3D printers can be money-making machines. Not only do they produce intricate, unique products, but 3D printers also support a knowledge industry of designers, service technicians, and marketers.
At its current rate of growth, the 3D printing market will likely surpass $37 billion by 2026. If you’re looking to break into the industry yourself, consider these 3D printing business ideas.
Ways to make money from 3D printing
- Sell 3D-printed products
- Offer on-demand 3D printing services
- Create 3D-printing-related content
- Sell your designs
- Sell products on Shapeways
- Dropship 3D printers, parts, and materials
- Offer 3D printing design consultation
- Use 3D scanners for reverse engineering
- Set up and repair 3D printers
3D printing businesses require effort, investment, and skills. Many small businesses offer a combination of products and services. Use these examples to inspire your own business:
Sell 3D-printed products
If you’ve bought a good printer and CAD software, there are minimal additional upfront costs for selling products online via an ecommerce platform like Shopify.
Before you begin, do some market research and see what other 3D printing businesses sell online. Consider selling products such as art, toys, cosplay accessories, cellphone cases, office gadgets, replacement parts, and jewelry. Perform a competitive analysis to see how you can differentiate yourself from the pack.
Offer on-demand 3D printing services
One way to start making money3D printing is to create customized products for clients. Once you’ve chosen your niche, start your business as a side hustle with a few potential clients, and gradually build a sustainable business model.
This way, you can get an accurate estimate of your costs and establish a profit margin that makes it worthwhile to sell prints. To attract more clients, build your own website and invest in marketing your 3D printing business.
Create 3D-printing-related content
You can generate income as a 3D printing content creator via ad revenue and affiliate marketing. Successful 3D printing content can also help you bolster other 3D printing income streams. For example, you can sell the printed products you feature in the videos on your own YouTube channel.
Creating high-quality 3D printing content for enthusiasts and entrepreneurs doesn't require the most advanced or expensive technology. Most people who consume 3D printing content are hobbyists and others looking to make extra cash. If they have their own 3D printer, it’s unlikely to be state of the art—so showcasing how to make cool products at a low cost can be appealing content.
You might try product reviews, how-to videos, software walkthroughs, 3D-printed product demos, or 3D printer troubleshooting. Invest your time in creating content that appeals to your target audience. The greater your audience, the more money you can make.
📚Learn more: How To Get Paid To Create Content Online: Guide for Creators
Sell your designs
By creating digital files that customers download and print themselves, you can establish a solid source of passive income. Create designs using free, open-source software such as Blender, FreeCAD, or OpenSCAD. Some of the most popular online marketplaces for 3D printing designs are Turbosquid, MyMiniFactory, CGtrader, and Cults3D. Most of the designs sold on these sites are STL files, although you can upload other 3D printing file types, such as OBJ, 3MF, or FBX.
Online marketplaces take a percentage of your sales based on the level of marketing, customer service, and other support they provide. For example, MyMiniFactory allows you to keep the highest percentage of your sales, at 92% (excluding processing fees), whereas sellers on TurboSquid only 40% to 80% of sales with.
Sell products on Shapeways
Shapeways is a 3D printing marketplace that functions like a print-on-demand service. Shapeways allows you to create an online storefront within its marketplace. It integrates with Shopify if you would like to sell 3D printed products from your own ecommerce store.
When you finalize your design with Shapeways, choose from a variety of different 3D printing materials and finishes—including plastics, precious metals, and porcelain. The material determines what you pay for each item fulfilled by Shapeways. From there, you set the retail price your customers pay. Shapeways 3D prints and ships items after customers purchase them.
Dropship 3D printers, parts, and materials
Dropshipping allows you to sell 3D printing supplies online without the need to manage inventory or shipping. You can build your own online store to sell 3D printers, parts, and other materials sold by third-party manufacturers who ship the products directly to your customers.
Dropshipping is easy to set up; you don’t have to spend money on inventory and warehouse space. All you have to do for this side hustle is attract customers and provide customer service.
📚Learn more: How To Start Dropshipping: A 9-Step Guide
Offer 3D printing design consultation
You can make good money if you help clients with rapid prototyping and 3D printing custom orders. Market your services to inventors, startups, and established businesses—anyone who has an idea for a new or improved product but doesn’t necessarily have the skills to realize it. You’ll be most successful if you have a strong foundation in engineering and computer-aided design.
Use 3D scanners for reverse engineering
3D scanners produce exact digital copies of objects, enabling businesses to replicate costly or obsolete items through economical 3D printing. Target businesses that lack 3D scanning capabilities, offering to capture 3D scans for them. This appeals to customers who may only require the raw scan data and can handle the 3D printing process on their own.
Set up and repair 3D printers
3D printers must be calibrated when they’re first set up. Like any printer, 3D printers sometimes need troubleshooting and repair. Many people and businesses would be happy to outsource this work. To attract the most clients, familiarize yourself with different 3D printers, their software, and common issues. You must also invest in essential tools and replacement parts for the printers you service.
How to make money 3D printing FAQ
Can you make money 3D printing?
Yes. What was once a niche market is now a popular industry adopted by hobbyists and large industries. There are dozens of possible side hustles and business models to pursue.
What is in high demand for 3D printing?
There’s high demand for everything related to 3D printing: designs, products, materials, expertise, and services.
How do you start a 3D printing business?
To start a 3D printing business, identify your target audience and services, create a business plan, and decide on marketing strategies. Keep your startup costs low by advertising locally or on online marketplaces.
