Post-Processing Cost Estimator

Select your printing technology, part size, and finishing steps to estimate total post-processing cost and time.

Printing Technology

Only steps compatible with FDM are shown. Select all that apply.

Support Removal$4–$14 · 5–30 min

Manual or chemical removal of support structures.

Sanding / Surface Smoothing$5–$20 · 0.2–1.0 hr

Progressive grit sanding to reduce layer lines.

Vapor Smoothing$8–$25 · 0.5–1.5 hr

Acetone or solvent vapor treatment for a glossy finish.

Painting$10–$40 · 0.3–1.5 hr

Primer + base coat + top coat spray or brush painting.

Metal Plating$22–$88 · 1.0–3.0 hr

Electroless nickel, copper, or chrome plating over plastic.

Heat Treatment / Annealing$8–$30 · 1.0–4.0 hr

Oven annealing to relieve stresses and improve strength.

Tumble Finishing$5–$18 · 0.5–2.0 hr

Vibratory or rotary tumbling for uniform surface smoothing.

Select one or more post-processing steps to see a cost estimate

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