5 expensive hobbies where owning a 3D printer actually saves you money

While a personal 3D printer is certainly an investment, if you regularly engage with an expensive hobby, it might actually save you some cash. 5 expensive hobbies where owning a 3D printer actually saves you money. Tomorrow Robotics 5 expensive hobbies where owning a 3D printer actually saves you money How owning a 3D printer can save you some big cash in your hobbies By Jonny Evans Oct.

Here on Earth, 3D printers can sometimes make expensive components and accessories for a more affordable price than you can find in stores. 3D printing (sometimes called additive manufacturing) uses computer-aided design (CAD) models sourced online or created by you to build three-dimensional objects. Entry-level printers like the Creality Ender-3 V3 SE cost from about $170, while more advanced systems reach $700 or more.

The most common 3D printers use filament, which costs from around $20 per kilogram. If you make 50 $10 items from a kilo of filament on a $170 machine, you save money. Combine the cost of materials and hardware to calculate the cost to identify where you may save.

You may not even need to own a printer as some libraries and maker spaces provide access, while online services will print for a price.