There has been an increase in the use of 3D printing. It offers customization, speed, and flexibility. Is it expensive to use? How much electricity does a 3D printer use?
Having a clear idea not only helps you control costs but also optimizes energy efficiency, particularly when you're aiming to choose the best resin 3D printer for your needs.
In this article, we’ll explore the key factors that affect 3D printer power consumption and share practical tips on how to reduce energy use without compromising print quality.
3 Key Factors Affecting 3D Printer Power Consumption
Many factors affect the power consumption of a 3D printer. Knowing these reasons helps plan your prints accordingly.
1. Types and Components of 3D Printers
The model of the 3D printer also plays a significant role in determining the amount of electricity you consume. What does that mean?
The FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printers have heated nozzles and build plates. It is high in energy consumption. It’s due to heating the hot end (200°C+) and the heated bed (50–100 °C).
The resin printers contain UV light sources (such as LCD or laser) and motors (SLA or DLP). It tends to draw less power than FDM heaters.
The power that is pulled also depends on the size of the printer bed. Besides, it also depends on the number of motors and the cooling fans.
2. Model Size and Print Duration
Bigger figurines take a longer time to print. So they entail more power consumption. For example, a short print taking two hours might consume less than 0.5 kWh. On the other hand, a 20-hour large print might consume several kWh. The larger or more nuanced the model, the longer the printer must run. To save on electricity bills, buy the efficient resin printer.
Layer height
A lower layer height generally makes for greater detail and quality, but more passes.
Infill percentage
A higher percentage infill value allows for using more material and more time. Consequently, it increased electricity usage.
What does that mean at all? Balancing print quality with energy efficiency is key.
3. Environment and Usage Frequency
The environment where you keep your printer also matters. A cold room requires the heated bed to work harder. It will consume more power.
Similarly, frequent printing means higher monthly electricity costs. Occasional users will hardly notice a spike in their power bill. At the same time, heavy users may see a noticeable increase.
What Is the Power Consumption of a 3D Printer?
How Much Power Does a HeyGears Reflex RS 3D Printer Consume?
People often ask how much electricity it would take to run the Reflex RS for an entire day. The HeyGears Reflex RS resin 3D printer has a rated power of 180 watts. So let’s look at a 24-hour usage scenario.
4.32kWh = 24 hours × 0.18kWh per hour
According to NPR, the average cost of electricity in the United States is 12 cents per kilowatt-hour. That means running the Reflex RS nonstop for 24 hours would cost about $0.52. If used 24 hours a day over a month, the total electricity cost would be around $15.
For most users, this means low daily electricity consumption, even with consistent printing. That makes the Reflex RS a cost-effective option in terms of power usage. Whether you're working on detailed prototypes or functional parts, it remains a practical choice for everyday operation.
Tips to Reduce 3D Printer Power Usage
If you're worried about electricity costs, consider these energy-saving tips:
Adjust print settings
Lower infill, increase layer heights, and moderate speeds (relevant for fine details).
Preheat quickly
Using compatible, high-efficiency parts (such as those for the CR-10 Mini) and assembling the printer correctly helps improve energy efficiency across all seasons.
Heated bed insulation
You can add an insulation layer to keep heat from dissipating away. It also helps to save power.
Print in a warm room
It can help because the temperature will be less cold at bed.
Shut off your printer when it is not in use
You don't need it running all day. So keep it off when not using.
Use energy-saving parts
Consider printers with low-power LED displays and energy-saving modes.
FAQs
Can I leave the 3D printer running 24/7?
Indeed, most 3D printers are long print jobs oriented. Nevertheless, monthly printing strains parts and increases electricity consumption. It is important to monitor the printer or install smart plugs.
How long can you leave a printer without using it?
3D printers can be idle for weeks or months. Keep it dust-free, and when not in use, put a cover over it. Resin printers may also require you to clean resin tanks. It is important when you are not using it for months.
Will a 3D printer raise my electric bill?
There is little increment among occasional users. There will be an electric cost of only a few dollars added to your electricity bill when a standard FDM printer runs 20 hours each month. Heavy users, who operate daily prints, can face an extra charge based on local prices of energy prices.
Which 3D Printer Should You Buy in 2025?
In case you are searching for one of the most potent and energy-saving printers in 2025, the UltraCraft Reflex RS 3D Printer is the perfect choice. It has a high print speed and enhanced energy-saving technologies. This makes it suitable for both hobbyists and professionals.
Conclusion
The electricity a 3D printer consumes depends on several factors: printer type, model size, print settings, and how often it’s used. Together, these elements determine how much energy your printer uses over time.
If you're looking to upgrade or invest in a new machine, it's worth considering an energy-efficient model.
The HeyGears Reflex RS 3D Printer, with its rated power of just 180 watts, is designed to deliver consistent resin print quality while keeping electricity use low. This makes it a practical choice for both everyday tasks and longer production runs.
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