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Post-Processing Labour

Account for finishing work and labour time after printing

Overview

The Post-Processing card is a collapsible section in the calculator covering all hands-on work that happens after a print finishes. Each field is entered in minutes. The total is combined with any preparation minutes and multiplied by your unified labour rate.

Tip: This section is collapsed by default. Click to expand, or turn on Advanced mode (top-left) to auto-expand all collapsible sections.

Entering Post-Processing Times

Each field accepts a value in minutes. The total feeds into the "Total Labor Time" shown in the Labor Settings card (combined with prep minutes), then multiplied by your unified labour rate.

Formula: (Total Post-Processing Minutes + Total Prep Minutes) ÷ 60 × Labor Rate ($/hr)

Note: There is one shared Labour Rate for all hands-on work (default $20/hr). Adjust it in the "Labor Settings" card. See Basic Inputs for details.

Job Removal (min)

What Is Job Removal?

Time spent removing the completed print from the build plate and cleaning the bed.

Includes:
• Waiting for bed to cool
• Removing print from build plate
• Cleaning bed surface
• Inspecting for damage

Typical Time Estimates

Simple removal (no adhesion issues)3–5 min
Stuck prints requiring tools5–12 min
Large or delicate prints10–15 min

Tip: Track your actual removal times to build accurate estimates for different print types.

Support Removal (min)

What Is Support Removal?

Time spent removing support structures and cleaning up support contact points.

Includes:
• Removing support material
• Cleaning support contact points
• Using tools (pliers, cutters, knife)
• Light sanding of support marks

Typical Time Estimates

Minimal supports5–15 min
Moderate supports15–30 min
Heavy / complex supports30–60+ min

Note: Complex prints with internal supports or tree supports can take significantly longer to clean.

Additional Work (min)

What Is Additional Work?

Any extra finishing work beyond basic removal and support cleanup — premium finishing services.

Common Examples:
• Sanding for smooth finish
• Priming and painting
• Assembly of multi-part prints
• Gluing components together
• Adding inserts or hardware
• Vapour smoothing (ABS)
• Applying coatings or finishes
• Quality inspection and testing

Typical Time Estimates

Light sanding15–30 min
Assembly work30–60 min
Priming + painting60–180 min
Professional finish120–300+ min

Example Calculation

Post-Processing Minutes:
Job Removal:5 min
Support Removal:30 min
Additional Work:60 min
Total Post-Processing:95 min
Cost (using unified labour rate):
Labour Rate:$20/hr
Formula:95 min ÷ 60 × $20
Labour Cost (post-processing portion):$31.67

Best Practices

Be Accurate with Time Estimates

Track actual time spent on similar jobs. Your estimates will improve and ensure profitable pricing.

Account for Complexity

Complex prints with intricate supports or detailed finishing should have higher time estimates.

Include Consumable Costs

If you use sandpaper, primer, paint, or glue, factor in additional minutes to cover those consumable costs through labour time.

Don't Under-Value Your Work

Post-processing often takes longer than expected. Better to slightly overestimate than undercharge.

Related Articles

Basic Inputs

Printer, filament, and print parameters

Preparation Work

Pre-print setup and labour time