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How To Make Money With 3D Printing? Ultimate Guide

For those looking to capitalize on the latest trends, 3D printing may be the answer. However, how exactly can you make money with 3D printing?

Written by:
Ben
Last updated:
11/23/2023

In a world where technology constantly evolves, new and innovative ways to make money are always on the horizon. For those looking to capitalize on the latest trends, 3D printing may be the answer. However, how exactly can you make money with 3D printing?

Here are a few practical ways to make money with 3D printing:

  1. Sell 3D prints on online marketplaces.
  2. Offer 3D printing services to individuals.
  3. Create prototypes for designers and manufacturers.
  4. Create custom products for special occasions.
  5. 3D print-on-demand.
  6. Design and sell 3D-printed jewelry.
  7. Start a blog about 3D printing.
  8. Create an e-commerce store to sell 3D prints.
  9. Get involved with Kickstarter projects.
  10. Teach others about 3D printing.
  11. Work as a freelance 3D designer.
  12. Sell STL files.
  13. Provide after-sales support for 3D printer owners.
  14. Open a storefront to showcase and sell 3D prints.
  15. Start a membership site dedicated to 3D printing.
  16. Sell 3D printing equipment and supplies.
  17. Develop new applications for 3D printing tech.
  18. Work with a 3D printing bureau.
  19. Invest in a 3D printing company.

This guide will describe each of these methods in more detail, so you can decide which one is right for you. Read on for tips and tricks for making money with 3D printing.

1. Sell 3D Prints on Online Marketplaces

If you have a knack for design and a printer, selling 3D-printed products online can be a great way to make money. Several online marketplaces allow you to sell your creations.

Otherwise, setting up your shop on Amazon, Etsy, or eBay is also an option. If you go this route, promote your items through social media and other channels to get the word out.

To get started, follow these steps:

  1. Design the product you want to sell using a 3D modeling program like Tinkercad, Sketchup, or Blender.
  2. Choose an online marketplace that suits your needs.
  3. Upload your design to the marketplace and set a price.
  4. Add images of your wares to let people see what you’re selling.
  5. Make a surplus of objects to sell so you can quickly get them to customers. 
  6. Ship your models when they sell. 

It’s that simple! However, it’s also critical to remember that you’ll need to markup your items to include shipping costs and get some materials. 

For that reason, you may have difficulty making a significant profit from your 3D printed objects when selling them online since they need to be more expensive to make you money. However, specialty objects are always in high demand, so keep your designs unique if you want to sell them. 

2. Offer 3D Printing Services to Individuals

If you have a 3D printer, you can start making money by offering your services to others. There are a few ways to do this:

  • You can offer to print objects for people: That’s a great option if you have a large format printer and can print out objects quickly.
  • You can offer design services: If you’re good at 3D modeling, you can create designs for people who don’t have the time or skills to do it themselves.
  • You can offer a combination of printing and design services: That’s a great option if you want to print and sell your designs. To get started, simply create a portfolio of your work and advertise your services online.

Pro Tip: Offer discounts for larger orders to encourage people to use your services.

3. Create Prototypes for Designers and Manufacturers

If you have a background in engineering or product design, you can start making money by creating prototypes for designers and manufacturers. That’s a great way to make money because you can charge for your services by the hour or the project.

To get started, follow these steps:

  1. Create a portfolio of your work to showcase your skills.
  2. Advertise your services online or through word-of-mouth. You can also contact designers and manufacturers directly to let them know you’re available for work.
  3. When you get a project, use a 3D modeling program to create the prototype.
  4. Once the prototype is approved, print it out using a 3D printer.

Here are a few guidelines to help you get the most out of this opportunity:

  • Ensure that your designs are accurate and meet the client’s specifications: Putting client requests first is critical to your success.
  • Keep your designs simple: The simpler the design, the easier and faster it will be to print.
  • Think outside the box: Be creative and develop new ideas that will wow your clients.
  • Print out prototypes as quickly as possible to meet deadlines: Keeping your clients happy is essential.
  • Offer to make revisions if the client is unsatisfied with the initial design: That shows you’re committed to providing the best possible service. Besides, it can lead to more work in the future.

Be sure to watch the following video for insights into how to develop 3D print prototypes:

4. Create Custom Products for Special Occasions

Another way to make money with 3D printing is by creating custom products for special occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries. That’s a great option if you have a creative streak and enjoy working with your hands.

To get started, follow these steps:

  1. Design the product using a 3D modeling program or by hand.
  2. Print out the design using a 3D printer.
  3. Assemble the product if necessary.
  4. Sell the product online or through word-of-mouth. You can also approach businesses specializing in selling custom products for special occasions.

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this opportunity:

  • Design unique and not readily available products: Having items that are difficult to find elsewhere will make your products more appealing to buyers.
  • Focus on quality: Make sure your products are well-made and look great.
  • Offer a wide range of products: The more options you have, the more likely people will find something they like.

5. 3D Print On-Demand

If you don’t want to bother designing and selling your products, you can always work as a 3D printing on-demand service. That’s a great option if you wish to focus on the printing aspect of 3D printing.

To get started, follow these steps:

  1. Find a 3D printing on-demand service that you can work with.
  2. Create an account and upload your designs.
  3. When someone orders a model, print it out using a 3D printer and ship it to the customer.

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this opportunity:

  • Offer a wide range of designs: The more options you have, the more likely you will be to find customers.
  • Focus on quality: Make sure that your designs are high-quality and look professional.
  • Create marketing materials: Use social media, online forums, and other channels to promote your designs.

6. Design and Sell 3D Printed Jewelry

If you’re into jewelry making, you can start designing and selling 3D-printed jewelry. That’s a great option if you have a creative streak and enjoy working with your hands.

To get started, follow these steps:

  1. Design the jewelry using a 3D modeling program or by hand.
  2. Print out the jewelry using a 3D printer.
  3. Sell the jewelry online or through word-of-mouth. You can also contact businesses that sell custom jewelry.

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this opportunity:

  • Design unique and stylish jewelry: Having unique wares will make your things more appealing to buyers.
  • Focus on quality: Use high-quality materials and print your jewelry using a high-quality 3D printer.
  • Offer customization: Allow buyers to choose their jewelry’s colors, materials, and other aspects. That will make your products more personal and unique.
  • Price your products competitively: Do some research to find out how much similar products are selling for. That way, you can price your products accordingly.

7. Start a Blog About 3D Printing

If you’re passionate about 3D printing, you can start a blog dedicated to this topic. That’s a great way to share your knowledge and help others learn more about 3D printing.

To get started, follow these steps:

  1. Choose a blogging platform, such as WordPress or Blogger.
  2. Create an account and choose a theme for your blog.
  3. Write posts about 3D printing and share your insights and tips.
  4. Share your blog posts on social media and other online channels.

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this opportunity:

  • Be passionate about your topic: People will be more interested in reading your blog if they can tell that you’re passionate about 3D printing.
  • Be knowledgeable: Make sure that your posts are informative and accurate.
  • Update your blog regularly: The more you update your blog, the more likely people will keep coming back.
  • Monetize your blog: There are many ways to monetize your writing, such as through advertising, affiliate marketing, and selling products. Ensure that you find ways to monetize your blog to make money from it.

8. Create an eCommerce Store To Sell 3D Prints

If you want to sell 3D prints, one of the best ways to do that is by setting up an online store. That will give you a platform to showcase and sell your products. You can also use your store to promote your brand and reach a wider audience.

To get started, follow these steps:

  1. Choose an eCommerce platform, such as Shopify or WooCommerce.
  2. Create an account and set up your store.
  3. Add products to your store and start promoting them online.

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this opportunity:

  • Choose the right platform: Make sure you choose an eCommerce platform that’s easy to use and has all the necessary features.
  • Add high-quality images: Use high-quality images to make your products look more appealing to buyers.
  • Promote your store: Use social media, online forums, and other channels to promote your store.

9. Get Involved With Kickstarter Projects

If you’re looking for ways to make money with 3D printing, you can also get involved with Kickstarter projects. That’s a great option if you have some experience with 3D printing and design.

Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform that helps people raise money for their projects. You can offer your services to help people with their Kickstarter projects. For example, you can help them design and 3D print prototypes of their products.

To get started, follow these steps:

  1. Sign up for a Kickstarter account.
  2. Browse through the projects and find the ones that match your interests.
  3. Contact the project creators and offer your services.

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this opportunity:

  • Choose projects you’re interested in: You’ll be more likely to succeed if you choose projects you’re passionate about.
  • Offer your services for free: Many project creators are willing to pay for your services, but you can also offer your services for free in exchange for exposure. That can help you attract more clients in the future.

10. Teach Others About 3D Printing

If you’re knowledgeable about 3D printing, you can also teach others about this technology. That’s a great way to share your knowledge and help people learn more about 3D printing.

Besides, teaching can also be a great way to make money with 3D printing. You can attract more clients and generate more income by teaching others about this technology.

To get started, follow these steps:

  1. Identify your target audience: Who do you want to teach?
  2. Choose a teaching method: There are many ways to teach, such as online courses, in-person classes, or workshops.
  3. Create your curriculum: Once you’ve decided on a teaching method, you can create your course.
  4. Promote your business: Use social media, online forums, and other channels to connect with potential students.

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this opportunity:

  • Teach what you know: People will be more interested in your course if it’s about a topic you have experience with.
  • Make your course interactive: Include activities and other interactive elements in your course to keep people engaged.

Note: To reach a wider audience, I recommend creating courses on the following platforms:

  • Udemy: Udemy is an online learning platform that helps people learn new skills. You can create courses on many topics, including 3D printing, and earn money from your classes. The site has over 40 million students and is a great way to reach a large audience.
  • Skillshare: Skillshare is another online learning platform where you can create courses and earn royalties from your students. It’s a great option if you’re looking for ways to make passive income with 3D printing.
  • Lynda: Lynda is an online learning platform that offers courses on many topics, including 3D printing. You can create courses and sell them on the site.

11. Work as a Freelance 3D Designer

If you have experience with 3D design, you can also work as a freelance 3D designer. A freelance 3D designer creates 3D models for clients. That’s a great way to use your skills and knowledge to make money with 3D printing.

To get started, follow these steps:

  • Create a portfolio. A portfolio is a great way to showcase your work and attract clients. You can create a portfolio on your website or a platform like Behance.
  • Create a list of services. What services can you offer? Make sure to list the services you provide and your rates.
  • Promote your services. Use social media, online forums, and other channels to promote your services. You can also use platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to find clients.

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this opportunity:

  • Be responsive: Be responsive to client inquiries and requests. That will help you build a strong relationship with your clients and earn their trust.
  • Charge what you’re worth: Don’t undercharge for your services. Make sure to charge what you’re worth to earn a good income.
  • Find direct clients: You can also reach out to companies and individuals directly to find work. That’s a great way to eliminate the middleman and make more money.

12. Sell STL Files

If you’re a 3D designer, you can also sell your STL files

You can sell your STL files on platforms like Etsy, Shapeways, and Thingiverse. That’s a great way to make money with 3D printing if you have experience with 3D design.

To get started, follow these steps:

  1. Create a portfolio of your work: A portfolio is a great way to showcase your work and attract buyers. You can create a portfolio on your website or a platform like Etsy.
  2. Choose a pricing model: You can charge per design or offer subscription-based access to your entire catalog.
  3. Promote your work: Use social media, online forums, and other channels to reach buyers.

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this opportunity:

  • Create a strong portfolio: A solid portfolio is essential for attracting buyers. Showcase your best work and include a mix of designs that appeal to a wide range of people.
  • Pricing: Be sure to price your designs fairly. You don’t want to undercut yourself, but you also don’t want to charge too much and discourage potential buyers.
  • Social media: Use social media to reach a larger audience and promote your STL files.
  • Offer discounts: You can offer discounts to buyers who purchase multiple STL files. That’s a great way to boost sales and make more money.
  • Hide a name tag on your design. These days, many people steal other people’s designs and profit from them. So, you may want to put a mark on a hidden part of your objects to help you identify any stolen intellectual property. 

13. Provide After-Sales Support for 3D Printer Owners

If you have experience with 3D printing, you can also provide after-sales support for 3D printer owners. That’s a great way to make money with 3D printing if you’re familiar with the technology and can help people troubleshoot common problems.

Here are a few areas where you can provide support:

  • Setup and installation: Help people set up and install their 3D printers.
  • Printing problems: Help people troubleshoot printing problems.
  • Design issues: Help people with design issues related to their 3D prints.

You can provide support through online forums, social media, and other channels. You can also create a support website or blog to attract clients.

To do that, follow these easy steps:

  1. List the services you provide and your rates.
  2. Use social media, online forums, and other channels to promote your services. You can also use platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to find clients.

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this opportunity:

  • Experience: Remember to highlight your experience with 3D printing in your marketing materials. That will help you attract clients who need your expertise.
  • Be responsive: Be responsive to client inquiries and requests. That will help you build a strong relationship with your clients and earn their trust.
  • Create a FAQ: A FAQ is a great way to support common issues. That will help you save time by providing answers to common questions.

14. Open a Storefront To Showcase and Sell 3D Prints

If you have a 3D printer, you can also open a storefront to showcase and sell your 3D prints. That way, you can make money from your 3D printer while sharing your work with the world.

There are a few things to keep in mind if you want to open a storefront to sell 3D prints:

  • You’ll need to find a good location for your storefront: Choose a place that’s visible and easy to access. You might want to consider a mall or a busy street.
  • You’ll need to create a display for your 3D prints: Your presentation should be eye-catching and attractive. It should also be well-organized so potential buyers can easily find what they’re looking for.
  • You’ll need to price your 3D prints: Be sure to price your 3D-printed objects fairly. Ensure that your prices are competitive with other stores in your area
  • You’ll need to promote your storefront: Use social media, word-of-mouth, and traditional marketing techniques to spread the word about your store.
  • Provide excellent customer service: Make sure you’re always available to answer questions and help customers with their purchases.

15. Start a Membership Site Dedicated to 3D Printing

If you’re passionate about 3D printing, you can also start a dedicated membership site. That’s a great way to make money with 3D printing if you enjoy sharing your knowledge and helping others learn more about the technology.

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you want to start a membership site:

  • Choose a focus for your site: Your site should have a specific focus. That could be anything from 3D printing tips and tricks to design tutorials.
  • Create helpful content: Be sure to create practical, informative, and well-written content. That will help you attract and retain members.
  • Offer exclusive content: Offer exclusive content that’s only available to members. That could be anything from a forum to discounts on 3D printing services.
  • Promote your site: Use social media, online forums, and other channels to promote your site. You can also use search engine optimization (SEO) to attract organic traffic.

16. Sell 3D Printing Equipment and Supplies

If you’re looking for a more hands-on way to make money with 3D printing, you can sell 3D printing equipment and supplies. That can be a great option if you have experience with 3D printing and are familiar with the different types of equipment and supplies on the market.

You can sell 3D printers, filaments, software, and other accessories online or offline. You can also choose to sell through an existing retailer or start a new store.

Here’s how you can get started:

  1. Research the different types of 3D printers, filaments, and software on the market.
  2. Identify the target market for your products.
  3. Choose a retail platform for your store.
  4. Create marketing materials to promote your store.
  5. Set up a payment system for your customers.
  6. Ship your products to your customers.

Here are a few things to remember when selling 3D printing equipment and supplies:

  • Offer competitive prices: Research other stores’ prices before setting your own.
  • Offer excellent customer service: Be available to answer questions and help customers with their purchases.
  • Provide a warranty or guarantee on your products: That will help you build trust with your customers.

17. Develop New Applications for 3D Printing Tech

If you’re looking for a more technical way to make money with 3D printing, you can also develop new applications for the technology. That could involve anything from creating new software to developing new hardware.

You’ll need to have experience with 3D printing and a good understanding of the technology to succeed. You’ll also need to be creative and understand the needs of 3D printing users.

Here are a few ideas for developing new applications for 3D printing:

  • Create new software for 3D printers: You could create new slicing software or develop a new 3D printer control interface.
  • Develop new hardware for 3D printers: You could create a new type of extruder or design a better filament spool.
  • Create new accessories for 3D printers: You could design a new type of build plate or case for 3D printers.
  • Create templates or models for 3D printing: You could create templates for popular objects or design new 3D printing models.

Note: Developing new applications for 3D printing can be complex and time-consuming. If you’re not familiar with the technology, it’s best to work with someone who is. Alternatively, you could pay someone to develop the applications for you.

18. Work With a 3D Printing Bureau

Another way to make money with 3D printing is to work with a bureau. A 3D printing bureau is a company that provides 3D printing services to individuals and businesses. That can be anything from prototyping to total production runs.

If you have experience with 3D printing, working with a bureau can be a great way to make money with the technology. You can work as an employee or contractor, and most bureaus always look for new talent.

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about working with a 3D printing bureau:

  • Research the different bureaus in your area: You’ll want to find a bureau that’s a good fit for your skills and experience.
  • Identify the services you can offer: Most bureaus provide a range of services, so you’ll need to identify the ones you’re most qualified to provide.
  • Create a portfolio of your work: That will help you show potential employers what you’re capable of.

19. Invest in a 3D Printing Company

If you’re looking to make a more significant investment in 3D printing, you could invest in a 3D printing company. That’s a higher-risk option, but it can be lucrative if you choose the right company.

You’ll need to do your research before investing in any company. You should look at the financial health of the company, its products, and its growth potential. You should also consult a financial advisor to understand the risks involved.

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about investing in a 3D printing company:

  • Look for companies with solid financials: You’ll want to invest in a company in good financial health.
  • Look for companies with innovative products: That will give you an idea of the company’s growth potential.
  • Look for companies with a solid growth strategy: That will help you understand how the company plans to grow in the future.

For more ideas on making money with this tech, check out Jeffrey Ito’s How To Make Money With 3D Printing from Amazon.com. It describes how 3D printing works and provides insights into some ways to monetize your printer, making it an excellent resource for anyone looking to start their own 3D printing business.

Final Thoughts

There are many ways to make money with 3D printing. Whether you’re looking to start your own business or invest in technology, plenty of options are available.

The key is researching and finding the best option that suits your skills and experience. With a little effort, you can make money with 3D printing in no time. Good luck!

Written by:
Ben
Last updated:
11/23/2023

About Ben

I started 3D printing since 2013 and have learned a lot since then. Because of this I want to share my knowledge of what I have learned in the past years with the community. Currently I own 2 Bambulab X1 Carbon, Prusa SL1S and a Prusa MK3S+. Hope you learn something from my blog after my years of experience in 3D printing.