In the early 1980s, automobile designer Hideo Kodama filed the first 3D printing patent for a rapid prototyping system that used UV light to harden materials into specific shapes. Since then, inventors, designers, and engineers have advanced 3D printing technology to make it more effective and commercially available.
Small business entrepreneurs in the 3D printing industry are entering a growing market. One report projects the global market for 3D printing products and services will top $32 billion by the end of 2025.
If you’re interested in starting a 3D printing business, here are some ideas to explore.
What is 3D printing?
3D printing is a form of additive manufacturing for creating physical objects from plastic, metal, nylon, and other materials. Machines use 3D models, advanced scanning technology, and computer-aided design to create highly complex structures.
3D printers can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the quality and type. Here are a few of the most popular types of 3D printers:
- Fused deposition modeling (FDM): The most common consumer-level printers use FDM to mold plastic objects through a heated nozzle.
- Stereolithography (SLA): SLA printers use lasers to cure liquid resin into a hardened material.
- Selective laser sintering (SLS): SLS printers transform polymer powder into solid objects.
- Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS): DMLS printers employ a high-powered laser and metal powder to construct objects layer by layer.
- Digital light processing (DLP): A digital light projector cures liquid resin into solid structures.
3D printer business ideas
- Prototyping
- Customized products
- Footwear
- Collectibles
- Jewelry
- Art
- Product add-ons
- 3D printing education
- Robotics
- Smartphone cases
- Home décor
- Medical models and training tools
- Architectural models
- Gaming accessories
- 3D printer rentals
As access to 3D printing technology increases, many entrepreneurs are looking for 3D printing business ideas to capitalize on the demand for customized on-demand manufacturing.
Here are some 3D printing business ideas to help you make your first sale.
1. Prototyping
3D printers can create functional prototypes of products you intend to manufacture; you can evaluate structural and visual qualities before spending on production.
Pair these prototypes with 3D product rendering software, and you can view and edit your designs in a virtual space. Iterate on shape, texture, or color without investing in physical prints.
On an episode of the Shopify Masters podcast, Bulat Kitchen entrepreneur Alex Commons discusses how 3D printing helped his company create prototypes of the brand’s premium knives before manufacturing.
2. Customized products
Leveraging 3D printing technology lets you customize products to specific customer preferences.
For example, you could use 3D printers to produce and sell bespoke glasses frames or earbuds that fit an individual customer’s face or ears. The medical industry also uses 3D printing to create items like customized prosthetics.
3. Footwear
Fashion designers can use 3D printing tools to produce shoes. Fashion companies can also use 3D printing to create items with more sustainable materials than traditional manufacturing processes, which often rely on resource-intensive materials.
For example, shoe company Rothy’s uses 3D knitting technology to create comfortable, washable, and eco-friendly shoes made from innovative materials, including recycled plastic.
4. Collectibles
Consider launching a collectibles business using 3D printing technology to create one-of-a-kind gifts. Popular products include custom miniatures and figurines (perhaps of customers’ friends, family, and pets).
To launch your 3D printing collectibles business, find a niche and identify customers who will pay for your items.
5. Jewelry
If you’re passionate about making jewelry, you can use metals, waxes, and other materials to 3D print necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings. Jewelry designers can also create personalized designs.
6. Art
Graphic designers and sculptors use 3D printers to create art pieces based on their original designs. 3D printing facilitates intricate works that might otherwise take significant manual effort and time.
You can showcase 3D-printed art on online art galleries like Artsy, sell your art on marketplaces like Etsy, or set up an ecommerce website on Shopify.
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7. Product add-ons
You can use additive manufacturing tools to 3D print spare parts for existing products. For example, you could 3D print missing parts for instruments, toys, or household appliances. You can also use 3D printing to modify existing products—for example, by printing ergonomic phone cases.
8. 3D printing education
Consider offering classes to hobbyists and local businesses that want to learn how to use 3D printers. If you have a reliable 3D printer and know the process, offer classes where you teach clients how to use the technology.
9. Robotics
Entrepreneurs can use 3D printers to develop customized robotic solutions for various fields, including manufacturing, health care, and construction.
According to some estimates, the global market size for robotics technology will exceed $200 billion by 2030, meaning there is growing interest in robotic solutions. Robotics engineering companies can use 3D printing technology to manufacture robot parts with complex geometries.
10. Smartphone cases
3D-printed smartphone cases are promising because nearly everyone owns a smartphone, and most need a protective case. Business Research Insights estimates the global phone case market will be worth more than $15 billion by 2033.
You can create personalized designs at a low cost since cases are small and affordable to produce. And, with ecommerce platforms like Shopify, you can sell smartphone cases online to anyone.
11. Home décor
Home décor is a growing market, set to hit $139 billion by the end of 2025, with markets like the US and Germany offering sizable business opportunities.
Some products you could sell:
- Custom centerpieces for weddings and events
- Artistic statement pieces
- Bespoke items from interior designers
- Sustainable and eco-friendly décor
Since you can print these items as they’re ordered, you won’t need to hold a ton of inventory.
12. Medical models and training tools
3D-printed medical models and devices make it easier to create exact anatomical replicas for surgery planning and training. The market is growing fast and is expected to reach $16.5 billion by 2034.
Unlike mass production, 3D printing lets doctors customize pieces inexpensively. Some opportunities include:
- Patient-specific surgical guides and anatomical models (fastest growing segment)
- Custom prosthetics and implants (largest segment at $1.9 billion by 2028)
- Training tools for medical education
- Specialized bioprinting applications
💡 Note: This tech business idea requires HIPAA compliance and explicit FDA clearance for clinical use.
13. Architectural models
Architectural models allow builders and clients to envision a project before it’s built. It gives them something to hold and examine instead of viewing designs on a screen.
There are a few ways to make money in this space:
- Create AI-generated models for architects and property developers.
- Make models with removable parts to show building interiors.
- Work with designers to make detailed project mock-ups.
- Offer quick model updates when designs change.
14. Gaming accessories
Gamers generally love personalized accessories and will pay for them. Mordor Intelligence expects the gaming accessories market to grow from just over $13 billion in 2025 to more than $21 billion by 2030.
You could create custom miniatures for role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, design specialized storage solutions for popular board games, or even partner with indie game developers to make official merch.
Since every gaming group and player has different needs, there’s always demand for new designs.
15. 3D printer rentals
Entry-level and hobbyist printers range from $300 to $900, while high-end models cost $20,000 and up. Another way to make money with 3D printing is through equipment rentals.
You can create a 3D printing facility where others can rent equipment. Your facility would provide the machines, workspace, and expertise, charging customers hourly rates or monthly memberships.
3D printer business ideas FAQ
What types of materials can be used for 3D printing?
Different materials have different purposes in 3D printing. Here are some options and what they do best:
- PLA (polylactic acid): Decorative items and toys
- ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene): Durable parts and prototypes
- PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol): Strong, water-resistant products
- TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane): Flexible items like phone cases
- Nylon: Extremely durable, functional parts
- Resin: Detailed miniatures and jewelry
- Metal filaments: Metallic finishes
- Carbon fiber composites: Strong and lightweight objects
How long does it take to print an object?
Small objects like phone cases take two to four hours to print, while large or detailed items can take 24 hours or more. Print time depends on size, complexity, layer height, and print speed settings.
How do I turn my 3D printer into a profitable business?
You can use your 3D printer to earn money several ways, including selling 3D-printed art, jewelry, and collectible items. Before you make your first sale, conduct market research, develop a business plan, and choose a 3D printing technology. Then, sell your 3D-printed items through a reliable ecommerce platform like Shopify.
Is 3D printing a profitable business?
Businesses can use 3D printing to profit by selling art, jewelry, collectibles, or custom accessories. The key to success is finding a market niche and customers who will pay for your pieces.
Can I 3D print anything and sell it?
Yes, with good design skills and some 3D printing experience, you can print and sell any shape from a wide range of materials. It’s best to create unique designs and not replicate copyrighted goods.
Which industries use your 3D printing?
Entrepreneurs can explore 3D printing business ideas for a wide range of industries, including retail, manufacturing, aerospace, health care, construction, and robotics.
