3Dcalc+: Accurate Cost Estimation for 3D Printing Projects
For designers, engineers, and small businesses involved in 3D printing, accurately estimating project costs is a fundamental task. 3Dcalc+ is a professional mobile application designed to streamline this process. It provides users with a precise and rapid calculation of the total expense for any print job, factoring in material consumption, machine runtime, and energy usage. By delivering immediate, data-driven financial insights, 3Dcalc+ empowers users to create accurate quotes, optimize their workflows, and manage their 3D printing operations more profitably.
Defining Custom Printer and Filament Profiles
Before calculating costs, users configure their equipment within 3Dcalc+. This involves creating a detailed profile for their specific 3D printer model, inputting its power consumption in watts. Users then create custom filament spool profiles, entering the purchase cost, weight, and material density. Storing these presets in 3Dcalc+ allows for instant selection during future calculations, eliminating repetitive data entry and ensuring that every estimate is tailored to the user's exact hardware and material inventory.
Inputting G-code for Automated Analysis
The core function of 3Dcalc+ is analyzing a print job's G-code file. Users simply import the file generated by their slicer software directly into 3Dcalc+. 3Dcalc+ automatically parses this code to extract critical data, including the total print time and the exact length of filament required. This automated readout forms the basis of the calculation, removing the potential for manual measurement errors and providing a highly accurate foundation for the subsequent cost breakdown.
Reviewing the Detailed Cost Breakdown
Once the G-code is processed, 3Dcalc+ instantly generates a comprehensive cost report. This breakdown clearly itemizes expenses into categories: material cost based on the filament used, electricity cost from the printer's runtime, and a user-defined fixed cost that can account for wear, maintenance, or profit margin. 3Dcalc+lication 3Dcalc+ displays both the total cost and the cost per gram of printed material, offering valuable insights for pricing strategies and project budgeting.
Adjusting Global Parameters for Accuracy
To ensure estimates remain precise, 3Dcalc+ provides a settings menu for global economic variables. Users can set their local currency and input their exact electricity rate per kilowatt-hour. Adjusting these parameters ensures the calculations from 3Dcalc+ reflect real-world operating costs. This feature is crucial for professionals who need to provide clients with quotes that accurately represent their specific regional energy prices and financial terms.
Saving and Exporting Calculations for Quotations
For record-keeping and client presentations, 3Dcalc+ allows users to save completed calculations within 3Dcalc+. Each saved estimate can be labeled for easy retrieval. Furthermore, 3Dcalc+ supports exporting these reports, enabling users to generate and share professional quotations or invoices directly. This workflow integrates financial calculation into a seamless business process, making 3Dcalc+ an essential tool for anyone selling 3D printed goods or services.
Key Features
Automated cost calculation from imported G-code files.
Customizable profiles for printers and filament spools.
Detailed breakdown of material, electricity, and fixed costs.
Adjustable global settings for currency and electricity rates.
Functionality to save and export calculations for quotations.
