Print Settings
Configure printer, filament, and timing information for accurate cost calculations
Why Add Print Settings
Print settings help you track which printer and filament were used, enabling accurate cost calculations and historical reference.
Cost Tracking
Link to Calculator for automatic cost estimates based on printer and filament
Documentation
Remember which printer/filament combination produced the best results
Time Planning
Track print time to schedule production and estimate delivery dates
Printer Selection
Choose which 3D printer you use or plan to use for printing this model.
Available Printers
The dropdown shows all printers from two sources:
My Printers (User Printers)
Printers you've added to your account appear first in the list. These are your personal printers with your custom settings.
Global Printers (Pre-configured)
Common printer models with default settings, organized by brand (Creality, Prusa, Bambu Lab, etc.).
Example: "Creality (Global)" section contains Ender 3, CR-10, etc.
Adding Printers
If your printer isn't in the list:
Quick Link
Click "Manage Printers" link next to the dropdown to open the Printers page in a new tab
Add your printer there, then return to this page and it will appear in the dropdown
Optional Field
Printer selection is optional. Leave blank if:
- •You haven't decided which printer to use yet
- •The model can be printed on any of your printers
- •You're uploading for reference only
Filament Selection
Choose the filament material and color you use or plan to use for this model.
Available Filaments
Similar to printers, filaments come from two sources:
My Filaments (User Filaments)
Your personal filament collection with exact brands, colors, and costs you've added.
Global Filaments (Pre-configured)
Common filament brands and types, organized by brand (Hatchbox, eSUN, Overture, etc.).
Example: "Hatchbox (Global)" section shows PLA, PETG, ABS, etc.
Filament Display Format
Filaments show as "Brand Type" in the dropdown:
Hatchbox PLA
eSUN PETG
Overture ABS
Adding Filaments
If your filament isn't listed:
Quick Link
Click "Manage Filaments" link next to the dropdown to open the Filaments page in a new tab
Add your filament with specific brand, type, color, and cost, then return here to select it
Optional Field
Filament selection is optional. Leave blank if:
- •You haven't decided on filament type or color
- •The model can be printed in any filament
- •You're storing the file for future use
Print Time
Record how long the model takes to print for scheduling and cost calculations.
Time Format
Print time is split into two fields for precise tracking:
Print Time (Hours)
Enter the number of full hours for the print
Example values:
0, 1, 2, 5, 12, 24, 48
Print Time (Minutes)
Enter the remaining minutes (0-59)
Example values:
0, 15, 30, 45, 58
Example Print Times
Small Model (30 minutes)
0h 30m
Hours: 0
Minutes: 30
Medium Model (3 hours 45 minutes)
3h 45m
Hours: 3
Minutes: 45
Large Model (18 hours)
18h 0m
Hours: 18
Minutes: 0
Where to Find Print Time
- •Slicer Estimate: Check your slicer software (Cura, PrusaSlicer, etc.) after slicing the model
- •Actual Print Time: Record the real time from your printer display after printing
- •Printer Dashboard: Some printers show elapsed time on their screen or in OctoPrint
Pro Tip: Always use actual print time instead of slicer estimates when possible. Real times help with accurate scheduling and cost calculations.
Connection to Calculator
Print settings from your models can be used directly in the Calculator for quick cost estimates.
Automated Cost Calculation
When you select printer, filament, and print time:
- ✓Printer depreciation cost is calculated from printer purchase price
- ✓Electricity cost is calculated from printer power consumption
- ✓Filament cost per gram comes from your filament database
- ✓Time-based labor costs can be estimated in the Calculator
Best Practices
When to Fill Print Settings
- •After Test Print: Record settings after successfully printing the model once
- •For Production Models: Document exact printer/filament combo for repeatable results
- •For Cost Estimates: Fill all fields to get accurate Calculator estimates
Updating Settings
You can always edit print settings later:
- •Switch printers if you get a new machine
- •Update filament if you change materials or colors
- •Adjust print time after optimizing settings or slicing at different quality
Optional vs Required
All Print Settings Are Optional
You can upload models without any print settings. Add them later when you have the information.
Recommended for Accuracy
Fill print settings when possible for better organization, cost tracking, and historical reference.