How Much Electricity Does a 3D Printer Use

3D printers have grown in popularity across the UK, moving from industrial workshops into homes, schools, and small businesses. They are used for everything from prototyping and model-making to creating household tools and replacement parts. However, many new users are curious about how much electricity a 3D printer actually uses and whether it has a noticeable effect on energy bills. The answer depends on the printer’s size, type, temperature settings, and how long each print lasts. Understanding these factors helps you manage costs and operate your printer more efficiently.

Average Power Consumption of 3D Printers

The typical desktop 3D printer used at home consumes between 50 and 250 watts during operation, depending on the model and printing conditions. Smaller fused deposition modelling (FDM) printers, such as those commonly found in homes and schools, usually draw around 100 to 150 watts. Larger or more advanced printers used for professional prototyping can use between 200 and 500 watts. Resin-based printers tend to consume slightly less, often between 50 and 100 watts, as they rely more on light sources than heated components. To estimate costs, a 150-watt printer running for five hours consumes 0.75 kWh, which at 30 pence per kWh costs around 23 pence per print session.

Comparing Power Use by Printer Type

Different types of 3D printers use power in distinct ways. FDM printers, the most common consumer models, use heated nozzles and build plates to melt and deposit plastic filament, which requires consistent heating. The hot end typically operates between 190 and 250 degrees Celsius, while the heated bed runs between 50 and 100 degrees, both drawing steady power. Resin or stereolithography (SLA) printers use ultraviolet (UV) light or lasers to cure liquid resin, which consumes less power overall but still requires energy for motors and display screens. Industrial 3D printers that work with metal powders or high-temperature polymers can use several kilowatts, but these are rarely found in domestic environments.

Calculating the Cost of Running a 3D Printer

Because 3D printing can take several hours per project, total running costs depend on how long the printer operates. A standard 120-watt printer used for six hours consumes 0.72 kWh, costing around 22 pence per print at current UK electricity prices. Larger printers drawing 250 watts for the same duration use 1.5 kWh, costing about 45 pence. Even when used frequently, most hobbyists spend less than £5 to £10 per month on electricity for 3D printing. The bigger expense usually lies in the filament or resin rather than the power used. Nonetheless, understanding these costs helps you budget accurately for long print jobs.

How Print Duration and Settings Affect Energy Use

Print duration has the biggest impact on electricity consumption. A small model may finish in an hour, while detailed or high-resolution prints can take ten hours or more. Printing at higher layer resolutions or using dense infill settings increases both the print time and power use. Similarly, higher nozzle and bed temperatures consume more electricity, especially for materials like ABS or PETG that require additional heat to bond properly. Choosing efficient slicing settings, such as lower infill percentages or slightly thicker layers, can significantly reduce print times and energy costs without compromising quality for most projects.

Energy Consumption During Standby and Preheating

3D printers continue to use electricity even before printing begins. Preheating the nozzle and bed to the correct temperature can take ten to fifteen minutes, consuming power without producing output. While this energy use is relatively small compared to the full print cycle, it still contributes to overall consumption. After a print finishes, the printer may remain powered on until manually turned off, continuing to draw a small amount of standby power for the display, fans, and control board. Turning the printer off completely once printing is done ensures minimal wasted electricity. Some newer models include auto shut-off features that make this easier.

Comparing 3D Printers to Other Household Devices

When compared with other appliances, 3D printers are surprisingly efficient. A typical 3D printer uses about as much electricity as a desktop computer or a bright LED television. A five-hour print job costs less to run than boiling a kettle several times or using an electric oven for half an hour. This makes 3D printing relatively affordable for hobbyists and small-scale creators. However, frequent daily use or large industrial-grade printers can raise overall electricity costs, particularly if prints run overnight or for extended periods.

How Environmental Conditions Affect Efficiency

Ambient temperature and airflow around the printer can influence energy use. In a cold room, the heated bed and nozzle must work harder to maintain temperature, leading to higher power draw. Printing in a well-insulated area, such as a small office or workshop, helps stabilise temperatures and reduces the load on the heating elements. Some users add simple enclosures around their printers to maintain a consistent environment, which not only improves print quality but also improves efficiency. Keeping the printer clean and ensuring that fans and bearings are well maintained further help minimise unnecessary energy loss.

Energy Saving Tips for 3D Printing

There are several ways to reduce electricity consumption when using a 3D printer. Lowering bed and nozzle temperatures slightly can save energy without affecting print quality if the material allows. Using a printer with a good thermal design and insulation around the heated bed helps retain heat and reduces the time it takes to reach operating temperature. Combining multiple smaller objects into a single print session avoids repeated preheating cycles. Switching the printer off as soon as the job is complete prevents unnecessary standby usage. If your printer supports power management through smart plugs or timers, you can automate shutdowns to ensure no energy is wasted overnight.

Electricity Costs vs Material Costs

For most hobbyists, electricity costs make up only a small portion of the total expense of 3D printing. A single roll of filament might cost between £15 and £25, while the electricity required to use the entire roll usually costs less than £2. However, if you print frequently or run multiple machines, the combined power draw can become more significant. Businesses that operate 3D printers continuously may benefit from energy monitoring equipment or smart meters to track and optimise consumption. Understanding both material and electricity costs helps you evaluate the true efficiency of your printing setup.

Electrical Safety and Setup Considerations

Although 3D printers are relatively low-powered, safe electrical setup is still essential. They should be plugged into a properly rated socket and not shared with high-power appliances on the same circuit. The printer’s power supply should be of good quality and CE marked to ensure compliance with UK safety standards. Because 3D printers often run for long hours unattended, it is vital that they are used on stable, non-flammable surfaces away from curtains or paper. If your wiring is older or you run several printers from one location, an electrician  can assess your circuits to make sure they are safe and capable of handling the load.

Conclusion: Affordable Innovation with Efficient Power Use

3D printers may appear complex, but their electricity use is modest compared to most household appliances. A typical home model uses between 50 and 250 watts, costing just a few pence per hour of printing. By managing print times, temperature settings, and standby power, you can keep running costs low while maintaining high-quality results. Investing in energy-efficient equipment and practising good maintenance further enhances performance and safety. For homeowners, hobbyists, and small businesses, ensuring that your electrical setup is safe and efficient will let you enjoy the creative freedom of 3D printing without worrying about high energy bills.