3D Model Extrusion Weight Calculator

Upload STL, OBJ, DXF, STEP, GLB, or GLTF files to compute volume, multi-unit weights, dimensions, normalized lengths, and costs (mm units, cm³/grams base).

Model weight calculator for quick estimates: compute weight per foot, extrusion weight, and CCD (die size) from STL/OBJ/DXF/STEP. Includes density by alloy (e.g., Aluminum 6061/6063) and cost per kg/lb.

Version v0.3.12 • Built 2025-12-10 • Terms & Privacy • •

Purpose

This tool was designed primarily for estimating costs and materials needed to make metal extrusions. It calculates volume, weight, and material costs based on original 3D model and then uses the cross-section that would be extruded into longer lengths to calculate a standard extruded length. It also allows pricing information to be input to get estimates of material costs per part and the standard extrusion lengths of 123"

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Important Limitations

Volume Calculation Accuracy

If you are submitting a 3D model of a completed part that has holes, cavities, voids, etc., the weight and therefore the material estimates will be inaccurate.

The tool calculates the volume based on the entire mesh geometry, including any air spaces or voids within the model. This means:

Models with internal cavities will show reduced material volume
Models with through-holes will show reduced material volume
Complex internal geometries may not represent the actual extrusion profile

Best Practice: If you wish to get the most accurate extrusion estimates, copy your model and remove any holes, cavities, or voids that would affect the extrusion profile. Use a solid representation of the cross-sectional material that will actually be extruded. To help reduce this effort the model cross section is sampled at 6 even intervals along the length of the extrusion profile and the largest area value is used for the extrusion volume/weight calculation.

Additional Factors Affecting Accuracy

File Format Issues: Some file formats (especially DXF) may contain only 2D line data rather than solid 3D mesh data, resulting in zero volume calculations.
Mesh Quality: Poor quality meshes with gaps, non-manifold geometry, or inverted faces may produce inaccurate volume calculations.
Units Assumption: The tool assumes input models use millimeter units. Models in other units will produce incorrect results.
Linear Scaling: The normalized length calculations assume uniform cross-section scaling, which may not be accurate for complex geometries.
Material Density: Calculations use standard alloy/material densities. Actual material densities may vary.
Manufacturing Tolerances: Real-world extrusion processes have material waste, tolerances, and setup costs not accounted for in these estimates.

Supported File Formats

STL: Best for solid mesh data
OBJ: Good for textured models, may contain multiple objects
DXF: CAD format, may contain only 2D line data rather than 3D meshes
STEP: Industry-standard CAD format, excellent for precise engineering models
GLB/GLTF: Modern web 3D format, excellent mesh quality

Recommendation

Use this tool for preliminary estimates only. Always consult with your extrusion manufacturer for accurate quotes and feasibility analysis of complex geometries.

3D Model Extrusion Weight Calculator

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