clear resin (SLA, Watershed XC)rules to be confirmed | 1 mm | 0.4 mm | 0.2 mm | 790 × 790 × 590 | rigid | $$ |
| Black resin (SLA, Watershed Black)rules to be confirmed | 1 mm | 0.4 mm | 0.2 mm | 790 × 790 × 590 | rigid | $$ |
| Ultra-fine resin (MJP Visijet)rules to be confirmed | 1 mm | 0.1 mm | 0.2 mm | 298 × 203 × 185 | rigid | $$$ |
| Cast brass (lost wax) | 0.6 mm | 0.4 mm | 0.3 mm | 100 × 89 × 89 | rigid · outdoor | $$$$ |
| PETG (FDM) | 0.5 mm | 0.5 mm | 0.5 mm | 300 × 300 × 300 | rigid · outdoor | $ |
| PLA (FDM) | 0.5 mm | 0.5 mm | 0.5 mm | 300 × 300 × 300 | rigid | $ |
Real examples, delivered in France
| Object | Printed parts | Materials | Design | Delivered print |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vulpe, a low-poly fox figurine | 1 | SLA resin | S · 950 credits | $40.90 |
| Toy Racing Car "Comète", 100% 3D printed | 5 | PETG | L · 3,400 credits | $80.90 |
| Vintage rolling scooter figurine | 5 | PETG + TPU 95A | L · 3,400 credits | $100.90 |
These are the prices shown on the designs' pages at their latest quote: the gap between Vulpe, a low-poly fox figurine ($40.90) and Vintage rolling scooter figurine ($100.90) mostly comes down to material volume and part count (1 vs 5).
How objekto works out the price
The print price shown includes the workshop's price, a service margin (20% without a subscription and on Creator, 15% on Pro, 10% on Studio), VAT and delivery. It's the price you pay: if the workshop's rate moves by more than 3% before production starts, you're asked to accept the new price or cancel at no cost. It's paid in US dollars, never in credits.
Design is charged separately, in credits, by number of unique parts: 950 credits (S, 1 part), 1,900 credits (M, 2–4 parts), 3,400 credits (L, 5–8 parts), 5,200 credits (XL, 9–12 parts). New accounts get 2,000 credits free at signup. Plans and credit packs are on the Pricing page.
How to pay less
- Cut the volume: 1.5–2 mm walls are often enough; open up bases and hidden faces.
- Choose PA12 for anything that doesn't need resin detail or the look of metal.
- Group several parts or objects into one order: one delivery.
- Skip finishes you don't need: vapour smoothing is only worth it for feel or watertightness.
- Mind the size: an object that fits in one part avoids joints and per-part costs.
- Ordering often? The service margin drops on the Pro and Studio plans.
Comparing with other services
Services where you upload your own file, like Shapeways or the Craftcloud price-comparison marketplace, price printing on the same basis (volume, material, delivery), but assume you already have a print-ready 3D file. A desktop printer (FDM, PLA) costs less per part, with a different surface quality and a different choice of materials.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to print a small part?
The material for a small PA12 part costs a few dollars; with the margin, VAT and delivery, the delivered total runs to tens of dollars. The firm price is shown before you order.
Why is delivery such a big share?
Parts are made in an industrial workshop and shipped by tracked courier: that cost is fixed, however small the part. Grouping several parts spreads it.
Can I pay for printing with credits?
No. Credits pay for design (and chat messages); printing is paid in US dollars.
Can the price change after I order?
Normally not: you pay the price shown, with VAT and delivery included. If the workshop's rate moves by more than 3% before production, you choose between accepting the new price and cancelling at no cost; nothing is charged without your agreement.