There is no reliable universal price per gram or per hour for every custom part. A useful quotation considers the complete manufacturing job: geometry, material, machine time, preparation, risk, quantity, finishing and delivery.
The main cost factors
Two parts with the same material weight can have very different production costs. A tall thin part may occupy equipment for much longer than a compact part, while a complex orientation may require additional support, handling or inspection.
- Part dimensions and occupied build volume
- Material volume
- Production time
- Support requirements and orientation
- Quantity and build arrangement
- Setup, review and communication
- Post-processing and inspection
- Packaging, shipping and deadline
How geometry affects price
Large parts generally consume more material and production time, but height and orientation can matter as much as overall volume. Thin walls, delicate features and large flat surfaces may also increase manufacturing risk.
A design that needs extensive support can require additional material and removal labour. Reorienting or splitting the model may reduce one cost while introducing seams or affecting the surface finish, so the least expensive setup is not always the best result.
Material and application requirements
Common materials do not all have the same purchase cost, production behaviour or handling requirements. The correct material should be chosen from the application rather than selected only to minimize the quote.
Heat, outdoor exposure, impact, stiffness and flexibility can narrow the suitable options. If the material is uncertain, describe the use honestly and request a recommendation.
Why quantity changes the unit price
The first part carries project review, setup and communication that may not repeat for every additional copy. Multiple parts can sometimes share a production run efficiently, reducing the average handling cost.
That does not mean unit price falls indefinitely. Equipment capacity, packing efficiency, quality checks and production risk still apply, and a larger order may require multiple runs.
Tolerance, finish and post-processing
A basic visual prototype and a component with critical mating surfaces should not be quoted as the same job. Dimensional requirements may affect orientation, process settings, inspection and whether secondary finishing is needed.
Sanding, assembly, inserts, special packaging or other manual work adds labour. State what is genuinely required so the quote does not include unnecessary finishing—or omit work that the application needs.
Ways to control cost without compromising the job
- Send production-ready, correctly scaled geometry
- Identify only the dimensions that are truly critical
- Allow a practical delivery window
- Choose material from actual environmental needs
- Combine repeat quantities where practical
- Avoid unnecessary solid volume
- Discuss whether parts can be split or reoriented
What produces an accurate quote
Submit the STL, quantity, intended use, material preference, colour, delivery address and target date. Explain loads, heat, weather and critical fit requirements. Prompt2Part reviews each request rather than offering an instant estimate that ignores the application.
A low initial price is not useful if the chosen material, orientation or finish does not meet the part’s intended use. Compare quotations using the same scope and assumptions.
Ready to make it physical?
Submit your STL for manufacturing review.
Tell us what the object needs to do, include the critical dimensions you verified, and Prompt2Part can review the file for a manufacturing quote.
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