Cost6 min read
Metal additive cost is driven by machine time, material and everything that happens after the build. It is not driven by geometric complexity in the way conventional machining is, which is exactly why the economics can favour additive for difficult parts and penalise it for simple ones.
The primary cost drivers
- Part height — every layer costs a recoat and a scan. A tall part occupies the machine for longer, regardless of how little material it contains.
- Volume of fused material — the actual metal melted, plus supports.
- Alloy — titanium and nickel superalloy powders cost considerably more than stainless steel.
- Nesting — several parts sharing one build spread the setup and machine cost.
- Support removal — supports in awkward internal locations can cost more to remove than the part cost to print.
- Post-processing — heat treatment, machining, surface finishing.
- Inspection — the level of dimensional evidence required.
How to reduce cost without changing the function
- Reduce the build height by allowing a different orientation.
- Hollow or lattice sections that carry no load.
- Design self-supporting angles so fewer supports are needed.
- Machine only the features that genuinely need tolerance, and say which ones they are.
- Batch parts together rather than ordering one at a time.
Why a drawing matters for pricing
A model on its own tells us the geometry but not the intent. A drawing that identifies critical features, tolerances, surface finish requirements and datums allows the manufacturing route to be priced properly — and usually reveals that only a small proportion of the part needs expensive treatment.