Will a 3D printer raise my electric bill? Explained

The short answer is yes, a 3D printer will raise your electric bill, but not by a significant amount. The exact cost of running a 3D printer depends on several factors, such as the type and size of the printer, the material and quality of the print, and the duration and frequency of the printing sessions. In this article, we will explore these factors in more detail and provide some tips on how to reduce the energy consumption of your 3D printer.

How much electricity does a 3D printer use?

The electricity usage of a 3D printer varies depending on the model and the technology it uses. There are two main types of 3D printers: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) and SLA (Stereolithography). FDM printers use a heated nozzle to melt and extrude plastic filament onto a build platform, layer by layer. SLA printers use a laser to cure liquid resin into solid shapes, also layer by layer.

FDM printers generally use more electricity than SLA printers, because they have to heat up the nozzle and the build platform, and sometimes also a heated chamber. SLA printers only need to power the laser and the motor that moves the build platform. However, SLA printers also require a UV curing station to harden the resin prints, which adds to the electricity consumption.

The size of the printer also affects the electricity usage, as larger printers have bigger motors, heaters, and fans. The material and quality of the print also influence the energy consumption, as different materials have different melting or curing temperatures, and higher quality prints require more time and precision.

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To estimate the electricity usage of a 3D printer, you can use a simple formula:

Electricity usage (kWh) = Power (W) x Time (h) / 1000

Power is the wattage of the printer, which can be found on the specifications or the label of the printer. Time is the duration of the printing session, which can be estimated from the slicing software or the printer’s display. For example, if you have a FDM printer that has a power of 300 W and you print for 4 hours, the electricity usage is:

Electricity usage (kWh) = 300 x 4 / 1000 = 1.2 kWh

How much does it cost to run a 3D printer?

The cost of running a 3D printer depends on the electricity rate in your area, which can vary depending on the time of day, the season, and the provider. You can find the electricity rate on your utility bill or online. To calculate the cost of running a 3D printer, you can use another simple formula:

Cost ($) = Electricity usage (kWh) x Electricity rate ($/kWh)

Using the previous example, if the electricity rate in your area is 0.12 $/kWh, the cost of running a FDM printer for 4 hours is:

Cost ($) = 1.2 x 0.12 = 0.144 $

As you can see, the cost of running a 3D printer is not very high, even for a long printing session. However, if you print frequently or for multiple hours a day, the cost can add up over time. To give you a rough idea, here are some examples of the annual cost of running a 3D printer, assuming an average electricity rate of 0.12 $/kWh and an average power of 300 W for FDM printers and 100 W for SLA printers:

  • If you print for 1 hour a day, the annual cost of running a FDM printer is 13.14 $ and the annual cost of running a SLA printer is 4.38 $.
  • If you print for 4 hours a day, the annual cost of running a FDM printer is 52.56 $ and the annual cost of running a SLA printer is 17.52 $.
  • If you print for 8 hours a day, the annual cost of running a FDM printer is 105.12 $ and the annual cost of running a SLA printer is 35.04 $.
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How to reduce the energy consumption of your 3D printer?

While the cost of running a 3D printer is not very high compared to other household appliances, there are some ways you can reduce the energy consumption of your 3D printer and save some money on your electric bill. Here are some tips:

  • Choose the right printer for your needs. If you only need to print small and simple objects, you don’t need a large and powerful printer. A smaller and more efficient printer can save you both electricity and space.
  • Choose the right material and quality for your print. Different materials have different melting or curing temperatures, and higher quality prints require more time and precision. If you don’t need a high-temperature or high-resolution print, you can lower the temperature and speed settings of your printer and save some energy.
  • Turn off your printer when not in use. Some printers have a standby mode that consumes less power than the normal mode, but still more than the off mode. If you are not going to use your printer for a long time, it is better to turn it off completely and unplug it from the outlet.
  • Use a power strip with a switch. A power strip with a switch can help you turn off multiple devices at once, such as your printer, your computer, and your monitor. This can prevent the phantom power consumption that occurs when devices are plugged in but not in use.
  • Use renewable energy sources. If you have access to renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, you can use them to power your 3D printer and reduce your carbon footprint. You can also look for green energy providers in your area that offer electricity from renewable sources.
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Conclusion

A 3D printer will raise your electric bill, but not by a significant amount. The exact cost of running a 3D printer depends on several factors, such as the type and size of the printer, the material and quality of the print, and the duration and frequency of the printing sessions. However, there are some ways you can reduce the energy consumption of your 3D printer and save some money on your electric bill, such as choosing the right printer, material, and quality for your needs, turning off your printer when not in use, using a power strip with a switch, and using renewable energy sources. By following these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of 3D printing without worrying too much about the impact on your electric bill.