Are you wondering how to make money with a 3D printer? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. This article provides the answer to your question in its entirety.
Most people have heard about making money, but they do not make this idea into reality. But you will indeed become able to earn money if you truly master the skill and have a good 3D printer.
Moreover, once you become an expert in 3D printing skills, it is essential to search for a business that you can do by using your printer. Hence, delve into the article to explore more details related to making money through 3D printers.
How to Make Money with a 3D Printer: Overview
Making money is not an easy task, no matter what business or job you are doing. Particularly if you indulge yourself in a new business and most people are unfamiliar with it.
However, in some places, the competition in this business is shallow. In addition, giving online courses or making a youtube channel are some of the other options if you own a 3D printer.
What is 3D Printing, and How Does It Work
3D printing is the procedure of making three-dimensional objects by utilizing a computer-aided design (CAD). The printer uses a layering procedure for doing this. Moreover, 3D printers belong to a family named additive manufacturing. Their method is like conventional inkjet printers.
How to Use a 3D Printer
If you have an idea to make money with a 3D printer, it is inevitable to learn how to operate it. Check out the following step.
- Unbox the 3D printer with great care.
- Prepare the built plate of the printer.
- Turn on the printer and let it heat up.
- Do loading/ unloading of the plastic filament (depending on the type of printer).
- Level the bed of the printer.
- After doing all these steps, your 3D printer is ready to use.
How to Make Money With A 3D Printer: Tips to Follow
In this modern world, expenses have increased to a great extent. So, to fulfill the daily needs of life without any worry, everyone tries to diversify their income resources. To make money with your 3D printer could be a profitable option that you should go for as part of your interest.
Here we will be sharing some of the excellent tips you must follow if you desire to succeed in the 3D printing business.
Pre-made 3D Prints on eBay, Etsy, and Other Marketplaces
eBay or Etsy can prove a good and effective platform for selling 3D designs. A large audience is out there, so it will surely benefit you if you choose a platform like Etsy. You can interact with different types of people there.
You can sell pre-made items and customized ones, too, if your client wants. But there is a problem that a lot of clients are not willing to pay you more.
So, it is a daunting task to find a high-paying client. But if you luckily find a customer that pays you a reasonable price, you can earn a handsome amount.
Among many people who have already earned a good reputation and fame, finding a place for you is challenging. It will demand a lot of hard work to prove your item as unique and stand out among thousands of people. You can sell out your 3D printer on these platforms.
There is another thing about Etsy, and that is copycats. On this platform, if someone likes the stuff you are selling, they will copy it. Here we will mention some tips that can assist if you want to get recognition and orders.
- First of all, closely observe the successful people on Etsy.
- Find out what they are doing and try to follow them.
- If your client is happy with your item, ask for a review.
If you follow these tips, there are chances that your business on Etsy will flourish.
Sell Specialized Designs
If you want to sell your specialized 3D designs, it is necessary first to find out the niche you are interested in the most. Also, if you are looking to select such a niche that profits you the most, then it is of great worth to bear in mind the following points.
Firstly, observe yourself attentively and try to point out which things make you happy? It will not make you bored, so you will love the work you do. Moreover, you should look for the market as well.
Try to do some hard work and see the preferences and needs of your audience. Here we will like to mention some of the niches that can assist you in earning a good amount:
- Tabletop Miniatures
- Jewelry Designers
- Toy Designers
- Photocopying services (engineering firms)
- Architecture Firms
Giving specialized services can assist you in several ways. You will become the expert of that particular niche, and people trust you and see you as an authentic service provider.
However, always keep in mind that you will have to face loss in your business if you choose the wrong niche. So, take your time and do comprehensive market research before starting your business.
Start Your Own Local 3D Printing Business.
Initiating your own local business is another practical idea if you have a 3D printer and earn money with your 3D printer. Your setup can prove helpful for you in many ways.
Most people like not to become puppets in the hands of their bosses, and they urge them to become their bosses. Hence, if you are one of them, consider kicking start your business.
But it is not a piece of cake, and you have to do a lot of hard work to make your setup. Many 3D printing companies are providing high-quality services, and clients are pretty satisfied. So, it will be a tiring task for you to make your name among them.
Moreover, it is challenging to tackle customers’ complaints and make them happy with your services. Sometimes you have to face the issue of saturation in the market. So, it can prove good for you if you have done complete research before beginning your venture.
In addition, you need to have a hefty amount to make your business successful. So, never forget to arrange the amount. You can evaluate the budget by creating a business plan.
But it is worth mentioning here that if you luckily succeed in your business, you have a great chance to earn a handsome profit. Thus, do not forget to consider all these factors.
3D Scanning Service
If you have a 3D printer, it can prove a lucrative idea to give scanning and printing services. You will become able to earn an adequate amount if you consider providing these services. Most people prefer 3D scanning services and offer them on both small and large scales.
So, if you don’t have a 3D printer, get one and start working as a 3D scanning service provider. You can make enough clients and scale up your business.
Share Your Skills on Social Media and Youtube
YouTube is a powerful medium to share your content. You can make videos related to 3D printing and post them on Youtube. You have a chance to earn a significant amount if you fulfill all the rules of SEO. Moreover, ensure that your content is of premium quality.
Suppose you are a viewer and then make a video by keeping in account your preferences and choices. Furthermore, it may sound more accessible than others, but practically it is a pretty complicated task.
You have to make consistent efforts to make yourself stand out among many channels related to 3D printing. Besides earning from Youtube, you can build your clients through this network as well. So, in this way, you will be able to make a good amount.
Create Your Course on Udemy or Skillshare
If you have enough belief and confidence in your 3D printing skills, then it can be a choice for you to teach others about this valuable skill. Udemy and Skillshare are among the famous platforms for teaching or giving courses, and you can go for them.
But keep in mind that it is a complex task to make tutorial videos. In addition, your videos must be informative and accurate. There should not be any mistake in them; otherwise, people will lose their trust in you. Viewers will not consider you as an expert, and you will lose them.
Do Rent 3D Printer Business.
Renting is another way to earn money using a 3D printer. You can start a business of renting a 3D printer to those people who need it. However, it may not be a good idea as compared to others. Especially when the whole world is tackling the lethal coronavirus, it is challenging.
It can be a choice, but we will suggest you first consider the options mentioned above. But, if you could not make it possible with the other approaches, then it can be the last option to go for.
Where to Buy Your First 3D Printer
Now, we will talk about some of the places where you can buy a 3D printer. You can purchase the best 3D printer on Amazon, Walmart, eBay, or any store. However, if you do not want to buy it online, you can search for it in your nearby shops.
Here are the two top-notch 3D printers that you can buy from Amazon, Walmart, or eBay.
Dremel DigiLab 3D45 3D Printer
3D printers are available in the market. Moreover, you can buy it by visiting Amazon’s official website. Here is the list of some pros and cons.
Pros
- Good quality
- Convenient to operate
- Design is pretty safe
- Powerful software
- User friendly
Cons
- The touch screen does not provide a great response.
- The number of filament colors is less.
Original Prusa i3 MK3S
Original Prusai3 MK3S is another 3D printer of high -quality, and it will be worth a try. Here are some advantages and disadvantages that you may have to face if you opt for their services.
Pros
- Prints will be of premium quality
- Chances of misprints are rare
- Good Support
- Versatile software
- One kilogram PLA spool
Cons
- First layer calibration is quite difficult
- It needs monitoring
- It comprises of starter packet (filament)
So, there are the best 3D printers that are available in the markets. You can go with anyone depending upon your choice and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section will discuss answers to some FAQs, such as “can you make money with a 3D printer?” So, go ahead and get answers to such questions.
How much can a 3D printer make?
If you have learned to print and have purchased a high-quality printer, you have multiple options by utilizing a 3D printer. You can sell the 3D prints on various eCommerce platforms. In this way, you can earn a good amount.
Is 3D printing a good business?
Yes, if you are consistent and passionate, you can do wonders. In addition, hard work can pave the route to your success. So, do not give up, and give your best results will amaze you for sure.
Can you make anything with a 3D printer?
Yes, you can make several things with the assistance of a 3D printer. Here we will mention some of them:
- Sunglass Visor Clip
- Carabiner
- Flexi Rex
- Pencil Holder
- Headphone Stand
Is it legal to sell 3D prints?
Yes, it is safe and legit to sell your 3D prints. You can go for various famous platforms such as Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. However, make sure that your printed photos are good enough to stand out among all others.
In this way, you will get recognition, and people will come to you in mass quantities. As a result, you will make permanent clients and will help you earn an impressive sum of money.
Final Verdict
Well! That’s all about how to make money with a 3D printer so far. We hope you have got enough ideas about your query, and you will take a step to go for any of these options.
If you are already earning money through a 3D printer, share your experience with us in the comment section.
