PrintPeer Pricing Guide
Understanding the costs involved in different fabrication services
How Pricing Works
The cost of fabrication services on PrintPeer varies based on several factors including complexity, material, size, finish quality, and shop expertise. While every project is unique, this guide provides general price ranges to help you budget for your projects.
Remember that quotes from different shops may vary. We encourage comparing multiple quotes to find the best value for your specific requirements.
💡When requesting a quote, providing detailed specifications helps shops give you more accurate pricing.
3D Printing
| Material | Price Range | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|
| PLA | $0.15 - $0.25 per gram | Prototypes, decorative items, low-stress parts |
| ABS/PETG | $0.20 - $0.30 per gram | Functional prototypes, end-use parts, outdoor applications |
| Nylon | $0.30 - $0.45 per gram | Durable parts, gears, snap-fit assemblies |
| Resin (SLA) | $0.35 - $0.60 per gram | High-detail models, jewelry prototypes, dental applications |
Additional Cost Factors
- Design complexity and support material requirements
- Print resolution (layer height) and print speed settings
- Post-processing (sanding, painting, assembly)
- Size and volume of the part
Example: A 100g decorative figurine in PLA with standard resolution and minimal post-processing might cost between $15-30, while the same model in resin with high resolution and detailed painting could cost $50-100.
Laser Cutting
| Material | Price Range | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic (Per sq ft) | $10 - $20 + material | Signage, displays, custom panels |
| Wood (Per sq ft) | $8 - $15 + material | Decorative items, models, templates |
| Cardstock/Paper | $5 - $10 + material | Stencils, cards, packaging |
| Thin Metal | $15 - $30 + material | Jewelry, metal signs, precision parts |
Additional Cost Factors
- Cut complexity and length
- Engraving details and area
- Material thickness and type
- Setup and design preparation time
Example: A simple 12"x12" acrylic sign with basic text engraving might cost $30-50, while a detailed business logo with complex cuts could range from $60-100 depending on detail level.
CNC Machining
| Material | Price Range | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | $75 - $150/hr + material | Custom parts, enclosures, fixtures |
| Steel/Stainless | $85 - $175/hr + material | Durable components, tooling, machine parts |
| Plastics | $65 - $120/hr + material | Prototypes, housings, non-metal components |
| Wood | $60 - $100/hr + material | Furniture components, signs, molds |
Additional Cost Factors
- Design complexity and feature precision
- Number of setups and tool changes required
- Surface finish requirements
- Tolerance specifications
- Quantity (per-part costs decrease with volume)
Example: A simple aluminum bracket might cost $75-150 for a one-off piece, while a complex stainless steel component with tight tolerances could cost $300-600 depending on machining time and complexity.
Need a Specific Quote?
The pricing above serves as a general guideline. For an accurate quote tailored to your specific project requirements, submit a quote request with your design files and specifications.
Pricing Calculator
For more accurate pricing estimates, try our interactive calculator tool (coming soon).
Interactive Price Calculator
Our team is developing an interactive calculator to provide instant estimates based on your project specifications.
Pricing FAQs
Why do prices vary between shops?
Each shop has different equipment, overhead costs, and expertise. Some shops may specialize in certain services, allowing them to offer more competitive rates for those specific services. Location, experience, and shop capacity also impact pricing.
Are there discounts for larger orders?
Yes, most shops offer volume discounts. Setup costs, programming time, and design work are often one-time expenses that can be amortized across larger quantities, resulting in lower per-unit pricing.
Do I need to pay for design services?
If you have production-ready design files, there's typically no additional design cost. However, if you need help creating or modifying designs, many shops offer design services for an additional fee, usually at hourly rates ranging from $50-$125 depending on complexity.
What payment methods are accepted?
PrintPeer accepts all major credit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers. Payment is made through our secure platform, which holds funds in escrow until you've approved the completed project.