How to make money with a 3D printer: 8 business ideas

3D printers are becoming increasingly popular. They are bought for use in offices, design studios, design bureaus, auto repair shops and much more. These devices are no less in demand among ordinary people, who use them to print three-dimensional models they have created. Mostly, of course, for entertainment and creative expression. But apart from the above, 3D printers can also be a great way to make money. Now, when exclusivity is valued above all else, the production of such products becomes especially relevant. At the same time, the costs of their

production will be very small, and the benefits will be obvious.

There are many benefits to 3D printing, including:

Ease of use.
The ability to produce any item, even the most complex in configuration.
Minimal costs for purchasing the necessary materials and training.
Wide range of applications.
The ability to create unique things.

With the help of a 3D printer it is easy to bring any idea to life. Everything that previously seemed fantastic and was inaccessible is now quite real. Moreover, it can also bring in good money. Don't believe me? We will tell you how to make 3D printing a source of good income. Catch 8 business ideas!

Toys, souvenirs, figurines

The most obvious, but no less profitable option. Have you noticed how many different souvenirs we bring with us from vacation? Their cost seems insignificant, but for someone who sells several hundred or even thousands of such items a day, the amount adds up to be quite significant. Because of their low price, it is small goods that many people willingly buy - as a keepsake, as a gift to loved ones, or simply because they liked something.

Mini copies of people

A very promising branch of modeling. Interest in this kind of products is increasing every day. If earlier it was quite difficult to get your exact miniature copy, now it is quite achievable. More and more people want to have such a “toy” both for themselves and as a gift to family and friends.

Mini copy of a person in 3D

If you are engaged in processing and printing photographs, then an additional service in the form of a 3D selfie will come in handy. Usually, many people don’t even think about having such a “souvenir,” but when they learn about such an opportunity, they often agree. And it’s also unlikely that anyone will refuse a “present” in the form of their own mini-copy. They always evoke a lot of emotions in the recipients, which makes such figurines a very interesting and memorable gift option.

fashionable accessories

The fashion industry is rapidly conquering an increasing share of the global market. Each of us somehow decorates ourselves in one way or another in order not only to become more attractive in the eyes of others, but also to stand out and declare our own individuality. Therefore, people will always buy fashionable things. However, not everyone can afford branded clothing, but they still want to look modern and beautiful. The easiest way to do this is with the help of unusual accessories that will help “refresh” any look. With a 3D printer, it is easy to produce such products and sell them at an affordable price via the Internet. The use of new technologies in clothing and jewelry is a trend that is becoming increasingly widespread. Take advantage of this!

3D accessories

Cases for smartphones and tablets printed in 3D format are also no less relevant in our time. Compared to standard cases, they look quite unusual, since 3D printing makes it possible to create openwork patterns, weaving and inscriptions of various shapes. This distinguishes such products from those produced in mass production. They invariably arouse the interest of many, especially the younger generation - the main target group.

Phone case made using 3D technique

The covers can be either your own design or custom-made (which, of course, is more expensive). There is variability in color, shape, and softness/hardness - depending on what type of plastic will be used. With proper presentation and advertising on social networks, there is a high probability of good sales.

Food products

Few people know about this, but 3D printers are also actively used in the food industry. They can create real masterpieces of culinary art, “drawing out” every detail with pinpoint precision. We are talking not only about confectionery products - sweets, pastries, cakes or cookies, but also about other dishes. Both novice and experienced chefs will appreciate this know-how. After all, it significantly reduces cooking time and helps diversify the menu. You just need to understand the appropriate software.

3D printed sweets

The possibilities of 3D printing are practically unlimited: any symbol, shape and size is subject to it. Its use will allow us to launch the production of signature culinary products, which can be produced under our own brand or to order. The cost of such a printer pays off very quickly, especially if you already have your own circle of regular clients and customers.

Ice

In 2006, two Canadian professors received a grant to develop technology for 3D printing ice figures. Over the course of three years, they learned how to create small ice objects using 3D printers. Printing occurs at a temperature of -22°C; water and methyl ether heated to a temperature of 20°C are used as consumables.

Ice printed figure

Architectural models and prototypes

This type of income from a 3D printer is also very common. If previously it was necessary to put a lot of effort and money into creating any object, from the moment of design to release, now this path has been noticeably shortened. Technologies have stepped far forward and make it possible to implement any ideas literally in a matter of days, or even hours. That's how much it takes to 3D design and print a prototype of something.

3D prototype of the product

Any production process is unthinkable without preliminary preparation and creation of mock-ups of future products. However, not everyone has the appropriate equipment for this. In addition, not everyone will be able to quickly figure out how to work with a 3D printer or master special programs. In this case, it is always easier and faster to entrust this matter to professionals. Therefore, there are always enough people willing to use these services.

Architectural 3D layout

The same applies to the preparation of architectural models. Not all construction companies and design bureaus are ready to purchase a 3D printer for the above purposes. Firstly, they are not very cheap, and secondly, they require certain knowledge and skills. You can create and print prototypes of various buildings, structures, cars and charge money not only for the products themselves, but also for the previous stage - the development of a three-dimensional model.

Paper

Some 3D printers use regular A4 paper as the printing material. Since paper is an accessible and inexpensive material, paper models are inexpensive and accessible to users. Such models are printed layer by layer, with each subsequent layer of paper cut out by the printer and pasted onto the previous one. Paper models print quickly, but cannot boast of durability or aesthetics. They are ideal for rapid prototyping of a computer project.

3D models printed from paper

Medical products

Another area where 3D printing can become a very profitable business is the production of medical prosthetics and other products. For example, temporary crowns, aligners (special devices for correcting bites), artificial teeth and demonstration models, orthopedic insoles, hearing aids, etc. The high precision of reproduction that 3D printers provide is especially relevant in this case. They have become very widespread in dentistry.

Demonstration models of teeth made using 3D printing

Previously, dental technicians had to spend a lot of time and effort to make patients mouth guards or crowns that fit them. Casts and impressions were taken as a basis. Now in many clinics, an alternative to this method is computer modeling technology. In the case of aligners, they can be easily printed, just like plastic crowns and dentures.

Until now, some medical organizations are forced to cooperate with foreign companies that make custom-made mouthguards. Having the equipment for their production, you will be a more desirable and profitable partner who will save doctors time and money. Therefore, this income option is very possible. Well, when it comes to clinic owners, then there is nothing to say: the introduction of 3D printing technology will bring you tangible benefits, since not only will you not have to pay for other people’s services, but you will also earn money from your own by offering them to clients.

3D Printers

And finally, with 3D printers you can print... 3D printers! Among makers, there is a term “RepRap”, which roughly stands for “self-replicating 3D printer”. In fact, the simplest 3D printer is nothing more than a computer numerically controlled machine - a set of guides, bearings, fasteners and print heads controlled by a relatively simple computer controller.

"We created a printer to make a 3D printer"

Many of the design elements (mounts, legs, corners and even print head housings) are made of plastic, so why not print them on another 3D printer? This is exactly what real makers do, and many of the leading companies like MakerBot, Ultimaker or the Russian PICASO grew out of such homemade projects and still use 3D printed parts in the design of their branded printers.

Based on materials from 3Dtoday.ru

Accessories

3D printing of auto parts is becoming increasingly common. Firstly, it is very convenient and fast, since you can immediately replace a failed element. Secondly, it is affordable. Well, the most important “advantage” of such parts is their 100% similarity to the original, which guarantees high-quality operation of the entire mechanism.

As a rule, such spare parts include all kinds of plugs, gears, bushings and fasteners made of plastic. Sometimes it takes a lot of time and effort to find them, because not all stores have a wide range of similar products. And this is where 3D printing comes to the rescue. A couple of days - and you get a complete analogue of the lost part.

3D printed auto part

3D printers are a great investment for both auto repair shop owners and those who sell automotive components. You can also use inexpensive printer models for these purposes; the only thing you need is the ability to work in CAD systems.

Polylactide (PLA)

Polylactide is the most biocompatible and environmentally friendly material for 3D printers. It is made from biomass residues, sugar beet or corn silage. Having a lot of positive properties, polylactide has two significant drawbacks. Firstly, models made from it are short-lived and gradually decompose under the influence of heat and light. Secondly, the cost of producing polylactide is very high, which means the cost of the models will be significantly higher than similar models made from other materials. Used in 3D printing technologies: SLS and FDM.

Polylactide filament and products printed with polylactide on a 3D printer

Original products and art objects

It is impossible not to mention the use of 3D printers for the production of all kinds of art objects. These can be unusual interior details created according to the author’s sketches, individual sculptures decorating any space, or exhibition pieces representing an artistic statement. For printing them, a regular FDM printer is quite suitable, which can be used both for printing individual fragments of the figure, and the whole. This is determined primarily by its size. In the case of large products, they will have to be printed in parts, and then assembled, glued, sanded, then primed and painted in the desired color.

Interior element made on a 3D printer

If you plan to work with large forms, then it is better to purchase several printers at once - this will make the process go faster.

The sculptures obtained in this way are practically no different in appearance from those made from natural materials. However, they are much cheaper and easier and faster to manufacture.

Art object “Lion” made using a 3D printer

Production of unique things

The most popular way to make money with a 3D printer is to print unique things. For example, fashion accessories - bags, belt buckles and even entire suits. Whether it's Halloween, a costume contest, or even someone's hobby of cosplay (dressing up as characters from movies, books, games, or anime), these are all good uses for 3D printing. The cost of the clothes will be quite high - but it still won’t be possible to make it in any other way. The printer owner just needs to find customers and get acquainted with the offers of other providers, setting a lower price.

To find customers for themed costumes for parties and special events, you should use forums and communities on the Internet. The same will have to be done to find customers among fans of games and films, who can order not only unique clothes, but also accessories that go with them - for example, jewelry and weapons of the characters.

The list of unique things that can be printed on a 3D printer includes:

costume jewelry;
cases for smartphones;
exclusive headphone covers;
cup holders;
plastic tools - adjustable wrenches and even hammers;
holders for phones, cutlery, glasses or bottles.

Before you make money with a 3D printer, you should choose a model suitable for printing such exclusive parts.
An FDM device with a large print area may be a good option. This will allow you to print large elements such as chest panels or suit helmets. Moreover, small items can be made just as easily on such a printer. And one of these models is Picaso Designer X Pro with a working chamber of 20x20x21 cm. The printer’s print speed is 100 cubic meters. cm per hour, and the price starts from 300,000 rubles.

3D business is a new trend

3D printing technology is increasingly becoming part of our lives. It allows you to implement the most daring and creative ideas and implement them almost instantly. If earlier this took a lot of time and money, now, with the advent of 3D printers, it is becoming easier. Every day new opportunities for their use appear, and in 10-12 years they will hardly seem exotic - rather, an integral part of office equipment. But, among other things, these devices are also a great way to make money. By approaching this issue wisely, you can recoup your costs many times over in just a few months. As practice shows, this area is very promising and actively developing.

We told you about the most promising and easily implemented business ideas based on the use of 3D printing. Of course, there are many more ways to turn this activity into a profitable business.

If you don’t know where to start and how to understand the whole variety of 3D products, then read our blog and learn about all the new trends in this area, as well as how to choose the right 3D printer, scanner, and additional materials for you. him and much more. You can also always contact specialists - and we will answer all your questions on this topic.