Generic Breakdown: Filament Cost: This cost is based on the weight in grams (g) of the total print. This includes changeovers for color, purging, supports and filament type. Power Usage: All machines draw power, some more than others. Each print will include a fee based on a flat rate of price per kilowatt hour (kWH). Rates at the time of your order are likely to change. Setup, Prep & Quality Verification, and Time: Each print has a required amount of setup time, preparation needed, and final quality checks needed before the item can be delivered to you. This includes, but is not limited to: Filament changeovers, edge cleaning, string/support removals ect… if you order a color that we do not have stocked, there will be a delay in your print until the color arrives at our door step. Thankfully for you, we are kind enough not to charge you for the time difference in when we get your order, and when we get your color in (in that aspect alone, your patience is payment enough) Human Intervention and Machine Upkeep: This cost is based on the amount of time it requires a HUMAN to be involved in the process. This is everything from processing your order, sending you updates and delivering your print. Profit: Obviously, we aren’t a charity. To continue improving, sustaining materials, Paying the sla- WORKERS. This is not cheap, and the money doesn’t grow on trees.
PLA: Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) is more environmentally friendly than many 3D printer filaments because it’s made from renewable plant-based resources, primarily corn starch (most common), sugarcane, cassava or other carbohydrate-rich crops. PLA is biodegradable only under industrial composting conditions (high heat, moisture, and microbial activity). In landfills or typical environments, it behaves like regular plastics. One exception may be a new filament launched in 2026 said to contain dormant microbes that activate and eat the PLA once it’s in a landfill, breaking down the plastic in five years.
ABS: Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is less popular than PLA for everyday 3D printing, mainly because of its hazardous fumes. However, in terms of material properties, ABS is actually moderately superior to PLA, despite being slightly more difficult to print. ABS is tough and can withstand high stress and temperature. It’s also moderately flexible, though there are certainly better options for that further down this list. Together, these properties make ABS a good general-purpose 3D printer filament, but where it really shines is with items that are frequently handled, dropped, or heated. Examples include phone cases, high-wear toys, tool handles, automotive trim components, and electrical enclosures.
TPU: TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a flexible, rubber-like 3D printing filament known for its elasticity, durability, and impact resistance. It belongs to the broader category of TPEs (Thermoplastic Elastomers), but TPU is by far the most commonly used variant in 3D printing due to its excellent printability and mechanical strength. Unlike rigid filaments like PLA or ABS, TPU can bend, stretch, compress, and absorb shocks—making it ideal for functional parts that need to endure wear and tear or mechanical stress.
