In this article, we highlight some of the most affordable 3D printing services that can help you cut costs while delivering professional results. Whether you need a prototype or a small batch, these options provide excellent value for your budget.
Considerations
While this article aims to show the most affordable 3D printing services, it’s not the only consideration we kept in mind when making the list. We asked for quotes from a variety of manufacturers, and the following information was noted for each (and can help in making the call on which one to opt for):
- Lowest prices: Price at high quality is the top aspect. We compared services based on the cost of printing a set of printed parts that’s needed to assemble the ever-popular Sherpa Mini extruder.
- The material choice was ABS or ASA (FDM). If FDM wasn’t available or economical (some services only offer Stratasys FDM), SLS was used, with PA12-CF or PA12-GF as the material. This is the most economical SLS material for functional end-use parts or prototypes with good mechanical and heat resistant properties.
- We checked the cost of 1 print, as well as of a batch order of 50.
- Various printing capabilities: It’s helpful to have a range of options when you want to print something (especially if you don’t have the material needs offered by ABS, ASA, PA12-CF, or PA12-GF). Therefore, we took a look at the types of printing options available, including material selection and additional finishing or marking services.
- Fast processing time: Everyone wants to get their prints in a timely fashion, so we compared the time frame from when the order was taken to the time it was expected to ship. None of the services in this article needed more than 10 business days, and many also offered an expedited option (for an additional fee).
- Wide reach: What’s the point of 3D printing something if it can’t be delivered to your doorstep? Most of the services listed ship worldwide (exceptions are noted).
With these in mind, let’s dive into the list!
Craftcloud
Craftcloud is more than just an affordable 3D printing service. Users can compare 3D printing services worldwide and order directly via the global platform. This allows you to find the best option to suit your needs at the most competitive price.
By taking your location into account, Craftcloud displays real-time prices from manufacturers who can print your design with the material of your choice and deliver it directly to you. The possibilities are vast, with more than 140 material options, and various finishes and colors.
In addition to this broad range of choices, users enjoy IP-protected orders, a responsive customer care team with an average response time of 11 hours, and the ability to communicate directly with service providers. Business customers also have access to specialized features that support their internal processes.
Each manufacturing partner on the platform undergoes a thorough screening process, with their performance continuously evaluated to ensure quality. The service is fully transparent, giving customers visibility into who handles their orders while also recognizing partners on the site. Despite this, Craftcloud manages the entire process. With a Trustpilot rating of 4.7, more than 1,000 customers have rated their experience as “excellent.”
If you’re new to 3D printing, Craftcloud offers recommendations to guide you through the process and explore the exciting world of 3D printing.
Below are example prices from Singapore:
- Material: ABS
- Price for 1: $1.47
- Batch of 50: $40.97
- Processing time: Min. 1 day
- Printing capabilities: FDM, SLS, SLA, MJF, SLM
- Shipping: Worldwide
WeNext
WeNext aims to streamline the process for makers and small-to-medium-sized businesses. Like many other 3D printing services, WeNext has an online instant quote tool, where you can also customize printing and post-processing options before submitting an order (though you will need to sign up for an account first).
The manufacturer is a popular one-stop solution in the Asian market that offers SLM, SLS, SLA, and MJF printing in around 30 different materials, including nylon, polypropylene, and several metals. Additionally, you can have your part manufactured through CNC machining or vacuum casting.
Their manufacturing facility can reach a 48-hour turnaround time with worldwide shipping, alongside ISO-certified processes and machinery.
While they also offer FDM services, because it’s Stratasys FDM and thus more expensive, we opted for the cheapest quote – available in SLS.
- Material: PA12-GF (SLS)
- Price for 1: $5.78
- Batch of 50: $289
- Processing time: 4 days, with the possibility to place 48-hour orders
- Printing capabilities: SLM, SLS, SLA, MJF, Stratasys FDM
- Shipping: Worldwide
In3DTec
In3DTec is a Chinese manufacturing company with the capability of high-volume production runs and as little as one-day turnarounds. Spread across four locations in mainland China, they boast a machine park of more than 300 units and 20 finishing processes.
The processes offered include not only FDM, SLA, SLS, MJF, and SLM printing, but also CNC machining, vacuum casting, and injection molding. With a pool of more than 30 different plastics and metals to choose from, the options are far from limited.
Alongside the more traditional additive manufacturing techniques, they also offer 3D scanning and reverse engineering of parts. This service is great for those designers looking to develop CAD models of fluid or organic shapes, such as a car’s dashboard or a human foot. They also offer engineering consults for those looking to improve their design and prepare it for production.
- Material: ABS (FDM), ASA (FDM), PA12-GF (SLS)
- Price for 1: ABS: $2.15; ASA: $3.18; PA12-GF: $8.91
- Batch of 50: ABS: $58.50; ASA: $61; PA12-GF: $310.50
- Processing time: 3-6 days
- Printing capabilities: FDM, SLA, SLS, MJF, SLM
- Shipping: Worldwide
PCBWay
The popular PCB manufacturer PCBWay has upped its game and introduced the option to order 3D prints directly from its website. Alongside various circuit boards and SMT assembly options, you can now have your model 3D printed in around 30 different materials. FDM, SLS, SLA, MJF, PolyJet, and SLM manufacturing are the main technologies offered.
In addition to 3D printing, PCBWay offers a wide range of prototyping and manufacturing processes like CNC machining, vacuum casting, and injection molding. There are also options to add metal inserts to the parts, mark prints with serial numbers, or even assemble them. And to make your part even more aesthetic, the surface finishes offered include electroplating, spray painting, and sanding.
- Material: ABS, ASA
- Price for 1: ABS: $7.96; ASA: $7.96
- Batch of 50: ABS: $166.25; ASA: $166.25
- Processing time: 2-3 days
- Printing capabilities: FDM, SLS, SLA, MJF, PolyJet, SLM
- Shipping: Worldwide
JLCPCB (JLC3DP)
JLCPCB, loved by hobbyists for its ultra low-price PCB prototypes ($2 for 5x 2-layer PCBs) has also grown to provide 3D printing services (named JLC3DP). Although JLC3DP only offers a relatively small range of materials for each of their technologies, you’re still able to get nylon and stainless steel parts at low prices – though FDM is relatively more expensive. Because of this, it might make more sense to print the FDM parts at home (if you’re opting for PLA or PETG, for example) and get more exotic materials at better prices.
Similar to their PCB ordering, instant online quoting is available through their website. This option is worth considering if you’re also ordering some PCBs for your projects and you want to take care of everything together at the same time!
- Material: ABS, ASA
- Price for 1: ABS: $3.47; ASA: $3.90
- Batch of 50: ABS: $173.01; ASA: $194.63
- Processing time: 3 days
- Printing capabilities: FDM, SLS, SLA, MJF, SLM
- Shipping: Worldwide
Hudson Creative Group
Located in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Hudson Creative Group provides 3D design, scanning and FDM printing services. Though most materials printed are on the basic and easily accessible side (PLA, PETG, ABS), more specialty FDM materials, such as PMMA and PC-CF, are also available upon request.
Generally, they are also praised for good customer service and cost-effectiveness, and have shipped over 60,000 parts.
To get a quote, you need to fill a form and the reply can be expected within two business days.
- Material: ABS
- Price for 1: $5 (minimum order)
- Batch of 50: $75
- Processing time: 2 days (Qty.: 1); 10 days (Qty.: 50)
- Printing capabilities: FDM
- Shipping: Worldwide
Advanced Additive Innovations
Advanced Additive Innovations offer 3D printing services with both FDM and LCD (MSLA) technologies. While their FDM materials are relatively basic (PLA, PLA+, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, TPE, PA12-CF), they offer both modeling and engineering resins (such as Nexa3D’s xPEEK147 resin and others), which make their LCD services suitable for some engineering part applications.
To receive more information or assistance with materials or printing, or to receive a quote, you can contact them through their website or send them an email.
If you’re not sure about which material will be the most suitable for your project, you can find datasheets of their offerings.
- Material: ASA
- Price for 1: $10
- Batch of 50: $375
- Processing time: 4-5 business days (Qty.: 1), 6-8 business days (Qty.: 50)
- Printing capabilities: FDM, LCD
- Shipping: Worldwide
FacFox
FacFox is one of China’s most popular on-demand 3D print services, offering a broad selection of other manufacturing services. These includes CNC machining, injection molding, sheet metal fabrication (including plasma, laser and waterjet cutting), casting, and more.
Similar to other popular low-cost 3D printing services on this list, prices are quoted through their online instant quote system, which you need to sign up for, and on which you can also select parameters and post-processing options.
They are also ISO9001 quality management certified, and offer a significant range of over 80 3D printing materials for many technologies, from polymer to metal printing.
- Material: ABS (FDM), ASA (FDM), PA12-GF (SLS)
- Price for 1: ABS: $2.50; ASA: $2.33; PA12-GF: $4.55
- Batch of 50: ABS: $125; ASA: $116.50; PA12-GF: $227.50
- Processing time: Fastest possible with SLA: 1 day; standard (SLS, MJF, FDM, SLA): ~3 days; SLM: ~5 days
- Printing capabilities: FDM, SLS, MJF, SLA, SLM, PolyJet
- Shipping: Worldwide
Imagination 3D Fashion SRL
Based in Romania, Imagination 3D Fashion SRL offers on-demand 3D printing services by filling up their online quote form. They also sell a good variety of pre-printed fun decorative models and accessories (such as keychains, stands and ties) on their website.
While Imagination 3D Fashion seems to only accept orders from Romania, because they are also a Craftcloud partner, when ordering through the marketplace, they offer shipping to America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.
- Material: ABS
- Price for 1: N/A
- Batch of 50: $200
- Processing time: Options for 1-2 days, 3-4 days, 5-7 days
- Printing capabilities: FDM
- Shipping: Romania
ZLabs3D
Based in Georgia, ZLabs3D provides FDM 3D printing services. They mostly print basic materials, mostly PLA, PETG, and ABS – though more special materials such as TPU and CF-filled materials are available upon request. Despite being a relatively small business, they have a production capacity upwards of 2,000 daily printer hours.
Unique to this list, ZLabs3D sells their a variety of their own filaments in their shop. They also give away small leftovers from used spools free of charge: You can give them a call and drop by their warehouse to collect the free filaments!
- Material: ABS
- Price for 1: $20 (minimum service value, Economy); $22 (Standard)
- Batch of 50: $110 (Economy); $140 (Standard)
- Processing time: Economy: 3-7 business days; Standard: 2-5 business days; Expedited is available at a higher cost
- Printing capabilities: FDM
- Shipping: Worldwide
License: The text of "10 Cheap 3D Printing Services to Cut Your Costs" by All3DP Pro is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.