“Home” 3D printer: how to print a business

3D printers are becoming increasingly popular. They are bought for use in offices, design studios, design bureaus, auto repair shops and much more. These devices are no less in demand among ordinary people, who use them to print three-dimensional models they have created. Mostly, of course, for entertainment and creative expression. But apart from the above, 3D printers can also be a great way to make money. Now, when exclusivity is valued above all else, the production of such products becomes especially relevant. At the same time, the costs of their

production will be very small, and the benefits will be obvious.

There are many benefits to 3D printing, including:

• Ease of use.
• The ability to produce any item, even the most complex in configuration.
• Minimal costs for purchasing the necessary materials and training.
• Wide range of applications.
• The ability to create unique things.

With the help of a 3D printer it is easy to bring any idea to life. Everything that previously seemed fantastic and was inaccessible is now quite real. Moreover, it can also bring in good money. Don't believe me? We will tell you how to make 3D printing a source of good income. Catch 8 business ideas!

Toys, souvenirs, figurines

The most obvious, but no less profitable option. Have you noticed how many different souvenirs we bring with us from vacation? Their cost seems insignificant, but for someone who sells several hundred or even thousands of such items a day, the amount adds up to be quite significant. Because of their low price, it is small goods that many people willingly buy - as a keepsake, as a gift to loved ones, or simply because they liked something.

3D souvenirs

Souvenirs and small toys are in constant demand, and if you can create something really interesting and 3D print it, people will be willing to buy it from you. Moreover, this can be done even on a fairly simple 3D printer.

Now that all kinds of comic book and cartoon characters are extremely popular among both children and adults, the demand for their mini-copies is very high. Not everyone can afford to buy expensive branded toys, and therefore their cheaper analogues, which are practically the same in quality, will be in great demand.

Popular movie character made on a 3D printer

You can accept orders for such products privately (for example, through your own website) or produce them immediately in batches and deliver them to specialized stores and kiosks - it doesn’t matter, the only question is to find your market.

We list the possible options for such products:

• small toys for children;
• symbols of various holidays;
• figurines of heroes of films, TV series, mini-copies of artifacts from them;
• miniature inscriptions (organization name, logo, character name)
• all kinds of emblems, logos and coats of arms.

3D printed children's toys

Advertise and promote your products through popular social networks. This will allow you to find buyers faster and give you a chance to introduce yourself to a larger audience. And, of course, a lot depends on the quality of the design of your products. If it is at its best, the result will not be long in coming.

Mini copies of people

A very promising branch of modeling. Interest in this kind of products is increasing every day. If earlier it was quite difficult to get your exact miniature copy, now it is quite achievable. More and more people want to have such a “toy” both for themselves and as a gift to family and friends.

Mini copy of a person in 3D

If you are engaged in processing and printing photographs, then an additional service in the form of a 3D selfie will come in handy. Usually, many people don’t even think about having such a “souvenir,” but when they learn about such an opportunity, they often agree. And it’s also unlikely that anyone will refuse a “present” in the form of their own mini-copy. They always evoke a lot of emotions in the recipients, which makes such figurines a very interesting and memorable gift option.

Extrusion (FDM/FFF)

Material: thermoplastics

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) is the oldest and still the most popular 3D printing technology. The consumable material here is a plastic thread, which is fed from a spool into the extruder. It melts in it and is squeezed out layer by layer through a nozzle onto the printing platform. Print data is usually stored in .stl format. This file is loaded into a slicer program, which cuts the model into layers, and in this form it is sent for printing.

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of types of filament (plastic) on the market for such printers: both for amateur printing and for solving complex engineering problems.

FDM/FFF printers are available in all price ranges. There are models for $150 that are suitable as a gift for a child, and there are also industrial installations - similar, for example, is used by Airbus to create aircraft parts.

fashionable accessories

The fashion industry is rapidly conquering an increasing share of the global market. Each of us somehow decorates ourselves in one way or another in order not only to become more attractive in the eyes of others, but also to stand out and declare our own individuality. Therefore, people will always buy fashionable things. However, not everyone can afford branded clothing, but they still want to look modern and beautiful. The easiest way to do this is with the help of unusual accessories that will help “refresh” any look. With a 3D printer, it is easy to produce such products and sell them at an affordable price via the Internet. The use of new technologies in clothing and jewelry is a trend that is becoming increasingly widespread. Take advantage of this!

3D accessories

Cases for smartphones and tablets printed in 3D format are also no less relevant in our time. Compared to standard cases, they look quite unusual, since 3D printing makes it possible to create openwork patterns, weaving and inscriptions of various shapes. This distinguishes such products from those produced in mass production. They invariably arouse the interest of many, especially the younger generation - the main target group.

Phone case made using 3D technique

The covers can be either your own design or custom-made (which, of course, is more expensive). There is variability in color, shape, and softness/hardness - depending on what type of plastic will be used. With proper presentation and advertising on social networks, there is a high probability of good sales.

Exotic materials - comparison table

Food products

Few people know about this, but 3D printers are also actively used in the food industry. They can create real masterpieces of culinary art, “drawing out” every detail with pinpoint precision. We are talking not only about confectionery products - sweets, pastries, cakes or cookies, but also about other dishes. Both novice and experienced chefs will appreciate this know-how. After all, it significantly reduces cooking time and helps diversify the menu. You just need to understand the appropriate software.

3D printed sweets

The possibilities of 3D printing are practically unlimited: any symbol, shape and size is subject to it. Its use will allow us to launch the production of signature culinary products, which can be produced under our own brand or to order. The cost of such a printer pays off very quickly, especially if you already have your own circle of regular clients and customers.

Low Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

This is the most common type of plastic in the world, from which PET bottles, canisters, pipes, films, bags, etc. are made. In 3D printing, low-density polyethylene is an unsurpassed leader. This material can be used in any 3D printing technology.

3D printed polyethylene shoes

Architectural models and prototypes

This type of income from a 3D printer is also very common. If previously it was necessary to put a lot of effort and money into creating any object, from the moment of design to release, now this path has been noticeably shortened. Technologies have stepped far forward and make it possible to implement any ideas literally in a matter of days, or even hours. That's how much it takes to 3D design and print a prototype of something.

3D prototype of the product

Any production process is unthinkable without preliminary preparation and creation of mock-ups of future products. However, not everyone has the appropriate equipment for this. In addition, not everyone will be able to quickly figure out how to work with a 3D printer or master special programs. In this case, it is always easier and faster to entrust this matter to professionals. Therefore, there are always enough people willing to use these services.

Architectural 3D layout

The same applies to the preparation of architectural models. Not all construction companies and design bureaus are ready to purchase a 3D printer for the above purposes. Firstly, they are not very cheap, and secondly, they require certain knowledge and skills. You can create and print prototypes of various buildings, structures, cars and charge money not only for the products themselves, but also for the previous stage - the development of a three-dimensional model.

Medical products

Another area where 3D printing can become a very profitable business is the production of medical prosthetics and other products. For example, temporary crowns, aligners (special devices for correcting bites), artificial teeth and demonstration models, orthopedic insoles, hearing aids, etc. The high precision of reproduction that 3D printers provide is especially relevant in this case. They have become very widespread in dentistry.

Demonstration models of teeth made using 3D printing

Previously, dental technicians had to spend a lot of time and effort to make patients mouth guards or crowns that fit them. Casts and impressions were taken as a basis. Now in many clinics, an alternative to this method is computer modeling technology. In the case of aligners, they can be easily printed, just like plastic crowns and dentures.

Until now, some medical organizations are forced to cooperate with foreign companies that make custom-made mouthguards. Having the equipment for their production, you will be a more desirable and profitable partner who will save doctors time and money. Therefore, this income option is very possible. Well, when it comes to clinic owners, then there is nothing to say: the introduction of 3D printing technology will bring you tangible benefits, since not only will you not have to pay for other people’s services, but you will also earn money from your own by offering them to clients.

Accessories

3D printing of auto parts is becoming increasingly common. Firstly, it is very convenient and fast, since you can immediately replace a failed element. Secondly, it is affordable. Well, the most important “advantage” of such parts is their 100% similarity to the original, which guarantees high-quality operation of the entire mechanism.

As a rule, such spare parts include all kinds of plugs, gears, bushings and fasteners made of plastic. Sometimes it takes a lot of time and effort to find them, because not all stores have a wide range of similar products. And this is where 3D printing comes to the rescue. A couple of days - and you get a complete analogue of the lost part.

3D printed auto part

3D printers are a great investment for both auto repair shop owners and those who sell automotive components. You can also use inexpensive printer models for these purposes; the only thing you need is the ability to work in CAD systems.

Original products and art objects

It is impossible not to mention the use of 3D printers for the production of all kinds of art objects. These can be unusual interior details created according to the author’s sketches, individual sculptures decorating any space, or exhibition pieces representing an artistic statement. For printing them, a regular FDM printer is quite suitable, which can be used both for printing individual fragments of the figure, and the whole. This is determined primarily by its size. In the case of large products, they will have to be printed in parts, and then assembled, glued, sanded, then primed and painted in the desired color.

Interior element made on a 3D printer

If you plan to work with large forms, then it is better to purchase several printers at once - this will make the process go faster.

The sculptures obtained in this way are practically no different in appearance from those made from natural materials. However, they are much cheaper and easier and faster to manufacture.

Art object “Lion” made using a 3D printer

Creation of spare parts

An equally profitable way to make money using a 3D printer can be the production of spare parts. These can be parts of household appliances and electronics that are almost impossible to find in retail sales. Elements made using 3D printing will be in demand among owners of such devices, who will be able to repair rather than throw away failed devices. In this case, you will have to work to order, because it is impossible to foresee in advance what spare parts will be needed.

The owner of a 3D printer can also earn money by manufacturing car parts. For example, gears made of plastic, three-dimensional inscriptions and emblems, headlight washers, car radio housings and dashboard parts. To sell such parts, you will have to look for specialized automotive communities and groups on social networks, offering your services in the appropriate sections.

XYZPRINTING da Vinci 1.0 3D printer model , which you can buy for only 165,000 rubles. Among the features of the device are a closed chamber with a working space of 20x19x20 cm, high-quality detailing of the resulting products, and the use of two different materials simultaneously. The model does an excellent job of scanning, engraving and printing medium-sized parts.

3D business is a new trend

3D printing technology is increasingly becoming part of our lives. It allows you to implement the most daring and creative ideas and implement them almost instantly. If earlier this took a lot of time and money, now, with the advent of 3D printers, it is becoming easier. Every day new opportunities for their use appear, and in 10-12 years they will hardly seem exotic - rather, an integral part of office equipment. But, among other things, these devices are also a great way to make money. By approaching this issue wisely, you can recoup your costs many times over in just a few months. As practice shows, this area is very promising and actively developing.

We told you about the most promising and easily implemented business ideas based on the use of 3D printing. Of course, there are many more ways to turn this activity into a profitable business.

If you don’t know where to start and how to understand the whole variety of 3D products, then read our blog and learn about all the new trends in this area, as well as how to choose the right 3D printer, scanner, and additional materials for you. him and much more. You can also always contact specialists - and we will answer all your questions on this topic.

3D copy of a person, selfie products

3D printers expand our understanding of what can be made original for an important, loved one. The gifting industry is steadily moving towards personalization of gifted items. Three-dimensional printing offers options such as a bust or a small figurine, repeating in detail the image of the gift recipient. To do this, you need to carefully scan the person using a special scanner and load the data into the program. A high-power 3D printer, such as Mcor IRIS, will reproduce a mini-copy of a person with amazing accuracy. This model uses plain paper, which guarantees a highly environmentally friendly final product.

3D printers are gradually ceasing to be a novelty, gaining momentum in popularity around the world. Experts assure that soon they will look as natural in every home as a washing machine or computer. The consumer has a very wide choice of device models; all he has to do is determine for himself the direction of its use and make a choice according to his financial capabilities.