How to Make Money With 3D Printing

Have you just bought a 3D printer and are wondering how to use it to make money? Don’t worry; we have a plan! 3D printing has existed for decades, dating back to Ralf Bakers’ work in the 1920s for making decorative articles, but it only became more accessible and affordable recently. As technology continues to evolve, many people are exploring how profitable it can be to make money from their 3D printers.

There are thousands of activities you can do with 3D printing to earn money. Some of the most popular things you can do with 3D printing can range from making jewelry, 3D-printed miniatures, planters, cosplay items, and even toys or key chains and reselling them for a profit. Before fully diving into a choice for your business, finding your niche in the 3D printing space is vital.

Targeting general consumers might be easy, but it sets you up for failure. General consumers are cheap; they prefer affordable services that cover labor and overhead costs in the long run. In this article, we’ll explore how exactly you can make money with 3D printing technology and provide a short guide on how to do it. Don’t stop reading to learn more! 

Can You Make Money With a 3D Printer?

The answer is a resounding yes! There are plenty of opportunities to make extra money by leveraging your knowledge of 3D printing technology. You don’t even need a top of line printer to start with. Consider starting as a 3D printing consultant or an instructor and helping people learn how to use the technology effectively at a small fee. You could teach 3D design models or over consulting services to businesses looking for expert advice on what printers to get for their businesses.

Another way to begin with 3D printing is by selling 3D-printed objects, including sculptures and prints of famous works of art or even functional items like kitchen accessories. You can print custom parts of people, pieces of cars, objects, or even jewelry. Even pieces of art for a particular hobby or niche are something people might look for from your 3D-printing services.

Guide on How to Make Money With 3D Printing in 2023

Most things have stayed the same in 2023. People will still buy 3D prints this year, and it’s up to you to make the best of what you offer to attract customers. Like any other business, identifying your niche remains key for 3D printing. With the right skills and a good business strategy, you will make great strides in 2023. Here’s a short guide on how you can get this service going: 

• Start a 3D Printing Service 

You can offer 3D printing to individuals or businesses needing your services. You can focus on a specific niche, such as jewelry, toys, or medical devices, and create a customer base to which you would sell them. 

• Open a 3D Printing Digital Shop 

You can design and create products like phone cases, figurines, custom cake toppers, and even home decor items to sell online on platforms like eBay, Amazon, or Etsy to reach a broader customer base. If you are skilled in 3D modeling, you can also create and sell digital files that others can print or sell your 3D designs on platforms like MyMiniFactory. 

• Offer 3D Scanning and Modeling Services 

You can offer 3D scanning and modeling services to customers around you who need to create 3D models from physical objects. 

• Create and Sell 3D-Printed Fashion Accessories 

Thanks to the internet of things, 3D technology has opened new opportunities for fashion designers to create unique and customizable accessories. You can create everything from hats, 3D-printed jewelry, belts, and other fashion accessories. 

• 3D Printing Education and Training 

If you are skilled in 3D printing, you can offer education and training services to let others learn the technology. You can as well host workshops or provide one-on-one training sessions for individuals. 

• Build and Sell 3D Printers and Accessories 

As demand for 3D printing increases, there is a growing need for affordable and reliable 3D printers and accessories. You can specialize in providing such services. You can also offer to sell printer accessories such as filaments, nozzles, or build plates. You can also create and sell cosplay items and print 3D helmets and armor to make more money through 3D printing.

Things to Make With a 3D Printer

With a 3D printer, you can create almost anything your imagination desires, provided you know to model it yourself. Alternatively, you could find models and designers to help you with this task online. Regardless, a few popular things that have widespread appeal in the world of 3D printing are:  

• 3D Printed Miniatures 

Miniatures are small, highly detailed figurines printed for resale. They are easy to customize and color in any way you want. Consumers like 3D-printed miniatures, and if you have the skills, this is a highly recommended option. For instance, in the hospitality industry, bakers have understood the art of using 3D technology to make cute figurines that represent their customers’ favorite personas or characters. If you specialize in this, you are likely to make a kill out of it. 

• Cosplay Items 

Cosplay items are naturally labor intensive, but you could make good profits if you got the skill. Cosplay items have always sold before, and the demand keeps increasing. The upside to this is that you can charge a higher premium to compensate for the labor-intensive work you put in. 

• Making Jewelry 

There’s no period the jewelry market hasn’t been high up. You can make things even more straightforward, target couples going to wed or planning to renew their vows, and create your designs for that market only. There’s someone’s wedding every day; you can make this your space. 

• Making Toys 

3D-printed toys are also a great area you can focus on. Most toys are easy to make, and although you can face such drawbacks as strict printing regulations around the safety of the materials, you can earn good money out of it.

Final Words

As the awareness of 3D printing increases, more people are starting to understand its importance, and so will the demand for purchases also increase. In 10 years, 3D printing will be somewhere beyond social media penetration. 

What we’ve mentioned here are a few of the things you can do with 3D printing, but the list is endless. 3D printing has excellent potential for the future gig economy and general consumers. Be sure to stay true to your descriptions and your services. Research the items you think have a good sale value and focus on making a profit as you tend to your niche. That way, you’ll be able to make a deal that stands out.

Finally, just like 3D printing is an outstanding investment for the future gig economy, so it’s Pawns.app. Looking for a way to buy those STL files you’ll use for your 3D printing services? Why not earn some cash by filling out surveys and sharing your internet? That way, you’ll be reading to cement the bases for your 3D printing business.

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