With the release of the 3D printer that was affordable for home use, many people are still trying to figure out what to do with them. Sure, you can print all sorts of plastic things, but is that using the full potential of these machines? This blog post will cover the 17+ best ways to make money 3D printing. From printing prosthetic limbs to creating moulds for small businesses, plenty of options are available for anyone looking to get started. So let’s dive in!
What Are The 17+ Best Ways To Make Money With A 3D Printer?
Here’s a list of 17+ ways to make money 3D printing. Starting with the most common one is:
1. Start A 3D Printing Service
If you want to make money in 3D printing, one of the best ways to do it is to start a 3D printing service.
You can either create products and sell online or offer services as a freelancer, such as creating custom designs for people or making models from digital files.
You’ll also need to invest in a quality 3D printer and find clients willing to pay for your services.
It can be challenging to find these jobs, but if you have the skills and the creativity, you could be rewarded handsomely for your work!
And remember marketing – your customers need to know that you exist before they can become customers!
2. 3D Print Your Products
Whether it’s jewellery, home decor items, toys or even custom pieces for special occasions, 3D printing gives you the power to create unique pieces and one of kind – perfect for selling online or to local businesses.
Not only that, but you can also save time and money by avoiding traditional manufacturing processes and expensive setup costs.
You can also experiment with different materials and colours to create designs that you’re genuinely proud of. It’s a great way to make more money and have fun simultaneously!
Of course, there is an investment in purchasing a 3D printer, but if you plan on making this your full-time job, it could pay good money in the long run.
3. Rent Out 3D Printers
If you want to make some extra cash with 3D printing, why not rent your 3D printers?
It’s a great way to earn income while helping others get creative with their projects.
Plus, it beats paying expensive monthly fees for access to a professional service.
Plus, if you have multiple 3D printers and can manage them effectively, you could quickly turn this into a full-time business!
Just make sure that you let potential customers know exactly what type of prints they are getting and keep up with maintenance on the printers.
That way, you can ensure consistent quality and attract more customers.
4. Sell Digital 3D Models/Designs
If you’re looking for a way to make more money with 3D printing, one of the best options is to sell digital 3D models and designs.
This can be a great way to monetize your creativity and engineering or software development skills while also taking advantage of the power and flexibility of 3D printing technology.
Many companies now offer platforms that allow users to upload their own 3D designs and then market them directly to potential customers.
With this option, you don’t have to worry about producing and shipping physical products- instead, you need to create an eye-catching design and let the buyers take care of the rest!
You can even set up recurring subscription models so that many customers can buy new designs or even order custom prints!
5. Sell An Online 3D Printing Course
If you know 3D printing and want to share what you know with the world, then why not sell an online 3D printing course?
People are always eager to learn new skills and develop their expertise, which is an excellent way to make more money.
Put together a comprehensive course covering all the basics of 3D printing and advanced topics like design and troubleshooting.
You can even offer one-on-one tutoring sessions if your students need extra help.
Creating a well-thought-out online course can generate passive income while helping others in the process! It’s as simple as that!
6. Start A Print-On-Demand Business
Print-on-demand businesses are the perfect way to leverage 3D printing technology, allowing entrepreneurs to create unique products without investing in a large inventory.
With print-on-demand, you can design and customize 3D-printed products for customers on demand.
You choose a product, upload your designs or select from existing templates, create pricing, and then let customer orders pour in! It’s that easy — no need to keep stock of anything or buy materials in bulk.
Plus, you can reach out to a global audience thanks to the internet — giving you access to millions of potential customers who may be eager to purchase your unique 3D-printed creations.
7. Vlog About Your Experiences With 3D Printing On Your Own Youtube Channel
If you’re into 3D printing, why not make extra cash by creating content?
There are tons of people out there who are interested in what you have to say and share.
You can start your Youtube channel and post your journey as you create 3D-printed items.
It doesn’t even have to be a full-time job – some videos here, and there should help generate interest.
Plus, the more you learn, the more valuable your content will become!
If you get enough subscribers and viewers, you may even be able to monetize your channel with ad revenue or sponsorships.
8. Become An Affiliate Marketer For Companies That Sell Related Products Or Services
If you want to make money from 3D printing, why not get involved in affiliate marketing?
It’s easy to do and can be a great way to monetize your 3D printing skills.
You must partner with companies that sell related products or services and promote these on your own website.
Whenever someone purchases through your link, you get a commission.
It’s as simple as that!
Plus, plenty of reputable businesses offer great commissions, so you can find the right one for you.
9. Offer Customized Designs And Prototypes For Clients
You can make money in 3D printing by offering customized designs and prototypes for clients.
If you have the skills and proper tools, you can work with clients to create unique designs tailored to their needs.
You can then print these objects out using a 3D printer and charge your customers for them.
You can also create prototypes for businesses and organizations to help them test new ideas before they go into production.
You could start your design agency specializing in 3D printing and offer your services to companies looking for unique solutions.
It’s a great way to make money and put your skills to the test!
10. Sell Educational Models To Schools
If you’ve the skills to create 3D-printed models, why not consider selling educational models to schools?
Kids of all ages can benefit from interactive and tactile learning experiences.
You could focus on particular areas, such as history or science and offer a selection of pre-made designs that teachers can spend money and buy for their classrooms.
Sell your 3D printed models on websites such as Etsy, and you could earn a nice secondary income from your hobby.
It’s a great way to use your 3D printing skills and help educate the next generation.
Another option is to create educational kits that can help teach kids how to 3D print their projects.
You could build these kits around topics like robotics or engineering or design products specifically used to teach the basics of 3D printing.
This could be sold in an online store or offline, giving you an even greater reach into the education market.
You’ll also find plenty of schools and universities looking for unique materials to use in their classrooms.
11. Buy 3D Printing Stocks
Another way of making money from 3D printing is by buying stocks.
Some publicly traded companies are currently involved in the 3D printing industry, such as Stratasys Ltd., 3D Systems Corporation and ExOne Co.
Investing in these companies could make money when their stock prices increase. Suppose you’re willing to take on more risk. In that case, you can invest in smaller, less well-known companies with 3D printing technology.
Just make sure you do your due diligence before investing so that you understand the risks associated with each company.
Also, remember to diversify your investments!
If one company fails, your portfolio will avoid suffering too much damage.
12. Consultancy
Everyone loves the idea of 3D printing, but many people need to learn how to actually go about it.
Suppose you have the technical know-how and experience. In that case, you could offer your services to those seeking help getting started or even running their own business using 3D printing technology.
You could also teach classes in schools and universities, helping spread knowledge and understanding of this increasingly popular technology.
It’s a win-win situation – you get to share your expertise and make money while giving people the skills they need to make their 3D printing projects come to life.
Suppose you’re an expert in a specific niche. In that case, you can also offer yourself as a consultant and use your 3D printing knowledge to help others create bespoke products tailored to their needs.
Either way, this is one of the most profitable ways of making money with 3D printing and is worth exploring!
13. 3D Scanning
It’s another way to make money with 3D printing.
With 3D ScanningScanning, you can capture a physical object in the real world and convert it into a 3D digital version.
This opens up a whole new range of possibilities for creating unique and high-quality products that can be customized for individual customers.
By offering this service, you’ll be able to create customized items quickly and easily without building them from scratch every single time.
You can also offer services such as modifying existing scan data and repairing broken or incomplete models, which can add value to your simple business model.
Furthermore, using 3D scanning technology, you can capture intricate details like fingerprints and produce high-quality products that stand out above the rest.
14. Start Reviewing 3D Printers On Your Channel Or Blog
If you’re looking for a way to make money with 3D printing, one of the best options is to start reviewing 3D printers online.
There are plenty of different 3D printer models on the market, each with pros and cons.
Reviewing them gives your readers an unbiased perspective on what they should look for when shopping around for a suitable model.
You could write up reviews comparing specific models against each other, which significantly helps anyone in the market for a new machine.
Plus, as most manufacturers offer affiliate programs, you could earn commissions from any sales your reviews generate.
15. Sell Your 3D Printer
If you have a 3D printer, one of the best ways to make money is to sell it.
You can make a good profit selling your machine on eBay, Craigslist or other online marketplaces, as many people are looking for 3D printers these days.
Just make sure you post clear pictures and accurate descriptions of your printer to help attract potential buyers and get top dollar.
You can also use this method to make money if you have 3D printing supplies such as filament, tools and other materials.
You could even bundle the printer with some of these items for a higher price.
Just be sure to price your items competitively to get the best response from customers.
16. Offer 3D Printer Repair Services
Another great way to monetize your 3D printer is by offering repair services.
People often experience problems with their 3D printers and don’t know how to fix them.
You can offer repairs at an hourly rate or a flat fee if you know this area.
This is an easy way to make extra money and help your fellow 3D printing enthusiasts.
And you can even set up a website and an online store so people can easily find your services.
You can also work with companies that provide 3D printers to get more business.
17. Repair Things In Your Household
One of the most incredible things about 3D printing is its ability to help you repair things in your household.
Instead of spending money on ordering expensive parts from a store, you can print out new pieces for broken or worn-out items.
You can save serious money and get much more satisfaction by using your printer to fix what’s broken in your home.
For example, suppose something like a drawer handle has been damaged. You can print out a replacement that fits perfectly and replace it quickly without waiting for online orders.
3D printers are also great for making custom parts for outdated technology, such as old game consoles or computers that need new buttons or connectors.
18. Flip Broken/Unused 3D Printers
If you’re the person who can spot a bargain, this is for you.
There are plenty of 3D printer owners out there who have bought underperforming or broken machines and given up on them.
If you have the knowledge to fix the machine, you could buy it from them at a discounted price and flip it for a nice profit.
You can pick up an unused/new 3D Printer from someone who got too excited about the hobby and didn’t follow through with their plans.
Nowadays, with the ever-growing popularity of 3D printing, these machines are becoming increasingly valuable. So if you play your cards right, you can make a decent return just by flipping them!
Just remember to do your niche market research and know the market prices to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
FAQs On Ways To Make Money 3D Printing
What Are A Few 3D Printed Products In Demand Right Now?
Some of the most popular 3D-printed products right now include:
miniatures for gaming,
food printers,
liquid-drawn shoes, and
custom chess sets
How Much Is The 3D Printing Profit Margin?
3D printing’s profit margin can vary greatly depending on the business type and the products sold.
According to The 3D Bros, a 3D printing business can make up to $130,000 annually with an 80% margin.
Businesses that offer specialized 3D printing services may have higher profit margins than those that sell pre-made prints.
Additionally, companies like 3D Systems have reported gross profit headline margins as high as 38%.
It is essential to consider the cost of materials when estimating the cost of 3D printing and the potential profit margins.
For example, SelfCAD suggests that a 3D printing company’s profit margins range from 50% to 90% of the cost of materials.
Overall, it is possible to make money with a 3D printer.
With careful planning and research into market trends, businesses can maximize their profits from 3D printing services.
How Much Money Can You Make From 3D Printing?
3D printing is a great way to make money in 2023.
With the right equipment and knowledge, you can earn up to $130,000 per year working from home.
You can also offer 3D printing services for up to $500 per project.
Additionally, you can become a 3D artist and earn an average of $53,000 annually.
No matter your niche, there are plenty of ways to make money with 3D printing.
You can create custom phone cases or sculptures that people will pay for or even develop software for 3D printing companies.
The possibilities are endless!
Many resources are available online if you’re looking for more information on how to get started with 3D printing and make money from it.
You’ll find plenty of advice, from YouTube videos to blog posts and articles, on how to get started and maximize your profits.
What Are The Top-Selling 3D Printed Items On Etsy?
From cosplay props to planters and miniatures, there are a variety of 3D-printed items that are popular on Etsy.
Phone cases, skulls, and rings are some of the most common 3D-printed products that sell well on Etsy.
Other popular items include replicas from movies or TV shows, such as Star Wars Sith Holocron or a Maria Replica Pistol.
Where To Sell 3D Printed Items?
Here are some of the best places to start selling your 3D-printed items:
Etsy
Etsy is one of the most popular online marketplaces for handmade and vintage goods.
It’s easy to set up an account and start listing your 3D-printed items for sale.
Shapeways
Shapeways is an online marketplace specifically designed for 3D printing.
It allows you to upload your designs and have them professionally printed and shipped directly to customers.
Local Markets
Local markets like farmers’ markets or craft fairs can be great places to sell your 3D-printed items in person.
You’ll get the chance to meet potential customers face-to-face and show off your work in person.
Social Media
Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter can be great places to promote your 3D prints and connect with potential buyers.
You can also use these platforms to run promotions or giveaways for free products to build up interest in your work.
No matter which platform you choose, it’s essential that you take good photos of your products, write detailed descriptions, and provide excellent customer service if you want to succeed in selling 3D-printed items online.
Can You Make Real Money With A 3D Printer?
Yes! There are many ways to make money with a 3D printer, from selling 3D-printed items to offering 3D printing services.
One of the most popular ways to make money with a 3D printer is by selling 3D prints online. You can sell your designs on platforms like Shapeways or Etsy or create custom designs for customers.
You can also offer 3D printing services to businesses that need prototypes, or other specialized products made quickly and efficiently.
Overall, there are plenty of ways to make real money with a 3D printer – it just takes creativity and dedication!
Can You Make A Career Out Of 3D Printing?
3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is a rapidly growing industry with many opportunities for those looking to make a career out of it.
As technology continues to evolve, so do the possibilities for those interested in this type of work.
From designing and engineering products to creating prototypes and producing parts, 3D printing offers a wide range of job opportunities for those with the proper skill set.
Several paths can be taken for those looking to get into 3D printing as a career.
Those with an engineering background may find themselves working on product design and development. In contrast, those with a creative eye may find themselves creating prototypes or models for clients.
There are also opportunities for those specializing in 3D printing software and hardware and those focusing on post-processing techniques such as sanding and painting.
The demand for 3D printing is only increasing as more industries adopt the technology.
Companies are now using 3D printers to create parts faster than ever before, allowing them to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
This has opened up new job opportunities in aerospace engineering, automotive manufacturing, medical device production, consumer product design and more.
Is A $200 3D Printer Worth It?
The answer depends on your needs and expectations.
While a $200 3D printer may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, it can still provide good-quality prints and be an excellent choice for beginners or hobbyists who want to explore 3D printing without breaking the bank.
For example, Anycubic’s Kobra 3D printer is an FDM (fused deposition modelling) model that retails for around $200 and offers features like auto-levelling and resumes printing in case of power failure.
The Creality Ender 3 S1 also offers similar features at a comparable price.
Both models are open source, meaning they can use filament from any manufacturer, giving users more flexibility regarding materials and colours.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider when buying a budget-friendly 3D printer.
For instance, these models tend to have lower resolution than more expensive options, meaning the details in your prints may be less sharp and precise than you’d like them to be.
Additionally, they often come with smaller build volumes than pricier models. If you need larger prints or multiple prints at once, this may not be the best option.
Overall, while a $200 3D printer won’t give you all the features of more expensive models, it can still provide good-quality prints and be a great way to get started with 3D printing without breaking the bank.
Just make sure to consider your needs carefully before making your purchase!
How Do Beginner 3D Artists Make Money?
As a beginner 3D artist, there are many ways to make money.
You can sell tools and plugins for 3D software, create and sell 3D models and assets, start a 3D printing blog, or even make money from your 3D printer.
You can also become a freelance 3D modeller or artist and find remote work or create an asset outsourcing studio.
No matter what option you choose, it is essential to have a portfolio website that showcases your best work.
This will help potential clients get an idea of the quality of your work before they hire you.
Making money as a 3D artist is not easy, but it can be gratifying with the right skills and dedication.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary of 3D Artists and Animators in America is around $72200.
What Percentage Of 3D Prints Fail?
The percentage of 3D prints that fail depends on various factors, such as the type of printer used, the quality of the filament, and the user’s experience.
Research suggests that failure rates for 3D prints range from 5-30%, with more experienced users generally experiencing lower failure rates.
There are several reasons why 3D prints may fail.
Common causes include:
Incorrect slicing settings,
Clogged extruders,
Poor adhesion to print beds,
Inadequate cooling for plastic components,
Electronics issues, and
Warping is caused by heat or humidity
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of having a failed print.
Make sure to calibrate your 3D printer regularly and use high-quality filaments with consistent diameters and colours.
Additionally, suppose you’re working with ABS plastics or other materials that require higher temperatures for printing and cooling. In that case, it is recommended to use an enclosure to control temperature and minimize warping due to variations in room temperature.
Is It Legal To Sell 3D Prints?
The answer is complex, as it depends on the original creator’s design and copyright status.
Generally speaking, you cannot sell 3D prints covered by intellectual property rights without permission from the rights holder.
However, if you have explicit permission or adequate copyright status, then selling 3D prints is allowed.
When considering whether or not to sell 3D prints, it’s important to remember that making or using objects protected by others’ patents is prohibited under patent laws.
Additionally, additional regulations may exist regarding the sale of 3D-printed items, depending on where you live.
In some places, you can’t 3D print arms and ammunition, so familiarize yourself with local regulations before selling 3D images.
When selling 3D prints, you must ensure that you have the proper permissions and follow applicable regulations.
What Are 3D Jobs In Demand?
In Austin, Texas, there are currently over 210 3D Modeling jobs available on Indeed.com.
These jobs range from Artists to Designers to Faculty positions.
On LinkedIn, there are 462 3d Modeling jobs in the Austin Metropolitan Area, with new positions added daily.
SimplyHired lists 179 3d modelling jobs in Austin, while Glassdoor has 44 open positions for 3d artists.
ZipRecruiter has 65 openings for 3d Artist jobs in Austin, and Jooble lists a variety of current openings for 3d employment in the area as well.
The types of tasks associated with these positions can vary widely depending on the industry but often involve creating realistic models or animations using specialized software such as Autodesk Maya or Blender.
Additionally, some roles may require knowledge of other disciplines, such as physics or mathematics, to create accurate simulations or renderings.
Overall, the demand for skilled professionals in this field is proliferating due to the increasing use of 3D technology across many industries.
Those with experience with 3D modelling can expect to find plenty of job opportunities in Austin, Texas and beyond!
Is It Worth Starting A 3D Printing Business?
Starting a 3D printing business can be lucrative, but it’s essential to understand the costs and potential risks involved.
3D printing technology has become increasingly accessible in recent years, making it easier for entrepreneurs to enter the market.
However, startup costs, such as purchasing a printer and software, are still associated with setting up a 3D printing business.
Additionally, you’ll need to research the market and determine what products or services you’ll offer.
If you’re willing to invest in the necessary equipment and take the time to develop your business plan, starting a 3D printing business can be an exciting opportunity.
Create custom products for customers or provide prototyping or product design services.
You could turn your passion for 3D printing into a successful business with the right strategy and dedication.
How Much Do 3D Freelancers Make?
Freelancing in the 3D design industry can be a lucrative career path for those with the right skills.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a freelance 3D designer in the United States is $68,947 per year as of January 2023.
A freelancer’s money depends on their experience and skill level. Freelance writers have an average rate between $30-40/hr, with an annual salary of around $42,000.
Editors earn more than writers, while 3D designers can expect to make even more depending on their experience and portfolio.
Freelancers also benefit from setting their own hours and working from anywhere they choose.
This flexibility allows them to take on projects that fit their lifestyle and interests while earning a competitive wage.
Overall, freelancing in the 3D design industry can be a great way to make a living while having freedom and flexibility over your work schedule.
You can make a good living as a freelance 3D designer with the right skills and dedication.
In Which Ways Are You Trying To Make Money With A 3D Printer?
The best way to make money with a 3D printer is to create own products that people want or need.
There are a few different ways to do this, and the list above should give you some ideas for getting started.
Remember, if you can tap into a niche market or solve a problem that people have, you’ll be much more successful in making money with your 3D printer.
So what are you waiting for?
Get out there and start making money with your 3D printer!