10 Tips to Reduce Your 3D Printing Costs in Jordan

Why Optimize for Cost?

3D printing costs scale directly with the amount of material used. Small design choices can make a big difference in the final price. Here are 10 proven tips to keep your costs down.

1. Use PLA for Non-Functional Parts

PLA at 0.07 JD/g is the most affordable material. Unless your part needs to withstand heat or heavy stress, PLA is the smart default choice.

2. Reduce Infill Percentage

Most decorative parts only need 15–20% infill. Jumping from 20% to 50% can increase material cost by 30%+. Only increase infill when the part must bear real mechanical load.

3. Hollow Out Large Models

For large decorative pieces, design a hollow shell instead of a solid object. This can cut material cost by 70% or more with virtually no visual difference.

4. Scale Down Before Finalizing

If your model is larger than needed, scaling it down to the minimum acceptable size dramatically reduces cost. Volume scales cubically — halving dimensions reduces cost by 8x.

5. Remove Unnecessary Supports

Design your model to minimize overhangs below 45°. Supports add print time and waste material that gets discarded.

6. Split Large Models into Parts

A single large print may need thick walls and supports. Splitting it into smaller interlocking pieces can be more efficient and allow parallel printing.

7. Use the Price Calculator First

Always use Jordan3DPrint's free price calculator before ordering. Upload your STL, test different infill levels, and find the sweet spot between cost and strength.

8. Batch Your Orders

If you need multiple parts, ordering them together reduces the per-unit base fee impact significantly.

9. Choose the Right Layer Height

For functional parts that don't need a perfect finish, using 0.3mm layer height instead of 0.1mm speeds up printing and can reduce overall cost.

10. Plan Your Design Around the Printer's Capabilities

Designs that work with gravity and avoid large flat overhangs need fewer supports, print faster, and use less material. Ask our team for design optimization advice before printing.