six-point socket II said:
Does this make economical sense?
Let's take a simple example of 50x50 SYS3 ORG box: from Festool, 10 pieces cost
18$,
~$2 each including tax and shipping.
A similar 3d print (25x75mm) box - same amount of walls, smaller base - is printed in
~3h and needs
27.33g of filament. That exact same part can be
bought from a 3d print shop for
~$3. Assuming
- 100W power usage, at 0.37c/KWh,
- using $33/Kg filament,
- Ignoring 3D printer depreciation and maintenance cost since we can assume the printer has been acquired for other projects,
- Ignoring the design, calibration, setup and cleanup time because it is a hobby,
The cost of material for 3d-printing a such a box at home is
~$1:
Code:
3*0.37/10 + 33*27.33/1000 = 0.111 + 0.9009 = 1.0119
six-point socket II said:
My guess is, large items like the mats are not printed on small/cheap printers and take a significant amount of time and “waste” to get right?
Looking at the base from the
picture, the part is printed in at least 2 pieces, which is
customary, so it can be generated on a small printer.
A lot of systainer related
parts have been designed in the last 2 years, so we now have all the initial
blocks to assemble a solution that fit one's need with minimal waste.
six-point socket II said:
[...]how does printing those mats/liners and bins relate to time & money spent on consumables and initial investment for the printer vs. buying a couple of the needed clear lid SYS3 organizers/ Systainers?
Similar to woodworking, if the part is already mass-produced, it is most likely not economical to 3d print it in a garage. However, by having the exact boxes of different
size or
height we need, we can store more into each SYS3 ORG, requiring less systainers boxes and space. Reusing empty systainers is also a net gain.
Gwendal.