3D printing is straightforward to learn and the hardware is affordable. The average person with another income can learn and start 3D printing as a hobby. We wrote a series of articles to help people turn their hobby into income and make money with 3D printing.
How to make money with 3D printing
3D Printing has captured the interest of a wide assortment of people. One of the reasons for the broad appeal is the versatility of 3D printing. 3D printing is used in all of the following ways:
- artists to sculpt and print works of art
- engineers to design and test prototypes
- hobbyist to print model parts, game pieces, costumes, etc.
We have written a collection of articles intended to provide a roadmap for making an income from 3D printing. Our information covers a broad experience range both for 3D printing as well as setting up a business.
There is a brief description of what is covered in each article. Follow the links to each article in the collection. Choose your own adventure and read or focus on each section in the order that is appropriate for you.
Bookmark this page if you want to come back to these articles repeatedly. It serves as the hub to all the others.
How to Choose the Best 3D Design Software for Your Business: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
There are multiple types of design software that can be used for 3D printing. This article discusses the differences between parametric CAD and sculpting design software and gives a few examples of each.
If you are on a tight budget we include freeware options as well as software that requires purchase or a license. Software selection depends on both your specific need as well as the knowledge you bring to the table.
Knowing what software to use is only part of the equation, you also need to know how to use it. We also have included some information about getting training on using 3D printer software.
Click How to Choose the Best 3D Design Software for Your Business: A Complete Beginners Guide to gain the software knowledge you need to get started to make money with 3D printing.
How to Choose the Best 3D Printer for Your Business: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
As technology goes, 3D printers do not need to cost a fortune. The size, type of material and precision needs of the print have the biggest impact on the 3D printer type and cost you will need. In this section we discuss the options for 3D printers and give a few examples of 3D printers that are suitable for different 3D print needs.
While not always necessary for the actual printing, the computer used for designing, slicing and monitoring your 3D print can play a significant role both in the amount of time and energy it takes. We discuss minimum platform needs for computers depending on the software and slicer being used.
Some 3D printers require additional post print processing. This includes curing, sanding, painting and even post print assembly. We discuss some of the hardware used for post print processing and share links for off the shelf equipment or tools to make them.
Click How to Choose the Best 3D Printer for Your Business: A Complete Beginners Guide learn about the hardware you will need to get started to make money with 3D printing.
How to Start a Small Business Selling Your 3D Printed Products (Prints) and Files (Designs): A Complete Beginner’s Guide
If you plan on building your hobby into a money making venture, you will likely need to set up a 3D printing business. We have included links and suggestions for developing a business plan and determining your business structure whether it is a sole proprietorship, limited liability company, etc.
We also provide information and links for registering your business within your state, getting an Employer Identification number (EIN) and even acquiring a business license if or as necessary. Finally we walk through the steps of protecting intellectual property via design patents or copyrights.
Click How to Start a Small Business Selling Your 3D Printed Products (Prints) and Files (Designs): A Complete Beginners Guide to learn the business startup information you will need to get started to make money with 3D printing.
How to sell, price and market your 3D prints or 3D files: A complete beginner’s guide
Are you ready to start making money by selling your 3D printing product online? In this article, we walk through some fundamental considerations when it comes to selling your products online.
Depending on whether you want to sell designs and prints on existing marketplaces or create your own website to market your creations, there are multiple options to choose from and we have provided the information to help make that decision.
Begin with links and information to existing marketplaces where you could start selling your designs and prints. Read information and links for how to set up your own online store.
Competitively price your product with information and links provided to help you. Consider our suggestions to keep you from undervaluing your time and material or pricing yourself out of the market. We finish with suggestions for marketing and advertising your products.
Click How to sell, price and market your 3D prints or 3D files: A complete beginners guide to learn the sales pricing and marketing information you will need to get started to make money with 3D printing.
Learn more about how to make money with 3D printing:
- Intro: How to Make Money 3D Printing: A Complete Beginner’s Guide (this article)
- Software: How to Choose the Best 3D Design Software for Your Business: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
- Hardware: How to Choose the Best 3D Printer for Your Business: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
- Business: How to Start a Small Business Selling Your 3D Printed Products (Prints) and Files (Designs): A Complete Beginner’s Guide
- Marketing: How to sell, price and market your 3D prints or 3D files: A complete beginner’s guide
