Do 3d Printers Use A Lot of Electricity?

Many people wonder if 3d printers use a lot of electricity. Most desktop models consume between 50 and 200 watts, while resin printers use even less power. The cost to run a 3d printer usually ranges from $0.01 to $0.03 per hour. A typical 3d printing hobbyist spends only $15 to $65 per year on energy. Understanding power usage helps users manage expenses and reduce their energy footprint.

Key Takeaways

• Most desktop 3D printers use between 50 and 200 watts, which is less than many household appliances like microwaves and desktop computers.
• Running a 3D printer typically costs only $0.01 to $0.05 per hour, making it an affordable hobby for most users.
• You can reduce electricity usage by optimizing print settings, such as increasing layer height and lowering infill percentages.
• Choosing energy-efficient 3D printer models can significantly lower electricity consumption and costs over time.
• Regular maintenance, like cleaning and lubricating parts, helps keep 3D printers running efficiently and reduces power usage.

3d Printer Power Consumption

Average Power Consumption

3d printers use electricity to heat up their beds and nozzles, move motors, and run fans. The average power consumption for most desktop 3d printers falls between 50 and 150 watts during regular printing. Entry-level and mid-range models usually draw about 50 to 70 watts per hour. Some professional machines or large-format printers can draw more, but most home users see lower numbers.

The power supply in a 3d printer works hardest during the initial heat-up. At this stage, the printer can reach a peak power draw of 150 to 300 watts. After heating, the average power use drops as the printer maintains temperature and moves parts. The table below shows how power consumption changes during different stages of 3d printing:

Most desktop 3d printers do not use as much electricity as people think. The power supply only draws high amounts for short periods. Over a full print, the 3d printer electricity usage stays low compared to many other devices. For example, running a typical print for one hour costs about $0.01 to $0.05, depending on local electricity rates.

Note: The power supply rating on a 3d printer does not equal actual energy consumption. The real draw depends on print settings, material, and printer type.

Electricity Usage Compared To Other Devices

Many people want to know how 3d printer electricity usage compares to common household appliances. The answer may surprise them. Most 3d printers draw less power than a microwave or desktop computer. The table below shows the average power supply draw for each device:

A 3d printer uses less electricity than a microwave, which can draw over 1,000 watts. Even a desktop computer often draws more power than a 3d printer. Only a refrigerator comes close to the average power consumption of a 3d printer, but it runs all day, while 3d printers usually run for a few hours at a time.

3d printer electricity usage stays low because the power supply only needs to heat small parts and move lightweight motors. The energy draw does not spike unless the printer heats up quickly or prints very large objects. Most 3d printers operate efficiently, making them practical for home use.

Tip: Users can reduce electricity usage by choosing efficient models and adjusting print settings. Lower bed temperatures and shorter print times help cut energy draw.

Factors Affecting Electricity Usage

Printer Type And Technology

The type of 3d printer and its technology play a major role in determining power usage. Different machines use varying amounts of energy depending on their design and application. For example, FDM desktop printers typically use between 60 and 250 watts, while industrial FDM models can reach up to 800 watts. SLA and DLP printers operate with lower power, often ranging from 40 to 150 watts. SLS printers require much more energy, sometimes drawing between 1,000 and 5,000 watts due to their high-powered lasers. Metal 3d printing technologies like DMLS or SLM consume the most power, sometimes reaching 10,000 watts.

FDM printers show the greatest environmental impact among common 3d printing technologies. SLS machines use intermediate amounts of energy, mainly because of fossil fuel-based electricity. SLA printers stand out for their efficiency and lower energy consumption.

Print Settings And Materials

Print settings and material choices also affect electricity consumption. Adjusting layer height and infill percentage can reduce power usage. Thicker layers and lower infill mean faster prints and less energy required. Using low-temperature materials like PLA instead of ABS helps decrease power draw, since the printer does not need to maintain high bed or chamber temperatures.

• Lower infill percentages save material and energy.
• Increasing layer height leads to faster prints and reduced power consumption.
• Optimizing slicing settings can shorten print time and cut energy usage.
• Choosing PLA over ABS lowers the required temperature and energy use.

Turning off idle printers and using insulated enclosures further minimize unnecessary power consumption.

Print Duration And Size

The length of a 3d printing job and the size of the object directly impact total energy usage. Longer print durations mean the printer draws power for more hours, increasing electricity costs. For example, a 3d printer that consumes 0.1 kWh per hour and runs for 5 hours will use 0.5 kWh. If electricity costs $0.12 per kWh, the total cost for that print reaches $0.06. Larger objects require more filament, which raises the specific energy consumption and overall power usage.

Note: Shorter print times and smaller objects help keep energy consumption low.

3d Printer Electricity Costs

How To Calculate Costs

Calculating the cost of running a 3d printer helps users understand their electricity usage and manage expenses. The process uses basic math and information about the printer's power consumption and local electricity rates. Anyone can follow these steps to estimate the cost for each print job or for long-term use.

1. Find the average power consumption of the 3d printer in watts. Most desktop models use between 50 and 150 watts during printing.
2. Estimate the total printing time in hours. For example, a typical 3d printing project might take 4 hours.
3. Multiply the power consumption by the number of hours to get the total watt-hours.
4. Convert watt-hours to kilowatt-hours by dividing by 1,000. Electricity bills use kilowatt-hours as the standard unit.
5. Check the local electricity rate. Most areas charge between $0.10 and $0.20 per kilowatt-hour.
6. Multiply the total kilowatt-hours by the local rate to find the electricity costs for the print.

Example:

A 3d printer uses 100 watts for a 5-hour print.
100 watts × 5 hours = 500 watt-hours
500 watt-hours ÷ 1,000 = 0.5 kilowatt-hours
If the local rate is $0.15 per kilowatt-hour:
0.5 × $0.15 = $0.075 for the print

This method works for any 3d printer. Users only need the power rating, print duration, and electricity rate. Tracking these numbers helps control energy consumption and budget for 3d printing projects.

Example Cost Table

The table below shows sample electricity costs for different 3d printing scenarios. It uses common power ratings and print durations to help users estimate expenses.

A small desktop 3d printer running for 2 hours uses only 0.12 kilowatt-hours of electricity. The cost stays low, even for longer prints. Larger printers or longer jobs increase energy consumption and total expenses. Users can compare these numbers to other devices to see that 3d printing remains affordable for most households.

Tip:
Monitoring electricity usage over time helps users spot trends and reduce unnecessary power consumption. Choosing efficient print settings and materials also lowers energy costs.

3d printers offer practical and cost-effective solutions for hobbyists and professionals. Understanding electricity costs allows users to make informed decisions and optimize their 3d printing experience.

Reducing 3d Printer Energy Use

Optimize Print Settings

Users can lower electricity consumption by adjusting print settings. Increasing layer thickness to 0.35 mm and setting print speed to 40 mm/s can reduce energy use by up to 72% compared to less efficient settings. These changes maintain strong print quality, with tensile strength above 50 MPa. Many 3d printer models, such as the Ender-2, Ender-3, and Ender-5, have shown reductions in power consumption between 29.2% and 39.2% when using optimized settings. Insulating the bed, hot-end, and enclosure also helps retain heat, which cuts down on power usage. Using foaming PLA and reducing line width to 0.4 mm further improves efficiency.

Tip: Shorter print times and lower infill percentages help decrease total energy use without sacrificing print quality.

Choose Efficient Models

Selecting energy-efficient 3d printers makes a big difference in electricity usage. Newer models often include energy-saving innovations, such as insulated components and advanced temperature controls. These features help lower power draw during both heating and printing. Comparing the power ratings of different machines before purchase allows users to pick energy-saving alternatives. Machines with lower wattage and smart standby modes use less electricity over time.

Choosing the right 3d printer helps reduce total energy use and lowers electricity bills.

Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance keeps 3d printers running efficiently. Clean fans and lubricate moving parts to reduce friction and unnecessary power consumption. Check for firmware updates that improve energy efficiency. Replace worn-out components, such as nozzles and belts, to prevent the printer from working harder than needed. Well-maintained machines use less electricity and last longer.

Note: Monitoring power usage with a smart plug helps users track consumption and spot areas for improvement.

Simple habits, like turning off the printer when not in use, also contribute to lower energy bills. These steps support both cost savings and environmental responsibility in 3d printing.

3d printers show efficient electricity usage compared to many household devices. Most 3d printer models use less power than microwaves or computers, but frequent 3d printing increases total energy costs. Users can lower electricity bills by choosing smaller machines, optimizing print settings, and insulating hot ends. Adjusting infill density and print speed also reduces power consumption. 3d printing creates less material waste, but high operating temperatures raise energy usage. People should consider both electricity costs and environmental impact when selecting a 3d printer for home or work.

FAQ

How much electricity does a 3d printer use per hour?

A typical 3d printer uses between 50 and 150 watts per hour. This amount equals about the same energy as a desktop computer. Most users find that running a 3d printer for one hour costs only a few cents.

Can running a 3d printer overnight increase my electricity bill?

Running a 3d printer overnight can raise the electricity bill. The total cost depends on the print duration and the printer’s wattage. Users should check their local rates and multiply by the hours used to estimate the extra cost.

Do 3d printers use more power than other household devices?

A 3d printer usually uses less power than a microwave or air conditioner. Most 3d printers draw less energy than a desktop PC. They only use more power than small devices like lamps or phone chargers.

Does the type of filament affect 3d printer energy use?

Yes, the filament type affects energy use. Printing with PLA requires lower temperatures, so the 3d printer uses less power. ABS and other high-temperature filaments need more heat, which increases electricity consumption during 3d printing.

Is it safe to leave a 3d printer running when not at home?

Leaving a 3d printer running alone is not safe. Fires can start if a part fails or overheats. Users should always monitor the 3d printer during long prints to prevent accidents and protect their homes.