Evidence boundary: PrintRig has not physically tested every machine. We compare published manufacturer documentation and business economics; request a live sample workflow and written support terms.
| Cost bucket | Model it as |
|---|---|
| Routine cleaning | Minutes per production day × labor rate |
| Cleaning consumables | Monthly fluid, swabs, wipes, waste tank |
| Wear parts | Annual expected spend / 12 |
| Printhead reserve | Risk-weighted monthly reserve |
| Failed output | Waste percentage on film, ink and powder |
| Downtime | Lost contribution margin or rush outsourcing |
Separate scheduled from failure cost
Scheduled cleaning is predictable. Clogs, head strikes and long idle periods are risk. Track them separately so the model can improve with operating discipline.
Build a reserve
Use current part and service prices from the exact seller. A reserve is not a prediction that a printhead will fail on schedule; it prevents one failure from turning into a cash crisis.
NEXT DECISION
Run the economics before asking for financing.
Build a saleable-transfer cost with the cost-per-print calculator, then pressure-test the capital with the break-even model.