3D printing is on the rise, and there’s no shortage of individuals and businesses that are making money with their 3D printers today. The technology is literally in its infancy, which means there’s plenty of room for creativity when designing 3D-printed products.
The market for 3D printed products is exploding, and it’s something that you can cash in on right now. Whether you’re a designer, artist, or entrepreneur looking to share your vision with the world, this article will show you how to make money with your 3D printer.
Table of Contents
Ways to make money with a 3D printer
Create 3D Printed Prosthetics
This first idea focuses on giving back to your local community. The number of individuals whose lives have been changed by the invention of 3D printers is enormous, and it will only continue to grow as time goes on. If you’re a designer with a passion for helping the less fortunate, consider designing a 3D printed prosthetic for an individual in need.
For example, amputees might be looking for creative ways to deal with the loss of a limb. If you have the resources, use your 3D printer to create realistic-looking prosthetic limbs that are perfectly suited to the individual in need. These limbs will be customized to fit perfectly on the missing limb and can be adjusted at any time for a more comfortable fit.
Create 3D Printed Components
The number of different items that can be created using 3D printers is staggering. The possibilities are endless, and the need for these objects is as significant as ever. If you are interested in creating customized parts for specific applications, a 3D printer is an ideal tool to use.
3D printers can be used to create custom laboratory equipment or additional components for any industrial equipment. The possibilities are almost endless, and the uses for 3D printers that need custom components are virtually limitless.
Create 3D Printed Art
This idea is related to creating items to display art. If you’re an artist and a fan of 3D printing, there’s a good chance that you can incorporate both of these interests. If you have the skills, use your 3D printer to create customized art pieces or sculptures.
Once you create the artwork, you can sell it on Etsy or offer a limited quantity through your local art gallery. You never know what type of opportunities might come your way once your artwork is featured in an art gallery, so it’s worth taking a chance.
Create 3D Printed Jewelry
Jewelry is another area where 3D printing can make a huge difference. The jewelry industry has already adopted 3D printing technology to a certain extent, but it can be taken to the next level. If you’re a fan of creating jewelry and have the skills to do so, consider making 3D printed jewelry for personal use or for sale on online marketplaces.
Jewelry is one of the fastest-growing industries on the planet right now, and it has a long way to go before it’s completely saturated. If you have access to a 3D printer, it makes perfect sense to create custom jewelry pieces for sale.
Create 3D Printed Accessories
The accessories market is also ripe for the taking. As smartphones and smart home devices become more prevalent, it’s become evident that people are looking for advanced accessories to make their lives easier. If you have a passion for creating accessories, it makes sense to use your 3D printer to create items that will make a difference in the lives of others.
For example, if you’re an avid biker, you can use your 3D printer to print custom bike accessories. These accessories can be designed to keep your phone or bike lock in place, and they will make riding your bike a lot easier.
Start a 3D Printing Store
Creating 3D printed items is more than a hobby; it’s a business opportunity you can capitalize on right now. If you have a passion for creating customized merchandise, consider creating your own 3D printing store. You can capitalize on the 3D printing craze while making a profit at the same time.
By starting your own 3D printing store, you’ll have an opportunity to share your vision with the world. You can sell the items you create on any popular eCommerce website or start your own online storefront that focuses exclusively on 3D printed merchandise.
3D Print Home Decor Items
If you have a knack for creating unique home decor items, consider making 3D printed items that can be used for decoration. Many individuals are looking for creative ways to update the look of their home, and you can provide these individuals with fun and stylish products.
For example, you can 3D print animal figurines that have a realistic look. People who are passionate about creating home decor items will absolutely be interested in purchasing your custom figurines for their homes.
3D Print Furniture
If you have the skills to create custom furniture, consider making your own line of 3D printed furniture. You can sell this furniture on an online marketplace or in a brick-and-mortar store. The world has seen a huge increase in the number of people interested in buying environmentally friendly products, and furniture made using 3D printers is a perfect example of this type of product.
3D Print Toys
Toys are a big business. More and more children are growing up with online devices that keep them distracted, and they’re looking for new ways to play. This is where 3D printers can make a difference. If you have the skills to create toys, you can use a 3D printer to create many perfect toys for children.
You can use this 3D printer to create models of cars, ships, airplanes, and much more. As an added benefit, you’ll be able to create toys that have a realistic look. 3D printed toys can also be designed with a theme that’s specific to your business ideas.
3D Print Ventilation and Lighting
One of the biggest mistakes that many homeowners make is not properly ventilating their homes. If you live in a climate-controlled area, consider having a 3D printer create custom ventilation systems.
People who are interested in sustainable and eco-friendly products will be especially interested in your custom ventilation systems. What’s more, you can create 3D printed lighting fixtures that increase the overall lighting level of your home.
3D Print Kitchen Accessories
Do you have a passion for cooking? If so, you can use your 3D printer to create custom kitchen accessories. For example, you can use your 3D printer to create fun and stylish bottle openers to make opening bottles much easier.
People who are interested in custom kitchen accessories will be interested in purchasing your products. Plus, you can create several other kitchen accessories that’ll add beauty to any kitchen.
Create Prototypes for Startup Businesses
Startups need an inexpensive way to get their prototypes made. This is where you come in with your 3D printer. Since you’ll be using your 3D printer to create these prototypes, you can keep the costs low.
If you use a 3D printer to create the prototypes for a startup business, you can help them save money on the initial capital they need. In the end, the startup business will be more likely to grow and succeed.
3D Printed Toys for Pets
You don’t have to be a parent to appreciate the benefits of 3D-printed toys. If you love animals, you can create some custom toys that will keep pets entertained.
You’ll find that 3D printed toys for pets are especially profitable because people love spending money on their four-legged friends. One of your top-selling items will undoubtedly be toys that encourage pets to play and interact with their owners.
3D Printing Medical Products
You can use your 3D printer to create several medical products. The most common products that people make are custom medical splints and models of organs and bones to practice surgical procedures.
You may even be able to customize hospital equipment that you can sell to doctors and hospitals for a profit. These items will need to be approved by the FDA before they can be sold, but it’s still something you should pursue.
Conclusion
No matter what type of 3D printing business you decide to start, you should be able to achieve your goal in a relatively short period. You may even have the opportunity to create local and national success if your product is attractive and hits the market at just the right time.
Remember, marketing is still one of the most critical aspects of your business. You should create a professional and memorable 3D printing company logo and make sure that all of your products are branded so that people know that they are receiving a quality product from you. If you do these things successfully, you should be able to establish yourself as a great 3D printing company in no time.
3D printing is super hot right now, and there are plenty of opportunities for you to make money. With a bit of creativity, you’ll be able to turn your passion for producing something out of thin air into a cash-generating business in a relatively short time.
