3D Printing Time Calculator

Our 3d printing time calculator helps you estimate how long a print may take. It works with simple print data. You can use the toolpath length method or the volumetric flow method.

This 3d printing time calculator online is useful for FDM and filament 3D printing. It can help you plan print jobs, machine use, and production time.

A full 3d print time calculator STL can also use sliced model data. The actual time may vary because printers slow down for corners, travel moves, retractions, and layer changes.

3D Printing Time Formula

Our calculator uses two main formulas.

For the toolpath method, first calculate the number of layers:

Number of layers = Ceiling(Model height ÷ Layer height)

Then calculate the total toolpath:

Total toolpath = Number of layers × Average path per layer

Next, calculate the base print time:

Base print time = Total toolpath ÷ Print speed

The final time includes the entered overhead:

3D printing time = Base print time × (1 + Overhead ÷ 100)

For the volumetric flow method, calculate flow first:

Volumetric flow = Layer height × Line width × Print speed

Then:

3D printing time = Material volume ÷ Volumetric flow

All time results are calculated in seconds. The calculator then shows the result in hours, minutes, and seconds.

How to Use Online 3D Printing Time Calculator

1. Choose the Toolpath Length or Volumetric Flow method.
2. Enter the model height, layer height, path length, and print speed for the toolpath method. You can also enter an overhead percentage.
3. For the flow method, enter material volume, layer height, line width, and print speed.
4. Check your units. The calculator converts length, speed, and volume into the required units before calculating.
5. Click calculate to get your estimated 3D printing time.

The tool also lets you check maximum volumetric flow when you enter a maximum flow value. This can show if your selected print speed is too high for the entered flow limit.

Example 3D Printing Time Calculation

Suppose a model is 100 mm tall. The layer height is 0.20 mm. The average path per layer is 500 mm. The print speed is 50 mm/s. The overhead is 20%.

First, calculate the layers:

Number of layers = 100 ÷ 0.20 = 500 layers

Next, calculate the total path:

Total toolpath = 500 × 500 = 250,000 mm

Now calculate the base time:

Base time = 250,000 ÷ 50 = 5,000 seconds

Add 20% overhead:

Final time = 5,000 × 1.20 = 6,000 seconds

Convert the result:

6,000 seconds = 1 hour 40 minutes

So, the estimated 3D printing time is 1 hour 40 minutes.

3D Print Time and Cost

Print time is useful when you want to calculate 3D print cost. A 3d print cost calculator can use print time, material use, electricity, machine cost, labor, and other expenses.

The basic cost idea is:

3D print cost = Material cost + Electricity cost + Machine time cost + Labor and other costs

A 3d print price calculator can then add your desired profit margin.

For resin printing, print time works differently. A resin 3d print time calculator usually considers layer count, exposure time, lifting time, and other layer-cycle times. Therefore, this calculator's FDM formulas should not be treated as an exact resin print-time formula.

Final Verdict

Our free 3d printer calculator gives a simple way to estimate 3D printing time. The toolpath method is useful when you know the average extrusion path. The volumetric flow method is useful when you know the material volume.

For the most accurate real-world result, use the final sliced toolpath from your slicer. Actual printer time can change due to travel moves, acceleration, retraction, cooling, and machine limits.

FAQs

What is a 3D printing time calculator?

A 3D printing time calculator estimates how long a 3D print will take based on print settings such as layer height, toolpath, speed, and material volume.

How do you calculate 3D printing time?

For the toolpath method, divide total toolpath length by print speed. Then add the selected overhead. For the flow method, divide material volume by volumetric flow.

Can I use this as a 3D print time calculator STL?

Yes, if you obtain the needed dimensions or toolpath information from the STL and its slicer settings. An STL file alone does not contain the complete printer time data.

Does print speed affect 3D printing time?

Yes. A higher effective printing speed normally reduces the basic extrusion time. However, printer acceleration and maximum volumetric flow can limit the actual speed.

Can this calculate 3D print cost?

It estimates printing time, not the complete selling price. To calculate 3D print cost, you also need material price, electricity, machine cost, labor, and profit.

Is this calculator accurate for resin 3D printing?

The flow and toolpath methods are designed around filament-style extrusion printing. Resin printers use different timing factors, so resin print time needs a layer-cycle calculation.