Make Money with a 3D Printer: A Complete Guide
Can You Make Money With 3D Printing?
Yes, making money with a 3d printer is more achievable than ever.
At a glimpse,
- Printing 3d items to sell on marketplaces
- Provide niche products
- Launch a 3d printing business
- Provide a 3d scanning service
- Sell your 3d print designs
- Start a 3d print YouTube channel
- Plus more, read on to find out.
With the growing popularity of 3D printing technology, there are numerous profitable opportunities available, whether you are looking to create a side hustle or establish a full-time business.
This guide will cover different methods on how to make money with a 3D printer, including both beginner-friendly and advanced strategies. 3D printing offers a lot of potential for anyone looking to make some extra cash or even start a full-fledged business.
No 3D Printer? Here’s How to Get Started
If you don’t already have a 3D printer, it’s important to choose one that suits your needs.
For beginners, a reliable and easy-to-use printer is key, while experienced users may want more specialized features.
Ender 3 V3 A Great Starter Printer
The Ender 3 V3 is a great choice for the 3d printer beginner.
It offers great resolution and is beginner-friendly, making it perfect for turning out detailed models and products that are ready to sell.
Ways to Make Money with 3D Printing
1. Sell Ready-Made 3D Prints on Etsy
One of the simplest ways to make money with a 3D printer is by selling pre-made 3D prints on platforms like Etsy. Etsy is well known for its handmade and unique items, making it a great marketplace for your 3D printed goods.
Ideas for 3D Printed Products to Sell on Etsy
You can sell a wide variety of products on Etsy, such as custom figurines, home decor items, keychains, jewelry, planters, and functional gadgets.
It’s all about finding the right balance between what you like to create and what people are willing to buy.
Tips for Choosing Which 3d Prints to Offer
It’s important to choose products that are in demand and that you enjoy making.
Start by researching what’s popular on Etsy and identifying gaps in the market. Look for items that are trending but aren’t yet oversaturated.
How to Stand Out on Social Media Platforms and Etsy
Standing out on Etsy requires creativity, great customer service, and effective use of social media platforms for audience engagement.
High-quality photos, clear descriptions, and responsive communication can set you apart. You can also offer customization to appeal to buyers looking for unique items.
2. Provide Niche 3D Printing Services
Offering specialized 3D printing services is another profitable option. By focusing on specific niches, you can cater to unique markets and stand out from the competition.
Potential Niches for Specialized 3D Printing
You could offer services to architects needing scale models, cosplay enthusiasts needing props, medical professionals requiring anatomical models, or local businesses in need of custom signage.
Choosing a niche helps you target your marketing and establish yourself as an expert in that area.
3. Launch a Local 3D Printing Business
You can also start a 3D printing business that serves your local community.
Offer printing services to local schools for educational models, maker spaces, or small businesses. Local partnerships can help you build a reliable client base and generate consistent work.
4. Expand Your Services with 3D Scanning
Adding 3D scanning services to your business can make you even more versatile, enhancing audience engagement and expanding your offerings.
With 3D scanning, you can help customers replicate objects, create digital files for future use, or even work on restoration projects.
5. Make Money by Selling Your 3D Designs
If you have skills in designing 3D models using 3D modeling software, selling your designs can be a lucrative option. You can sell these digital files to other 3D printing enthusiasts or businesses.
Subscription Model with Patreon
Patreon is a great platform to offer exclusive 3D models to your supporters.
You can provide monthly subscriptions where patrons get new STL files each month, creating a recurring income stream.
Selling Your Designs on Marketplaces
Selling your 3D models on online marketplaces is another great way to make money with a 3D printer by monetizing your designs.
Where to Sell Your 3D Models
Popular places to sell your models include MyMiniFactory, Cults3D, and CGTrader. These platforms allow you to reach a global audience and generate income from your designs.
6. Start a 3D Printing YouTube Channel
If you enjoy teaching or creating video content, starting a 3D printing YouTube channel can be a great way to share your passion for 3D printing while making money with a 3D printer through ad revenue, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and content monetization.
You can create videos about your prints, how-to videos, tutorials, software walkthroughs, or product reviews of 3D printing equipment.
Tips for Growing Your 3D Printing YouTube Channel
To grow your YouTube channel, focus on audience engagement. Respond to comments, create polls, and ask your viewers what kind of content they want to see next.
Consistency is key—regularly upload content to build a loyal following. Collaborate with other creators or 3D printer reviewers to reach a wider audience and increase visibility.
7. Offer an Online 3D Printing Course
Creating an online 3D printing course can be another income stream, allowing you to leverage content monetization and teach others how to make money with a 3D printer.
You can teach others about the basics of 3D printing, how to design models, or how to troubleshoot printing issues.
Topics to Cover in Your 3D Printing Course
Decide what aspect of 3D printing you’re most passionate about, whether it’s beginner lessons, advanced design techniques using 3D modeling software, or a specific niche like cosplay props.
The more specialized your course, the easier it will be to attract a dedicated audience.
8. Rent Out Your 3D Printer for Events
Renting out your 3D printer for events like science fairs, educational demonstrations, or even parties can be a fun and unique way to make extra income.
People love seeing a 3D printer in action, and it can be a great draw for events.
9. Sell Your Used 3D Printer
If you’re planning to upgrade or move away from 3D printing, you can sell your printer. A well-maintained 3D printer can still be quite valuable, especially if it comes with extra filament or add-ons.
10. Create Custom Promotional Products for Businesses
Another potential way to earn money with your 3D printer is by creating custom promotional products for local businesses.
Items like branded keychains, coasters, or even custom awards can be great promotional materials for small companies. Partner with local businesses to provide them with unique and cost-effective marketing products.
11. Manufacture Replacement Parts
You can use your 3D printer to manufacture replacement parts for household items, machinery, or electronics.
Many older products have parts that are no longer available, and people are often willing to pay for custom replacements to extend the life of their items. This can be particularly lucrative if you focus on a specific type of part or appliance.
12. Start a Subscription Box for 3D Printed Items
Consider starting a subscription box service featuring 3D printed items.
Each month, subscribers could receive a themed box with several unique 3D printed products, allowing you to generate recurring income with your 3D printer.
This model can generate recurring revenue and is a fun way to keep your customers engaged with new and exciting items each month.
13. Partner with Educational Institutions
Educational institutions often need physical models for teaching purposes, making this a great way to make money with a 3D printer.
You could partner with schools, colleges, or universities to provide educational models for subjects like biology, geography, or engineering.
These models can help students better understand complex concepts, and partnering with institutions can provide a consistent income stream.
Final Words,
There are countless ways to make money with a 3D printer, from creating customized products and offering services to selling digital models, and starting a subscription box service.
The key is to start with something that interests you and gradually grow from there. Whether you’re a hobbyist or want to take things further, 3D printing can be a great way to turn your creativity into a source of income. Start small, experiment, and see where your 3D printing journey takes you.
If this article has helped please share it so that it can help others too! Thanks for reading it and please feel free to come and join us in Discord or in our Facebook 3D printing group.
This page contains affiliate links and I earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of the links, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
