Guide · 2026
Small batch 3D printing: from 10 to 500 parts
How much does it cost to 3D print a small batch, and how do I order one?
3D printing a small batch costs much less per part than a one-off, because preparing the machine and cleaning are shared across the batch. A single small FDM part costs about €10, but a run of 100 comes to about €365, or €3.65 each; in resin, one 28 mm miniature costs between €8 and €23, and a batch of 10 about €57 (€5.73 each). It suits runs of tens to a few hundred parts, where injection moulds don't pay off: product parts and packaging inserts, event and promotional items, replacement parts and prototypes. On Fabrishare you post the job for free, get offers from makers and print farms within 24–48 hours, and can order a sample before the full run.
Small batch prices
Ballpark prices for the whole job, excluding VAT and shipping, from the Fabrishare calculator. The unit price falls as the quantity grows.
| Job | Technology | Range | Typical |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 mm miniature | Resin | €8 – €23 | — |
| Batch of 10 × 28 mm miniatures | Resin | €34 – €92 | €57 |
| Small spare part (bracket, clip) | FDM | €6 – €17 | €10 |
| Run of 100 small parts | FDM | €219 – €585 | €365 |
Why the unit price drops
Most of the cost of a 3D printed part is labour, not material: preparing the file and the machine, then washing, curing or cleaning. That work is done once per job (about 30 minutes in resin and 15 in FDM), plus a few minutes per extra part, so it's spread across the batch.
In resin it goes further: print time depends on the height of the parts, not on how many fit on the plate, so a full plate takes as long as a single part. In FDM every part adds its own print time, which is why long runs go to print farms that spread them over several machines.
What small batches are used for
Product parts
Cases, knobs, brackets and inserts for a product in small numbers, before (or instead of) paying for a mould.
Events and promotion
Branded items, trophies, display pieces and giveaways, in tens or hundreds.
Replacement parts
The same discontinued part for a fleet of machines, a shop fit-out or a batch of furniture.
Prototypes and pre-series
Several versions of a design to test, or a first run to check fit and feedback.
Tabletop and collectibles
Squads and armies of miniatures, or limited runs of an independent sculptor's designs with a commercial licence.
Packaging and organisers
Inserts, trays and holders made to measure for what you ship or store.
Resin or FDM for a batch?
Resin for
- Small, detailed parts: miniatures, figures, jewellery.
- Many small parts at once: one plate, one print.
- A smooth surface without sanding.
FDM for
- Functional parts in PETG, ABS or ASA.
- Larger parts, where resin would need many plates.
- The lowest price per part on long runs.
How to order a small batch
- 1
Post the job
The file, the quantity, the material if you know it, the finish and the deadline. Say if it's for a business and whether you need an invoice.
- 2
Compare offers
Makers and print farms send their price per batch and lead time within 24–48 hours.
- 3
Order a sample
Ask for one or a few parts first to check fit, finish and colour before the full run.
- 4
Run the batch
Once the sample is approved, the maker prints the rest to the same settings.
Get offers for your batch
- 1Upload your STL and set the quantity to see the price per part.
- 2Post the job for free with the quantity, material, finish and deadline.
- 3Get offers from makers and print farms within 24–48 hours, and order a sample first.
Questions about small batch 3D printing
Is there a minimum order?
No. You can order a single part, a sample, or a run of hundreds; the price per part falls as the quantity grows.
How much does a batch of 100 parts cost?
As a guide, 100 small FDM parts cost about €365, or €3.65 each, excluding VAT and shipping. The exact price depends on the part and comes in each maker's offer.
When does 3D printing stop being worth it compared with moulding?
Injection moulding needs a mould that costs a lot up front, so it pays off in the thousands. 3D printing has no mould: it suits tens to a few hundred parts, prototypes, and parts that change often.
Will all the parts be the same?
Printed with the same file, material and settings, the parts come out consistent. Order a sample first to approve fit and finish; then the maker repeats it for the run.
How long does a batch take?
Offers arrive within 24–48 hours, and each states its lead time. Resin batches of small parts print in one go; long FDM runs go to print farms with several machines.
Can I get an invoice?
During the launch phase you agree payment directly with the maker. If you need an invoice for your business, say so in the project so makers can take it into account in their offers.