Post-Processing Labor
Account for finishing work and labor costs after printing
Overview
Post-processing includes all the work required after a print finishes. This is manual labor that takes your time and should be factored into your pricing. The calculator lets you track different types of post-processing work separately.
Job Removal Time
What Is Job Removal?
Time spent removing the completed print from the build plate and any cleanup of the printer bed.
Typical Time Estimates
Tip: Track your actual removal times to get accurate estimates for different print types.
Support Removal Time
What Is Support Removal?
Time spent removing support structures and cleaning up the areas where supports were attached.
Typical Time Estimates
Note: Complex prints with internal supports or tree supports can take significantly longer to clean properly.
Additional Work Time
What Is Additional Work?
Any extra finishing work beyond basic removal and support cleanup. This is where you account for premium finishing services.
Typical Time Estimates
Post-Processing Hourly Rate
Setting Your Rate
The default rate is $20/hour. This rate is multiplied by the total post-processing time to calculate labor costs.
Suggested Rates by Work Type
Tip: You can adjust this rate per calculation. Set it higher for specialized finishing work.
How It's Calculated
Example Calculation
Best Practices
Be Accurate with Time Estimates
Track actual time spent on similar jobs. Your estimates will improve and ensure profitable pricing.
Account for Complexity
Complex prints with intricate supports or detailed finishing should have higher time estimates.
Include Material Costs
If using sandpaper, primer, paint, or glue, add those material costs to "Additional Work" time.
Don't Undervalue Your Work
Post-processing often takes more time than expected. It's better to overestimate slightly than undercharge.