Filament Cost Calculator
Compare 3D printing filament costs side-by-side. See how material choice affects your print cost and find the best value for your project requirements.
Cost Comparison Calculator
Enter your estimated print weight from slicer
Cost Comparison for 100g Print
| Material | Cost/Gram | Print Cost |
|---|---|---|
| PLACheapest | $0.025 | $2.50 |
| ABS | $0.028 | $2.80 |
| PETG | $0.030 | $3.00 |
| TPU | $0.045 | $4.50 |
| Nylon | $0.050 | $5.00 |
| Resin | $0.080 | $8.00 |
PLA saves $5.50 compared to Resin
Material Properties Comparison
| Property | PLA | ABS | PETG | TPU | Nylon | Resin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Print Temp | 190-220°C | 220-250°C | 220-250°C | 220-250°C | 240-270°C | N/A (UV) |
| Bed Temp | 50-60°C | 90-110°C | 70-80°C | 40-60°C | 70-90°C | N/A |
| Strength | Medium | High | High | High | Very High | Medium |
| Flexibility | Rigid | Slight Flex | Slight Flex | Very Flexible | Slight Flex | Rigid |
| Print Difficulty | Easy | Difficult | Moderate | Difficult | Difficult | Moderate |
| Needs Enclosure | ||||||
| Needs Dry Storage |
Material Recommendations by Use Case
Prototyping
PLA
Cheapest option, easy to print, good detail. Perfect for testing designs before committing to functional materials.
Functional Parts
PETG
Best balance of strength, flexibility, and ease of printing. Good for parts that need durability without specialized properties.
Heat Resistance
ABS
Withstands higher temperatures than PLA/PETG. Ideal for automotive, electronics enclosures, and outdoor use.
Flexible Parts
TPU
Rubber-like flexibility for gaskets, phone cases, wheels, and anything needing impact resistance or grip.
High Stress Parts
Nylon
Maximum strength and wear resistance. Perfect for gears, bearings, hinges, and mechanical components.
High Detail
Resin
Finest detail resolution. Best for miniatures, jewelry, dental models, and anything needing smooth surfaces.
Let a Pro Handle Your Print
Not sure which material to use? Post your project on 3D Print Bounty and get recommendations from experienced makers along with competitive quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest 3D printing filament?
PLA is the cheapest 3D printing filament at $0.02-0.03 per gram ($20-30/kg). It's also the easiest to print, making it ideal for beginners and prototyping.
Which filament is best value for functional parts?
PETG offers the best value for functional parts. It costs only slightly more than PLA but provides significantly better strength, durability, and chemical resistance.
Is resin more expensive than filament?
Per gram, resin costs 2-4x more than PLA filament. However, resin prints often use less material due to hollow printing, so small detailed parts can be comparable in cost.
Why is Nylon so expensive?
Nylon costs more due to superior mechanical properties: high strength, wear resistance, and flexibility. It also requires careful moisture control and specialized printing conditions.