STL Print Estimator

Command line and optional web tool to estimate filament usage and print time for STL files using configurable printer settings.

Quick start (CLI)

python estimator.py --config printer-config.json --output-format csv --out estimates.csv

Defaults:

Reads all .stl files in the current directory (non-recursive).
Writes estimates.csv or estimates.json if --out is not provided.

Web interface

pip install -r requirements.txt
python estimator.py --serve --port 5000 --config printer-config.json --output-format csv

Open http://localhost:5000, upload a single STL or a ZIP containing multiple STLs, choose CSV or JSON, and optionally tick “Provide download” to get the generated file.

Configuration

Printer settings live in a JSON file (default printer-config.json):

{
  "layer_height_mm": 0.2,
  "nozzle_diameter_mm": 0.4,
  "perimeter_count": 2,
  "top_layers": 4,
  "bottom_layers": 4,
  "infill_density": 0.25,
  "perimeter_speed_mm_s": 40.0,
  "infill_speed_mm_s": 60.0,
  "travel_speed_mm_s": 120.0,
  "filament_diameter_mm": 1.75,
  "filament_density_g_cm3": 1.24,
  "travel_factor": 0.1
}

Adjust values to match your machine and material. travel_factor is the fraction of extrusion distance added as travel moves for the time estimate.

Notes on estimates

Volume and surface area are computed directly from the STL triangles (binary or ASCII).
Shell volume is approximated from surface area and perimeter thickness; infill volume is scaled by infill_density.
Print time is a heuristic using perimeter/infill/travel speeds; real slicer output will differ.

Examples

JSON output: python estimator.py -f json -o result.json
Use a custom config: python estimator.py -c my-printer.json
Serve on a different port: python estimator.py --serve --port 8080