Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
In this age of technology, it’s no surprise that 3D printing technology has taken the world by storm. This innovative process has allowed people to create everything from prosthetic limbs to aircraft parts, and the sky is the limit when it comes to what can be created with this incredible machine. So it’s no wonder that many people are curious about how to make money with 3D printing for themselves. Luckily, there are many ways to do just that.
This article will walk you through how much it will cost you upfront to start this side hustle and which 3D printers are best for beginners. It’ll also walk you through what you can make to sell to customers as well as other types of services or designs to offer as a product to make money.
How much money can you make 3D printing?
This is usually the most common question that people want to know when it comes to starting this type of business. And, unfortunately, there really isn’t a right or wrong answer.
The amount of money that you can make with 3D printing can vary depending on what products you make, your target market, and where you sell your products. Some people choose to make and sell their own designs, while others find a manufacturer and start selling products wholesale.
Some manufacturers earn very little money, while others earn enough to support themselves full-time. How much you can make depends on how skilled you are at 3D printing as well. The average amount that people make with 3D Printing businesses is around $30,000-40,000 dollars per year. Just remember, you can make more than this or less depending on your skill and business model.
Best 3D Printers for Beginners
You might be wondering what are the best 3D Printers for beginners to start selling products? Also, what exactly is it that makes a good 3D Printer? While that is a topic in and of itself, hopefully this gives you a good idea of what to look for.
The characteristics of a good 3D Printer include being able to print large objects with accuracy, having safety mechanisms built in, resume printing and, of course, affordability. There are many different printers out there that fit these criteria, but some of the most popular 3D printers for beginners are listed here.
Monoprice Select Mini V2
This is a great entry-level 3D printer that is designed with beginners in mind. This unit comes fully assembled and pre-calibrated. It has an open filament system that is able to use other brand filaments, which helps to keep the cost down. Printing itself might be a little slower than other models, but that’s something to keep in mind with some of the more affordable printer options. It also comes at a very affordable price point making it a great budget 3D printer to start out with.
Creality Ender 5 Plus
For a great quality 3D printer at an affordable price, the Creality Ender 5 Plus is a good choice. The Ender 5 Plus, while being one of the pricier options on this list, is still very easy to assemble and can print larger-scale objects with ease.
One of the biggest reasons that people love the Ender 5 Plus over other budget models is that it comes out of the box with a heated bed and auto-leveling sensors.
This means that you don’t have to worry about manually leveling the print bed or calibrating your printer. This technology makes it very easy for anyone to start printing whatever they want with their Ender 5 Plus right out of the box. It’s also just a solid machine in general, so if you’re looking for a printer that will last, then the Ender 5 Plus is a great option.
ANYCUBIC Mega X 3D Printer
The Mega X is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a desktop 3D printer with a large bed size. The biggest positive of this model is that it comes built in with easy to use leveling sensors and the ability to print larger objects due to its spacious casing. Also, its super high precision is a big crowd pleaser.
If you’re looking for a good model that will help you build products you can sell, go with this printer because it has a lot of the same features as some of the more expensive models without breaking the bank.
Where to buy a 3D Printer from
The best place to buy a 3D printer from is online or from your local electronics store. Stores like Best Buy often carry a variety of different printers, so you can test out the different models and find out which one fits your needs the best. If you don’t have a nearby store or don’t feel like going to one, there are many online retailers that sell printers, including Amazon. And let’s be honest, it’s so much easier and more convenient to order from Amazon these days.
How much does a 3D Printer cost?
The average price for a 3D printer is about $500, though the more you spend, the better features you’re likely to get. For example, if you want one that can print larger objects with high levels of detail, then it’s going to be more expensive than a cheaper model that might print smaller objects faster.
The cheapest options can be an average of $150-$300, and the most expensive options start around $1,500. Of course, we’re not just judging quality by price here, but as a buyer, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. The more expensive 3D printers are faster and offer better print qualities than their cheaper counterparts.
What can I make with a 3D Printer?
When it comes to a 3D design, there’s really no limits besides your imagination for what you can create. People are using 3D printers to make all kinds of things these days, but here are some of our favorite projects that you might find fun to try out or market to potential customers.
Phone Cases
If you’re looking for a great way to make some quick cash, 3D printing your own phone cases might be the answer. The best thing about this business is that you can design any type of case you wish, and if it becomes popular, you could potentially become an iPhone or other phone cover designer. That’s a pretty solid niche nowadays with a lot of people in need of a phone case (and lots of new phones consistently coming out).
Fashion Accessories
3D print your own jewelry! This is an awesome product to market because you can make pretty much anything you like, and it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves personalization or custom jewelry. In the fashion niche, you could make earrings, necklaces, pendants, rings, or even bracelets. People are always looking for personalized jewelry and really unique jewelry that everyone else doesn’t already have. Jewelry is also a great gift among friends or lovers so it’s usually got a great market.
Household Items
Print custom light switch covers, door knobs, tool holders–the sky’s the limit when it comes to household items. This is a great project for the tech-savvy DIYer who likes to customize their surroundings. Household items are also very popular with customers because they can be personalized with initials, names, or even family photos. With all of the DIY and remodeling going on nowadays, this type of product is sure to be a hit.
Architectural designs
If you’re a design whiz and have architectural training, then 3D printing your own architecture designs is a great way to start making money with your printer. You can sell these models as physical prints or digital files, it’s up to you. This is a great business for targeting non-residential customers, but could possibly interest some residential customers as well.
Scale Models
Scale models are a great way to make money with your 3D printer. Designing scale models is a lot of fun, and you can sell them as one-of-a-kind items or design more once the demand picks up. Examples include scale models of a specific city or even an awesome scale model of a boat or car.
Movie Props
Designing movie props can be a tough business to get into, but if you’re really committed then it’s definitely something to consider doing. As more movie props are being made with 3D printers, the demand for custom props has skyrocketed! If you’re into the film scene, this can be a fun side business to look into.
Custom wedding cake toppers
Have you ever seen those incredible-looking wedding cake toppers that copy the bride and groom’s faces in perfect detail? Well, you can make those! If you already know how to use a 3D printer, this is an excellent way to earn yourself some extra money. All it takes is a little bit of design work and a high-quality 3D printer and you’re good to go!
Custom Toys and Figures
If you have kids or if you’re just a big kid at heart, then consider 3D printing your own custom toys. This is an especially popular project with LEGO enthusiasts because they can design their own unique figures for display purposes–and even more fun if you find a way to sell them to make money! It’s critical to keep up with current trends so you know what sells best at any one moment.
Video Game Accessories
Do you love video games? Why not 3D print your own video game accessories, like the different props that are used in each level. You can make anything from an awesome looking sword or shield, to even characters from the game itself. People would definitely pay to get their hands on one of these if they were designed well enough! Be careful of copyright laws though if this is something you’re interested in doing. You’ll want to read up more on that information first.
Custom Figurines
If you love designing things, then you might like to make custom figurines. This is another project that doesn’t require any design work on your part, however you do need to find the right printer for this kind of project–some printers can print bigger objects than others.
How to Make Money with a 3D Printer
There are several other ways that you can make money with a 3D Printer besides creating specific items or objects. Many of these other methods involve offering your printing services out to others, creating products or courses for others to use, or even building prototypes or 3D models for others. All of which make great 3D printing businesses and are some of the best ways to make some extra money!
Create Printing courses or printing classes
If you find that you’re pretty good at 3D Printing or that you understand how to make a certain kind of product, there might be a niche for you in teaching. That knowledge is pretty valuable right now. There are some excellent sites out there that you can setup a course on (like Udemy). These sites could be great ways for you to share your knowledge but also make money with 3D printing.
Create a Youtube Channel
If you’re really good at using your 3D printer, you might be able to create a Youtube channel to show others how they can do it too. This is a great way to make money because lots of people are interested in learning more about this exciting new hobby and sie hustle. Creating a channel is also a great way to capture a target audience and make money through ads or other products you offer in tandem.
Offer Rapid Prototyping Services
Do you have a knack for 3D design? If so, then offer your services out to people who need you to create prototype items or models. This can be really fun because it’s taking an idea and turning it into something tangible. It’s also a really valuable skill to have as a lot of entrepreneurs out there need prototypes built for their products or designs.
Offer your Design Skills to Customers
If you have the talent and would like to work with external customers, consider using your 3D design skills to make custom products or models for others. Not everyone has the time to learn how to use a 3D Printer, and they would pay a decent dollar to have someone else do it for them. Often these customers have a specific item in mind but are looking to connect with someone who is able to build it out for them.
Sell Personalized Products
People will pay for customized products, especially if they can’t purchase them from a store. If you love to design, then why not create custom items for others? This could be clothing, household items, toys or anything else under the sun–as long as it’s personalized!
Offer Services as a 3D Printing Troubleshooter
If you find that people keep running into issues with their 3D Printers, you might consider offering your services as a technician to help them get back to printing again. This is especially true for small local businesses who might not know how to troubleshoot their own equipment. This is a great business for those who really understand the equipment and how to troubleshoot when things go wrong. This may not be a beginner endeavour but it would be an awesome service once you get the hang of things later on.
Build 3D Models for Clients
Many people need 3D models, but they don’t necessarily have the time or patience to learn how to create them on their own. These projects could range from quick and easy to slightly more complex. Examples of 3D Models that you could make include creating a 3D model of an item that needs to be scanned, creating a simple figure with some measurements, or even creating a model of the human body for studies.
Start a blog about 3D Printing
This is a great way to make money with 3D Printing and a way that is pretty passive too. Blogs are pretty simple to set up and maintain, and they can help build an online following if they’re done correctly. This would be a good business for someone who already has some experience with blogging or using social media outlets as a way to engage a target audience.
Which 3D Prints and 3D Designs sell quickly?
People often ask which designs or products would be profitable to sell for 3D Printing. In most cases, the best things to print as a business are those that have been around for awhile, and don’t go out of style. Items such as toys, nerd paraphernalia, figurines and anything else that has been popular through history will most likely be popular forever and could easily sell with a 3D Printer.
Other designs that sell best are those that people use most often in their day-to-day lives. Items such as cups, cell phone cases and even shoes have potential to bring in the most money. Just be sure to add a little customization to your products so that people can get exactly what they want.
Where to sell the 3D items you print
Once you have created your 3D Printed products, where should they be sold to potential clients? There are many ways to sell your items online–the most popular being Etsy and Ebay. These sites often give you a wider audience to reach out to, but it might not always be easy for new sellers to get themselves established on these platforms. There are several options that you can choose to sell your products or services which include:
Creating your own website
There are many DIY website platforms to choose from, and it’s easy to create a website with these options. The advantage of having your own website is that you don’t have any fees other than the cost of buying a domain name and hosting–but you would be responsible for the sale and marketing yourself.
Choose the right E-Commerce Website
E-commerce websites are third party sites that allow you sell items with their platform. This lets you outsource all of the hassle and work, but it also comes at a cost. Be careful to check the percentage these sites take in fees before you decide if they’re right for your business or not.
The most popular e-commerce websites to sell your products or services are Etsy and Ebay.
Social Media Sites
You can market your 3D Prints and other products on many social media sites as a way to gain more customers. Facebook is the most popular option and often has groups for specific products or niches. This can be a great way to connect with people who might be interested in your items, but it takes time and lots of effort as well as some marketing experience. Pinterest could be another good option for gaining traction, as it allows you to show off your products pretty easily.
Is 3D Printing a Good Business?
The answer to this question is completely up to you and your goals. If you want a business that will earn you some real money, then 3D Printing could be the perfect option for you.
If you’re looking for a bit of passive income, it might not be the best approach as it will take time to create a set of products that others would buy without you putting in extra work. Most often, those with 3D Printing businesses are actively creating designs or 3D Models for others. If you are able to build a 3D Model that others can purchase from you, you could have the option to make a passive income this way.
There is definitely a learning curve to start a 3D Printing business but overall it can be a lucrative business if you have the right potential customers or products/services in mind. If you’re focused on local markets it might be a little more difficult to find enough business for you to make an income but if you’re selling online it opens up a world of possibilities.
An example of a great business model for 3D Printing is to target small businesses looking to buy customizable products, such as glasses for parties and events. You can get a 3D Printer and start creating unique designs that people would be happy to pay money for.
With this side hustle, it’s important to find a niche market that works best for you. Often you can get really good at creating a specific type of product or offering a select service to your customers that they are willing to pay more of a premium for. It does take some time and practice to get to this level but is definitely the way to make it in this business.
Is 3D Printing Expensive?
You might be wondering how much money do I need to start a 3D printing business. There are several costs that should be factored in before getting started.
The cost of owning a 3D Printer is the biggest consideration when deciding to start a 3D printing business. If you’re looking for an inexpensive model, you can get started with one around $300. This cost would cover the printer itself though, not factoring in any supplies or other costs.
Supplies for a 3D Printer include the filament cost and the computer to run it. You can get a spool of filament for $20, but higher quality materials may cost upwards of $100.
You definitely want to factor in the cost of the 3D Printer, maintenance on that printer, any needed software or courses to learn how to print, and don’t forget to budget in supplies for the printer.
—
Starting a 3D Printing business can be a great way to make some extra money, but it takes time and effort to get started. You need to find your niche market, focus on high-quality products, and learn the basics of how to use a 3D printer.
If you enjoy 3D Printing or want to learn how to use one, this can be a great side hustle for some extra money every month. 3D Printing is such a cool technology that has changed a lot of markets and ways that businesses source their products. It’s a great business model to start if you’re good at it and can make the time to learn and get better. There is a small startup cost for the business as well as some initial time investment learning, but it’s a great way to create a side income.
Let’s hear it. Are you interested in starting a 3D Printing business? If so, what do you hope to sell?