5 Ways to Optimize Your 3D Printing Efficiency and Reduce Costs

June 20, 2023 • 6 min read

3D printing can be both rewarding and cost-effective when approached strategically. Whether you're a hobbyist looking to maximize your filament usage or a business aiming to improve profit margins, optimizing your 3D printing efficiency is key to reducing costs while maintaining high-quality outputs.

In this guide, we'll explore five proven strategies to help you get the most out of your 3D printer while keeping expenses down.

1. Optimize Your Print Settings

One of the most impactful ways to improve efficiency is by fine-tuning your slicer settings:

Infill Percentage

Most prints don't require 100% infill, which consumes significant material and time:

Decorative items: 5-10% infill is often sufficient
Standard household objects: 15-20% provides reasonable strength
Functional parts with moderate stress: 25-40% offers good durability
High-stress mechanical parts: 50%+ may be necessary

Layer Height

Layer height directly impacts print time and material usage:

Detailed models: 0.1-0.16mm for fine details
Standard prints: 0.2mm offers a good balance of quality and speed
Quick drafts or large models: 0.24-0.32mm for faster printing

Increasing layer height from 0.1mm to 0.2mm can reduce print time by up to 50% while using the same amount of material.

Print Speed

Faster isn't always better—finding the optimal speed for your specific printer can significantly improve efficiency:

Test your printer to find its "sweet spot" where speed and quality are balanced
Use variable speeds for different parts of your model (slower for outer walls, faster for infill)
Remember that excessive speed can lead to failed prints and wasted materials

2. Batch Your Prints Strategically

Printing multiple objects at once can drastically reduce both time and energy costs:

Fully utilize your build plate - When printing several small objects, arrange them to maximize build plate usage
Group similar-height objects - This minimizes unnecessary travel movements
Consider print time vs. risk - Balance the efficiency of batching against the risk of a complete batch failure

A full build plate typically uses only marginally more electricity than a single small print, as the heated bed and hotend will consume similar power regardless of what's being printed.

3. Choose the Right Materials for Each Job

Different materials have different price points and printing requirements:

PLA - Economical, easy to print, and sufficient for most non-mechanical applications
PETG - More durable than PLA but still relatively economical; great for functional parts
ABS - Higher temperature resistance but requires an enclosure and produces fumes
Specialty filaments - Reserve these higher-cost materials only when their specific properties are needed

For internal parts or prototypes that won't be visible, consider using less expensive filament or recycled material when possible.

4. Reduce Support Material Usage

Support structures increase material usage and print time while adding post-processing work:

Orient models strategically - Position parts to minimize overhangs requiring support
Design with printing in mind - Use 45° angles for overhangs when possible
Use support settings wisely - Configure supports to use less material:
- Increase support spacing
- Reduce support density
- Use tree supports for complex geometries
Split complex models - Breaking a model into parts that can be printed flat then assembled can eliminate support needs

Some slicers allow for custom support placement, letting you add supports only where absolutely necessary.

5. Maintain Your Printer Properly

A well-maintained printer reduces failed prints and extends equipment life:

Regular calibration - Check and adjust bed leveling, extruder steps, and belt tension
Lubricate moving parts - Keep rails, rods, and bearings properly lubricated
Clean your nozzle regularly - Prevent clogs that can ruin prints
Inspect for wear - Replace nozzles, PTFE tubes, and other consumables before they cause problems
Store filament properly - Keep filament in airtight containers with desiccant to prevent moisture absorption that leads to failed prints

Even a 5% reduction in failed prints can yield substantial material and time savings over the course of a year.

Measure and Track Your Improvements

To truly optimize your 3D printing operation, track your metrics before and after implementing these changes:

Material used per print
Print time per model
Electricity consumption
Failure rate
Post-processing time

Our 3D Print Cost Calculator can help you track these metrics and calculate the exact cost of your prints before and after optimization.

Calculate Your Savings

Use our free 3D Print Cost Calculator to see how much you can save by implementing these efficiency improvements.

Remember that the most efficient 3D printing operations balance material usage, print time, electricity consumption, and print quality. By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce your costs while maintaining—or even improving—the quality of your 3D printed projects.

3D Print Calculator Team

The 3D Print Calculator Team focuses on providing accurate information, tools, and guides to help you optimize your 3D printing experience.