Section outline

  • Cost and Material Considerations

    Understanding the cost and material usage of 3D printed parts is crucial for practical robotics. Whether building one robot or scaling to a classroom project, knowing how to estimate cost and choose the right material helps you stay efficient and budget-conscious.

    • Common 3D Printing Materials

      • PLA (Polylactic Acid): Most common and beginner-friendly, eco-friendly, low warping, ideal for most robot parts.
      • ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Stronger and more heat-resistant, but harder to print and prone to warping.
      • PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): Combines ease of printing with good strength and flexibility.

      Material Cost Overview

       

      Material Cost (per kg) Strength Print Difficulty
      PLA ₹800–₹1200 Moderate Easy
      ABS ₹1000–₹1500 High Challenging
      PETG ₹1200–₹1600 High Moderate

      Estimating Print Cost

      1. Most slicer software shows the estimated filament used (in grams).
      2. Example: A sensor holder uses 15 grams of PLA.
      3. If 1kg costs ₹1000, then:
        Cost = (15/1000) × ₹1000 = ₹15
      4. Include electricity and printer wear (approx. ₹2–₹5 per part).
       

    • Design Tips to Reduce Cost

      • Use minimal infill (10–20%) for non-load-bearing parts.
      • Optimize orientation to reduce support material.
      • Combine small parts into one print job to save time.

      Project Budget Planning

      When planning classroom or club robotics projects, create a simple cost sheet for each part and material. Account for:

      • Filament cost per part
      • Number of parts per robot
      • Reprint allowance for failed prints
      Note: Always balance quality and cost. A slightly more expensive material may save you reprint time and breakage in the long run.