Additive Manufacturing Service Bureau Quoting calculator
AM Labor Burden Time Calculator
AM labor burden includes file prep, build setup, machine loading, unloading, cleaning, documentation, packaging handoff, and customer-specific handling. This calculator estimates operator hours so labor is not lost inside machine-time pricing.
What this calculator does
- Estimate service bureau operator labor hours from job count, handling throughput, and labor allowance.
- an operations lead needs operator labor hours for a quote or production schedule
- Returns estimated operator hours tied to AM job handling and administration.
Formula used
- Base AM labor burden = jobs or build tasks ÷ operator handling throughput
- Quoted labor burden = base burden × (1 + documentation/handling allowance)
Inputs explained
- Jobs or build tasks: undefined
- Operator handling throughput: undefined
- Documentation/handling allowance: undefined
How to use the result
- Use it when quoting small-batch, high-mix, regulated, or customer-specific work where handling time is significant.
- It estimates labor time only; apply your labor rate and overhead policy separately.
Common questions
- What counts as a task? A task can be a job setup, tray load, material changeover, traveler update, packing handoff, or other repeatable labor step.
- Should quoting labor be included? Use quote turnaround workload for estimating effort; include it here only if your shop bundles quote labor into order labor.
- What belongs in the allowance? Include traveler documentation, customer labels, special handling, QA paperwork, and changeover complexity.
- How does this affect pricing? It shows labor hours that should be charged or covered by minimum order pricing.
Last reviewed 2026-05-12.