Additive Manufacturing worked example

Post-Processing Cost with parts requiring finishing of 32 parts: a worked example

This worked example runs the post-processing cost numbers for a tougher week than the baseline: parts requiring finishing of 32 parts instead of the typical 64 parts. Estimate additive post-processing cost from part quantity, finishing cost per part, setup labor, and overhead burden.

The inputs for this scenario

  • Parts requiring finishing: 32 parts (the input this scenario stresses; the baseline uses 64)
  • Finishing cost per part: 7.5 $ / part (held at the documented default)
  • Setup and handling labor: 180 $ (held at the documented default)
  • Post-processing overhead: 95 $ (held at the documented default)

Working through the calculation

  • The calculation starts from the formula this tool documents: Variable finishing cost = parts requiring finishing × finishing cost per part.
  • Total post-processing cost works out to 515 $ at these inputs, and this is the headline figure for the scenario.
  • Post-processing cost per part works out to 16.09 $ / part at these inputs.
  • Variable finishing cost works out to 240 $ at these inputs.
  • Setup and overhead works out to 275 $ at these inputs.

How this compares with the baseline

  • Against the tool's baseline example, where parts requiring finishing sits at 64 parts and the headline result is 755 $, this scenario comes in 31.79% below the baseline at 515 $.
  • Use it when quoting finished parts, comparing in-house finishing to outsourcing, or deciding whether a batch is large enough to absorb fixed setup. A result at this level usually justifies acting on the stressed input before touching anything else, because every other figure in the table is downstream of it.

Results at a glance

  • Total post-processing cost: 515 $ (headline result)
  • Post-processing cost per part: 16.09 $ / part
  • Variable finishing cost: 240 $
  • Setup and overhead: 275 $

Run it with your numbers

  • To rerun this with your own numbers, open the live Post-Processing Cost calculator, set parts requiring finishing to your actual value, and adjust the remaining inputs to match your operation.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.