3D printing technology has become more accessible and affordable in recent years. This opens up new opportunities for people to earn extra income or even start a small business using 3D printers. While 3D printers were initially expensive, there are now many affordable options available for home or small-scale use.
If you have a 3D printer or are thinking about getting one, you can explore various ways to generate revenue from it. Whether you want to pursue it as a full-time venture or simply earn some side income, 3D printing offers diverse possibilities.
In this guide, we will discuss straightforward and practical methods to make money with a 3D printer. From creating and selling physical products to offering customized printing services, there are multiple avenues to consider.
15 Ways To Make Money With a 3D Printer
Instead of just being a hobby, your 3D printer can become a small business. With some creativity and effort, you can sell the items you make or offer 3D printing services in your local area.
Making money with 3D printing is not complicated. You don’t need a fancy degree or a lot of startup capital. All you need is a 3D printer, some design skills, and the willingness to learn. Here are different ways to make money with a 3D printer.
1. Sell Pre-Made 3D Prints on Etsy
If you have a 3D printer, you can turn your hobby into a way to earn money. One easy way to do this is by selling pre-made 3D printed items on Etsy, a popular online marketplace.
On Etsy, you can sell a wide range of products, from decorative items to useful household goods. The key to success is to find out what people want to buy, make high-quality prints, and promote your products effectively.
To get started, you need to find out what products are in demand. You can do this by researching popular trends, seasonal demands, and emerging niches. This will help you create products that people want to buy.
You need to make sure your prints are of high quality. This means using good materials, setting up your printer correctly, and paying attention to details. This will help you build a loyal customer base.
You need to promote your products effectively. On Etsy, your product listings are the first thing customers see. So, make sure you write clear descriptions, use good photos, and use relevant keywords in your titles. This will help customers find your products and increase your sales.
2. Offer Specialized 3D Printing Services
To earn money using a 3D printer, you must be unique. Rather than creating common products, concentrate on one particular field or industry. For example, you could 3D print items for people who create tabletop games, jewelry designers, architects, or engineers needing prototypes. Specializing in a niche market will help you stand apart.
By specializing, you can become an expert in that area and charge more for your services. You’ll understand the specific needs of your clients and can tailor your services to meet those needs.
If you specialize in 3D printing for tabletop games, you’ll learn about the importance of detail, scale, and texture. This expertise can lead to long-term partnerships with game developers and designers.
Similarly, if you specialize in 3D printing for jewelry designers, you’ll learn about metalworking, gemstone settings, and design aesthetics. This can lead to collaborations with high-end jewelry brands and fashion designers.
Specializing has many benefits. You’ll be proud of your work, knowing you’re making a difference for your clients. You’ll build strong relationships and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends.
You’ll also be able to streamline your production, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. As you become a trusted expert, you can charge higher rates for your services, leading to more revenue.
3. Sell 3D Printing Models and Designs
If you possess design abilities and access to a 3D printer, you can transform those skills into a profitable business.
Sell your 3D printing models and designs online to generate income. This approach offers the potential for passive earnings and scales better than operating a 3D printing service business. Turn your talents into a money-making opportunity by selling your digital designs.
There are several platforms where you can sell your designs. Patreon is a great option if you can create a steady stream of content. You can offer exclusive designs, early access, or behind-the-scenes insights to your patrons. Etsy is another popular platform where you can sell individual designs.
The key to success is to understand what your target audience wants and needs. By creating designs that resonate with them, you can build a loyal customer base and encourage repeat business.
Selling 3D printing models and designs online is a great way to monetize your skills and make money with your 3D printer. With a little creativity and hard work, you can turn your passion into a profitable business.
4. Offer 3D Scanning Services
If you own a 3D printer, offering 3D scanning services can help you earn more money. 3D scanning involves using a special device to create a digital copy of a physical object.
This digital replica has many potential uses, such as designing new products, repairing old ones, or simply documenting an item’s existence. Provide 3D scanning as a service to monetize your 3D printer capabilities.
By offering 3D scanning services, you can help people who need to turn their physical objects into digital files. This can be very useful for people who design products, fix things, or want to keep a digital record of something. By combining 3D scanning and printing, you can offer a complete service to your clients.
There are many ways that 3D scanning can be used. For example, designers can use scanned data to create prototypes, test designs, and make their products better.
Architects can scan buildings and monuments to create detailed digital models. Historians can even use 3D scanning to preserve cultural artifacts for the future.
To start offering 3D scanning services, you’ll need to get a 3D scanner that works with your printer. There are many types of scanners available, ranging from small handheld devices to big industrial machines. You’ll need to choose a scanner that fits your budget and meets your client’s needs.
5. Produce Custom Promotional Products
Creating custom promotional products for businesses offers an excellent way to generate income with your 3D printer.
Companies continually seek innovative methods to promote their brand, and 3D printing enables you to produce unique items that will make them stand out. Leverage your 3D printing abilities to design distinctive promotional merchandise that businesses desire.
With a 3D printer, you can design and produce custom figurines, keychains, and other small items that businesses can use to promote their brand. This can be a very profitable business, as companies are willing to pay a premium for high-quality, custom promotional products.
One of the best things about 3D printing is that it allows you to create complex designs and shapes that would be impossible to make with traditional manufacturing methods. This means you can create truly unique and eye-catching products that will help businesses stand out.
Another advantage of 3D printing is that it allows for a high level of customization.
You can work closely with clients to design and produce products that fit their specific needs and branding. This level of personalization is hard to find with traditional manufacturing, making 3D printing a highly sought-after solution for businesses.
6. Manufacture Replacement Parts
Do you know how frustrating it is when you can’t find a replacement part for an old or unique item? Maybe it’s a vintage car, a household appliance, or a specialized tool.
The original manufacturer might not make the part anymore, leaving you stuck. But what if you could create the part yourself?
That’s where 3D printing comes in. With a 3D printer, you can make custom replacement parts that fit perfectly. This can be a great way to make money, as people are willing to pay for parts that are hard to find.
Think about it. Someone who owns a vintage car might be desperate to find a replacement part to get it running again. You could create that part and sell it to them. The same goes for people who need a specific tool for their job or a part of a household appliance.
7. Create Personalized Gifts and Accessories
Producing personalized gifts and accessories offers an excellent opportunity to make money with your 3D printer.
Utilizing 3D printing technology allows you to create custom products unavailable elsewhere. Leverage your 3D printer’s capabilities to manufacture unique, individualized items that customers desire as gifts or accessories.
Imagine being able to make phone cases with a person’s name or favorite sports team on it. Or, picture-creating jewelry with a special message or inside joke. These kinds of unique gifts are very popular, and people are willing to pay extra for them.
By making personalized gifts and accessories with a 3D printer, you can start a successful business that brings in money and makes people happy. Just think about how excited someone will be when they get a custom gift that’s just for them.
8. Develop and Sell 3D Printed Toys and Games
Designing and selling 3D-printed toys and games presents an excellent business opportunity for monetizing your 3D printer.
You can create and manufacture your own original toy and game designs, or provide 3D printing services to others looking to produce their creations.
This niche market allows you to tap into the growing demand for unique, customized playthings using your 3D printing capabilities. Consider exploring this avenue to generate income from your 3D printer.
Imagine creating custom action figures, board game pieces, or educational toys that kids love. With 3D printing, you can make these unique products and sell them online or in local stores. The toy market is growing, and 3D-printed toys are becoming more popular.
You can learn 3D design using software like Tinkercad or Fusion 360. Then, you can print your designs and sell them online or in person. By creating and selling 3D-printed toys and games, you can start a business that’s fun and profitable.
9. Give 3D Printing Classes and Workshops
As 3D printing becomes more popular, people are looking for ways to learn about this exciting technology.
If you’re already knowledgeable about 3D printing, you can make money by teaching others. By offering classes, workshops, or online tutorials, you can share your skills and help others get started with 3D printing.
Imagine being able to help someone create their first 3D-printed object or design. You’ll not only be making money, but you’ll also be helping others unlock the potential of 3D printing. As more people learn about 3D printing, the possibilities for what can be created will continue to grow.
You can offer classes for people of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced users. This could include teaching the basics of 3D printing, how to design objects, or how to use specific software.
By tailoring your classes to meet the needs of different learners, you can build a loyal following and establish yourself as a trusted teacher in the 3D printing community.
10. Manufacture Architectural and Engineering Prototypes
Your 3D printer can become a money-making tool by creating prototypes for architects, engineers, and designers. These professionals frequently need physical models of their designs for testing and improving their ideas.
If you offer specialized 3D printing services just for them, you’ll be providing a useful service they really need.
By focusing on this market, you can turn your 3D printer into a reliable source of income. Produce prototype models using 3D printing and you’ll have clients willing to pay for your skills.
Architects, engineers, and designers are willing to pay for high-quality prototypes that accurately represent their designs.
By specializing in 3D printing for these industries, you can charge higher rates for your expertise. This is a great opportunity to monetize your 3D printing skills and make money.
3D printing is perfect for creating prototypes because it’s fast, precise, and cost-effective. It allows for complex shapes, reduces waste, and enables designers to refine their designs quickly. This saves time and money, making it an attractive solution for professionals working on big projects.
11. Build Medical and Healthcare Devices
3D printing technology allows for the creation of custom prosthetics, medical devices, and implants. This capability has the potential to transform the medical and healthcare industries and earn money.
By developing expertise in 3D printing, you can collaborate with healthcare providers and medical research organizations to provide customized solutions. Offer your 3D printing skills to produce specialized medical products and revolutionize patient care.
Imagine creating a prosthetic limb that helps someone walk again or developing a medical device that improves a patient’s quality of life. The impact of your work can be significant, and so can the financial rewards.
By offering these services, you can establish a profitable business. But to succeed, you’ll need to understand the medical and healthcare industries and have the technical skills to deliver high-quality 3D printing services.
12. 3D Printed Home Decor and Accessories
The world of 3D printing has opened up new doors for creating unique and personalized home decor items. With a 3D printer, you can design and print amazing items like vases, planters, lamps, and wall art that people will love.
You can create a special lamp that fits perfectly with someone’s living room style, or a planter that adds a personal touch to their outdoor space. People are looking for unique items that reflect their individual styles, and 3D printing makes it possible.
If you have a passion for design and a 3D printer, you can turn your creativity into a business to make money with a 3d Printer at your home.
You can create a range of home decor items that are both functional and beautiful. From simple to complex designs, the possibilities are endless.
You can let your imagination run wild and create truly unique items. You can quickly test and refine your designs, and then print them out in no time. This makes it easy to get your products to market quickly and start selling.
13. Offer 3D Printing Services for Small Businesses
Many small businesses don’t have the resources or expertise to invest in their own 3D printing capabilities. By offering 3D printing services, you can provide a valuable resource to these businesses and make a profit.
With 3D printing, small businesses can create functional prototypes quickly and affordably. This helps them test and refine their designs before investing in large-scale production.
Custom packaging is a great way for small businesses to stand out from the competition. 3D printing enables the creation of bespoke packaging solutions that not only protect products during shipping but also provide an opportunity for branding and storytelling.
By partnering with a 3D printing service provider, small businesses can:
- Save money on production costs
- Get their products to market faster
- Increase product customization and flexibility
- Improve product quality and accuracy
14. Create Content About 3D Printing
Want to make money from your 3D printing skills? Become a content creator! Share your knowledge and experiences with others through videos, blogs, or social media, and you can earn money in different ways.
One popular way to do this is by creating a YouTube channel. You can make videos about 3D printing, like reviews of printers, tutorials on design software, or time-lapses of your prints. As your channel grows, you can earn money from ads on your videos.
You can also start a blog or video blog to share more about 3D printing. This helps you show off your expertise and provide valuable info to your audience. You can earn money by promoting products, working with brands, or selling digital products like ebooks or online courses.
Another option is TikTok, where you can make short, fun videos about 3D printing. As you get more followers, you can work with brands or make sponsored content.
15. Write Books About 3D Printing
When writing a book on 3D printing, consider the specific audience you aim to assist. Your choices include teaching beginners the fundamentals, providing advanced tips for enthusiasts, or guiding entrepreneurs on utilizing 3D printing for business purposes.
Clearly identifying your target audience allows you to create a book tailored perfectly to their needs and skill level. Determine who you want to help most, then craft your book’s content accordingly to best serve that particular group.
When you write your book, make it fun and easy to understand. Use simple language, examples, and pictures to help your readers learn. Add some real-life stories and interviews with other experts to make your book more interesting and believable.
Top-selling 3d Printed Items on Etsy
On Etsy, some of the most popular 3D-printed items that people love to buy are:
- 3D Printed Flower Vases
- 3D Printed Soap Dishes
- 3D Printed Keyrings
- 3D Printed Vintage Keychains
- 3D Printed Small Boats
- 3D Printed Wall Decor
- 3D Printed Table Lights
- 3D Printed Cylindrical Containers
- 3D Printed Crystal Gem Dragons
- 3D Printed Customized Desk Plaques
- 3D Printed Ghosts
- 3D Printed Flower Planters
- 3D Printed Dinosaurs
- 3D Moon Prints
- 3D Printed Herb Grinders
Popular 3d Printing Platforms To Sell Designs
Want to sell your 3D printing designs? Here are some popular platforms to consider:
- CG Trader: A big marketplace with lots of 3D artists and designers. You can earn 70% to 90% of the sale price, depending on how well-known you are.
- Shapeways: Here, you can set your own prices and earn money from sales. You can sell both 3D models and physical printed versions.
- Renderosity: This is a community marketplace for 3D artists. You can earn 50% of the sale price if you sell non-exclusive designs, or up to 70% if you sell exclusive designs.
- TurboSquid: This is a big marketplace, but it’s competitive. You can earn 40% of the sale price, or up to 80% if you join their special program and only sell on their site.
- MyMiniFactory: This community lets you sell 3D models and earn 60% of the sale price. But, they only work with one type of file format, called STL.
FAQs About Making Money With 3D Printer
How Much Money Can You Make With 3d Printing?
With a 3D printer, you can make thousands of dollars per month. But for this, you need to be perfect in the 3D printing technique.
Is 3D Printing a Viable Side Hustle?
3D printing can be a great way to make some extra money on the side, but it’s not as easy as it sounds. Some people have been able to sell 3D-printed items and earn a steady income, but it takes a lot of hard work and planning. You can’t just print and paint some products and expect to be successful.
Is It Illegal To Sell 3D Prints?
It’s not illegal to sell 3D prints, but it depends on the object being printed and sold. If the object is a copyrighted or patented design, selling it without permission from the owner can be illegal. Additionally, selling 3D prints of trademarked or licensed products, such as characters or logos, can also violate intellectual property laws.
How Expensive Is 3D Printing?
The cost of 3D printing can be very different, from just a few dollars to thousands of dollars. It depends on a few things, like what material you use, how complicated the design is, and how much work it takes. If you want to use a 3D printing service, the cost can range from $30 to $15,000. The type of printer used also makes a difference. You can get a basic printer for $100, or a super advanced one for $100,000.
Final Thoughts
There are lots of ways to make money with a 3d printer. It comes down to what interests you and what you’re skilled at.
One idea is to make and sell 3d printed items like figurines, phone cases, or home decorations. You can sell these online or at local markets. Another option is offering 3d printing services to people who need custom parts made, like engineers or designers.
If you’re good at teaching, you could give lessons on how to use 3d printers. No matter which approach you take, be prepared to put in hard work upfront.
Making money with 3d printing won’t happen overnight. But if you stick with it and keep improving your skills, you can potentially turn your printer into a nice little money-maker over time.
Brett is a tech enthusiast with a deep curiosity for exploring digital tools, apps, and gadgets that simplify everyday life. This passion led him to start his blog, where he shares in-depth reviews, helpful guides, and honest recommendations about the best apps and tech solutions available today.