How to Make Money With A 3D Printer in 7 Profitable Ways

Is 3D printing a good business to make extra money? Let’s find out! Here are various and legit ways how to make money with a 3D printer. 

Finding the best ways to earn money takes work, but if you really want to get extra income, you can easily find something profitable, like 3D printing.

3D printing is making a 3-dimensional object by layers through computer-created design. If you’re business-minded and want to do something in your spare time, this could be a smart way to make money online and offline. 

In this article, we’ll look into the business prospects of 3D printing, list the best printers available in the market, and inform you of the various options you could choose to make your 3D printer into a money-making machine. 

7 Best Ways How To Make Money With a 3D Printer

A 3D printer can be valuable if you know how to use it. 

In this section, we’ll discuss all the possible methods you can use to generate good income from your 3D printer.

1. Rent Your Printer

A good 3D printer can cost thousands of dollars, which is why many people prefer picking it up on rent. If you have just bought a 3D printer, are looking for a great way to cover the cost, and need money now, you should start renting out your printer.

As previously discussed, printers can be expensive, so you need to set some rules and policies before starting the rental service. These rules must include damage charges and additional costs depending on the project. 

It can be a great source of passive income as it doesn’t require you to perform any task, so just help others carry out their projects and enjoy the incoming free flow of cash.

2. Build Prototypes for Small Businesses 

Before 3D printing was introduced, small business owners used to take a huge risk of introducing their product directly into the market without passing it through the testing stage. The main reason was the heavy cost of building prototypes. 

Nowadays, 3D printers have made it easy for you to build prototypes. Assuming that you already bought one for yourself, you can take offers from small business owners to build prototypes for them. 

3. Provide a 3D Printing Service 

A 3D printing service can be a good side hustle idea for earning quick money. However, the main issue is selecting the right jobs with good money offerings. 

Big teams with ambitious projects are often willing to pay high prices for 3D printing their products. Look for these money-making opportunities as a 3D printing service provider. 

Before starting the service, make sure you become an expert 3D printer. Some 3D printing jobs require building complex designs, which asks more of your printing knowledge. You can use the learning manual that usually comes with the printer. 

4. Sell 3D Printed Items Online

E-commerce sites have made online selling quite easy. You can use platforms such as Craigslist, LetGo, Etsy, eBay, and Amazon to sell your products and earn money online. Manufacturing products such as eyeglasses, rackets, furniture items, etc., are completely legal. 

In addition, you can also manufacture personalized products. Most people on social media have shown a demand for personalized products with the name or pictures of their loved ones to use as a gift. The purchase decision of these people is often driven by emotions, which allows you to put a premium price on their desired product. 

5. Start a 3D Printing Course

3D printing can sometimes be difficult. Learning to use your 3D printer can be time-consuming, which is a problem you can solve by providing online lectures or physical classes on how to 3D print items. 

To earn more income out of this job, you can also offer private classes to individuals and charge premium fees for every lecture. Make sure to prepare a step-by-step learning guide to give a professional touch to your classes.

6. Create 3D Printing YouTube Videos

YouTube has a wide range of audiences looking for entertainment. People spend hundreds of dollars to watch something new and creative. 

Making 3D printing videos and showing the world your creativity has a high probability of getting a huge audience worldwide. Aim to create a lucrative YouTube channel and shape your content featuring the 3D crafted items from your 3D printer. Make sure to be creative and not repetitive for long-term success.

7. Start a 3D Printing Blog 

Besides teaching, you can use your knowledge and experience about 3D printers in blogging. 

You can start your own blog related to 3D printers, how to use them, and the best 3D printers to buy. You can use several business models to make more money, such as advertisements, affiliate marketing, or subscriptions. 

If famous bloggers such as Adam Enfroy can make over $1.5 million in 2 years while pursuing blogging as a side hustle, so can you.

Things To Consider Before Buying a 3D Printer

You need to consider 3 things before buying a 3D printer:

• Best 3D printers available in the market
• Select the right 3D printer for you
• Check the affordability

To make the buying process easy, we have all the information you need to choose the right printer.

What Are the Best 3D Printers?

Many 3D printers in the market use different technology affecting their overall performance, such as speed and quality. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Stereolithography (SLA), and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) are the 3 best technologies used in 3D printers. 

Here are the best 3D printers using such high-end tech:

• Prusa i3 MKS+
• Dremel DigiLab 3D45 
• Ultimaker S5
• MakerBot Replicator
• Prusa Mini
• Monoprice Mini Delta V2
• Anycubic Vyper

How to Select the Right Printer – For Professionals and Printer Enthusiasts

To choose the right printer, consider the options you need the most relative to the price point. 

Here are some unique features and market prices of 3D printers:

Prusa i3 MKS+ ($1,000)

• Decent quality
• Multiple filament-type support
• Easy-to-use software

Dremel DigiLab 3D45 ($2,000)

• Excellent print quality
• Prints via USB, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet
• Very quiet printing
• Attractive design

Ultimaker ($7,000)

• Dual Extruders
• Very large build volume
• Touch screen
• No printing noises
• Best print quality

How to Select the Right Printer – For Beginners

Prusa Mini ($400)

• Supports multiple filament types 
• Good object quality 

Monoprice Mini Delta V2 ($235)

• Sturdy Steel and Aluminum frame

Anycubic Vyper ($370)

• Automatic bed leveling 
• Simple assembly of items 
• Good build area with respect to price point 

How Much Does a 3D Print Cost?

Manufacturing an item using a 3D printer can cost anywhere from a mere $3 to a whopping $1,000 or more. It depends on various factors, such as model complexity and material cost. 

Most 3D figures are made from thermoplastics made with filaments and powder. These are inexpensive, costing between $20 and $70 per kilogram. 

The best material for 3D printing is resin, but it costs way more than any regular plastic. A good resin can cost you a maximum of $300 per liter. 

In addition, maintenance and electricity are other fixed costs you need to bear. Make sure you consider all these factors before accepting an offer from your client. 

Side Hustle Ideas To Earn Extra Cash

If you want to make money aside from 3D printing, here are some money-making ideas you can try now. 

• Become a YouTuber. Find your niche, create your content, and build your subscriber list, and you can earn a lucrative income from YouTube through sponsorships, vlogging, banner ads, vlogging your web series, and more. 
• Start blogging. Check this guide on how to start a blog and head on to this reliable web host, BlueHost, that provides various feature-packed web hosting options to help you build your website without breaking a sweat.
• Be a pet sitter or walker. Get paid to walk dogs or pet sit with Rover and earn over $1,000 monthly. The working hours are flexible, which will allow you to incorporate walking jobs into your part-time schedule.
• Play online games. If you are a gamer, this activity is the perfect side hustle. With platforms like Mistplay, or InboxDollars, you can play to your heart’s content as you earn exchangeable points for cash or gift cards. Start a YouTube gaming channel or a video gaming blog where you can also earn extra cash.
• Sell your skills as a freelancer. Online job platforms like Fiverr, FlexJobs, and Upwork bring employers and freelance workers together. So, if you have marketable skills like software development, marketing, proofreading, graphic design, etc., you should create an impressive resume and list your profile at these job sites. 
• Start testing websites. This job is a great side hustle. You can earn money from testing apps and websites in the comfort of your home, and the pay is not bad at all. You often get $10 per 15 minutes. The only thing is that you need to patiently wait for the opportunities, as many people want to do it. 
• Get a data entry job. You can earn cash from your home. Basic requirements include typing skills, attention to detail, and computer and Internet connection. Here are some tips on making it in the data entry field.
• Participate in online surveys and earn cash or gift cards with the following platforms:
  • Swagbucks. This rewards program lets you earn points by browsing the web, shopping online, and taking surveys. Signing up with Swagbucks is completely free. Your points are then converted into free gift cards or cash-backs. Read our full Swagbucks review here.
  • InboxDollars. Sign up, start doing the online tasks, and earn extra cash with InboxDollars. Take the surveys, redeem coupons, play games online, watch videos, search the web, and more. Making money cannot get any easier than that! Read our full InboxDollars review here.
  • Survey Junkie. You can earn extra cash through Survey Junkie by completing online surveys or sharing your data. You will be paid with gift cards or cash through Paypal. Read our full Survey Junkie review for more information. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – How to Make Money With a 3D Printer

Is 3D Printing a Good Side Hustle?

Yes, 3D printing is a nice side hustle. Some projects require more expertise but pay a premium price as a bonus. Some require less expertise and time to complete but need to pay better. 

You can choose the projects according to your preference for quick money.

What 3D Prints Sell the Most?

Here is the list of best-selling 3D printed items on online platforms: 

• Miniatures
• Cosplay items (helmets, props, armor, etc.)
• Jewelry
• Toys
• Accessories for Nerfed guns
• Architecture models
• Phone cases
• Vases of various designs
• Raspberry Pi cases
• Frames for eyeglasses
• Fancy lamps

How Much Money Can a 3D Printer Make?

There is no limit to the amount of money you can make from your 3D printer. However, the amount you earn depends on your printing skills and the time invested. 

Some people have earned 5 to 6 figures by monetizing their printers or skills. 

Conclusion – How to Make Money With a 3D Printer

There are numerous ways to make money with a 3D printer, both actively and passively. From offering a 3D printing service, creating 3D products for sale, making videos or blogs about 3D printing to renting out your machine–all these options attest that your 3D printing business could be a relatively easy and lucrative venture. 

Start monetizing your 3D printer and earn extra money now! 

For other business ideas, check out these related posts:

• How To Start A Transportation Business With One Van 
• How To Start A Business Without Quitting Your Job – 7 Steps To Start