Price calculator complete guide
Everything you need to know to independently upload a 3D model, choose settings, see the price and order. Written for beginners with enough detail for those who want to continue.
Quick start
From a 3D file to an order in five steps. You do not need to create an account to get started — only to check out.
- Upload — drag an STL or OBJ into the calculator, or choose Add file from the project menu ().
- Configure — choose at least material, layer height (quality) and infill. In beginner mode, choose a print preference + material.
- Slice — press Slice (or Slice again). The server calculates weight, print time and price based on your settings.
- Check — review the price breakdown on the right (or in the settings panel on mobile). Resolve any red status messages before ordering.
- Order — click Add to cart, go to checkout and pay.
Screen layout
Desktop (computer / tablet landscape)
Left — projects
Active project, file list, upload, other projects, session information.
Center — 3D viewer
Rotate, zoom, measure and transform your model. Tools are at the bottom left of the viewer panel.
Right — settings
Material, quality, infill, supports, advanced settings, price breakdown, slicing and cart.
Top bar
- Session code (guests) — e.g.
AB-CD-EF-GH. Share the link to continue later on another computer. - Status indicators — small colored dots: slicer, file, mesh analysis, extra check, slice. Green = OK, orange = attention, red = action required. Click for details.
- Activity — compact overview of what is happening (upload, slice, settings).
Files & projects
The calculator works with projects. A project is a folder containing one or more 3D files, each with its own print settings.
Upload File
- Drag a file onto the 3D area (even if a model is already open).
- Or: project menu → Add File.
- Or on mobile: Files tab → same menu.
Managing projects
| Action | How |
|---|---|
| New project | Project → New project |
| Rename project | Project → Rename project |
| Switch project | At the bottom left: expand Other projects → choose a project |
| Choose file | Click a file in the list — it opens in the 3D viewer |
| Duplicate | Copy icon next to the file — creates a copy with its own settings |
| Delete | Trash icon next to the file |
| Move | Via Other projects: use the move button to move it to the target project |
| Demo model | Project → Demo 3D models |
Automatic saving
Print settings are saved automatically per file (indicator at bottom left: Saved). You do not need to save manually — but you do need to slice again after changes that affect the price.
Guest session vs. signed in
- Without an account — you receive a session code. Save the link ( in the bar). Sessions expire after some time.
- Signed in — projects remain linked to your account. Extra button: Manage in My files.
3D viewer
The center of the screen shows your model on a print bed (grid on the ground).
Navigation
| Action | Desktop | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Rotate | Left mouse button + drag | Drag with one finger |
| Zoom | Scroll wheel | Pinch (two fingers) |
| Pan | Right mouse button + drag (or middle button) | Drag with two fingers (via viewer settings) |
| Reset view | Camera tab → default view, or double-tap on mobile | Double-tap the 3D area |
Model information (top left on the model)
Once a model is loaded, you will see its dimensions (mm) and volume (cm³). Below that are quick buttons:
- rotate — rotation gizmo on the model
- size — scale gizmo (enlarge/reduce)
- background — dark or light viewer background
- auto — toggle smart auto-rotation on/off when loading
- mode / basic — switch between beginner mode and basic-knowledge mode
Viewer panel (bottom left)
Click the panel to expand it. Tabs:
- Mode — beginner / basic knowledge / expert (expert: coming soon)
- Camera — front, top, isometric, perspective/orthographic
- Measure — see the next section
- Rotate — 90° steps, auto-rotation, manual rotation, gizmo
- Download — original file or export of the current view
Measure, rotate & scale
Measure distance
- Open the viewer panel → Measure tab.
- Click the model for point A, then for point B.
- The distance in mm appears in the panel. Use the cross to clear it.
The measurement follows the model scale as shown in the viewer.
Rotate
Three methods — choose whichever suits you best:
- Quick 90° — Rotate tab → X/Y/Z buttons (useful for placing the model squarely on the bed).
- Smart auto-rotation — when uploading, Printics tries to find a logical orientation (minimal support). Toggle it via the Rotate tab or the auto quick button.
- Gizmo on the model — use the rotate button in the model info, or the Rotate tab. Drag the colored rings. Confirm with , cancel with .
Scaling (enlarge / reduce)
- Slider / percentage — Rotate tab → slider or input field (e.g. 150 %).
- Gizmo — use the size button → drag the axes. Confirm the changes.
- Quick conversion — useful units (optional in the Rotate tab).
Print settings
On the right (desktop), or via the Settings tab (mobile), you configure how each file should be printed. Click a row to open its selection screen.
Material
First choose a material family (tab, e.g. PLA, PETG), then a color. Not every material supports every layer height — the calculator adjusts the layer height when necessary. Materials with the badge Quote cannot be ordered directly.
Quality (Layer height)
How thick each layer of plastic is (e.g. 0.08–0.30 mm). Thinner = finer detail, more expensive and slower. Thicker = faster and cheaper, with less detail.
Infill / Strength
First choose a pattern (e.g. gyroid), then a percentage (5–100 %). More infill = stronger and heavier. Decorative parts can often use low infill; functional parts may need more.
Support
Overhangs often require supports. Tree support is more refined; grid is stronger. Supports require extra material and time. We remove supports after printing.
Advanced
Optional — for those who want more control:
- Wall thickness — around 0.8 mm is recommended for most parts
- Top & bottom layers — how solid the top and bottom are
- Support on build plate only — support touches only the print bed, not the model
- Ironing / fuzzy skin — surface finish (if available)
Calculator modes
Three levels — choose what matches your experience (the Mode tab in the viewer panel or the quick button in the model info).
Beginner
Choose a print preference (e.g. strong, attractive, budget) + material. We fill in the technical settings automatically. Ideal if you do not want to choose layer height and infill yourself.
Basic knowledge
Full control over material, quality, infill, supports and advanced settings. The default mode for most users.
Expert
Coming soon — additional technical options for experienced makers.
Slice & price
What is slicing?
Slicing sends your model + settings to our slicer. You receive the following results: weight, print time, support usage and the price per item.
When should you slice again?
- After changing material, layer height, infill, supports or advanced options
- After rotating or scaling the model
- The Slice button pulses blue when slicing is required (mobile: in the bottom bar)
Price structure
At the bottom of the settings column is Price breakdown: an explanation per line + the total amount. This is an estimate based on G-code analysis; the final production price may differ slightly after manual review by our staff.
Status & checks
The colored indicators in the bar:
- Green — OK
- Orange — warning, usually you can continue
- Red — blocks the cart until resolved
- Flashing — in progress (upload, slice, analysis)
Ordering
Quantity & combination discount
The calculator shows the price for one item. Adjust the quantity in the cart — combination discounts (volume tiers) are calculated there for identical prints and suitable combinations.
Steps
- Complete all required settings and run Slice.
- Resolve any red status messages (click the indicator for details).
- Click Add to cart — the button is purple/active when everything is ready.
- Set the quantity in the cart; combination discounts are applied automatically there.
- Go to checkout, review the items, enter your address and pay.
You need an account to check out. Items in the cart can later be edited or reopened in the calculator. More about delivery: delivery and payment.
Mobile version
On a phone, the calculator automatically opens the mobile layout (or add ?layout=mobile to the URL). Same functions, different layout:
- Files — left panel slides open (projects & upload)
- Settings — right panel with all print options and the price breakdown
- Slice + Add to cart — quick buttons in the bottom bar (pulses when slicing is required)
- Help — link to this guide
Tips & common issues
The price remains at “€ --”
Check whether material, layer height and infill have been selected. Then run Slice.
Add to cart is grey / not clickable
Usually this means: not sliced yet, slicing in progress, a red status message, or quote-only material. Resolve the message first via the status indicator.
Model does not load / viewer remains stuck
Check the STL/OBJ file and file size. Use Stop loading or remove the file and upload it again. Very large models can be slow.
I cannot see my material selection
On mobile: tap Settings again — the Material row shows the selected color. Wait for Saved at the bottom left.
Can my model be larger than 256 mm?
Often yes, up to around 450 mm — print time and price will increase. Also see short explanation.