3D Printer Business Ideas: 15 Profitable Examples
3D Printer Business Ideas: 15 Profitable Examples
Discover 3D printing business ideas in niche areas like customized jewelry and prototypes, and actionable steps to start your business.
In the early 1980s, automobile designer Hideo Kodama patented the first 3D printer for a rapid prototyping system that hardened materials into specific shapes using UV light. Since then, inventors, designers, and engineers have refined 3D printing technology to make it more effective and commercially accessible.
In the 3D printing industry, small business entrepreneurs are tapping into a growing market. One report predicts that the global market for 3D printing products and services will exceed $32 billion by the end of 2026.
If you're interested in starting a 3D printing business, here are some ideas you can explore.
What is a 3D printer?
3D printing is a form of manufacturing used to create physical objects from plastic, metal, nylon, and other materials. The machines create highly complex structures using 3D models, advanced scanning technology, and computer-aided design.
3D printer prices can range from a few hundred USD to several thousand USD, depending on the quality and type. Here are some of the most popular types of 3D printers:
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM): One of the most common consumer-level printers, FDM uses plastic objects to be extruded from a heated nozzle.
Stereolithography (SLA): SLA printers use lasers to harden liquid resins.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): SLS printers transform polymer powder into solid objects.
Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS): DMLS printers produce objects layer by layer using a high-powered laser and metal powder.
Digital Light Processing (DLP): A digital light projector turns liquid resins into solid structures.3D printer business ideas
Prototyping
Customized products
Shoe
Collectibles
Gift of jewelry
Art
Product additions
3D printer training
Robotics
Smartphone cases
Home decoration
Medical models and educational tools
Architectural models
Gaming accessories
3D printer rental
As access to 3D printing technology increases, many entrepreneurs are looking for 3D printing business ideas to meet the demand.
Here are some 3D printing business ideas that will help you make your first sale.
1. Prototyping
3D printers can create functional prototypes of the products you intend to produce; you can evaluate their structural and visual qualities before spending money on production.
Using these prototypes with 3D product modeling software, you can view and edit your designs in a virtual environment. You can modify the shape, texture, or color without investing in physical prints.
In an episode of the Shopify Masters podcast, Bulat Kitchen entrepreneur Alex Commons explains how a 3D printer helps him create prototypes of his brand's premium knives.
2. Customized products
Using 3D printing technology, you can customize products according to customers' specific requests.
For example, you can use 3D printers to create and sell custom eyeglass frames and headphones that fit a customer's face type or ear shape. The medical industry also uses 3D printers to create products like customized prosthetics.
3. Shoes
Fashion designers can create shoes using 3D printing tools. Fashion companies can also use 3D printers to create products with more sustainable materials than traditional manufacturing processes.
For example, shoe company Rothy's uses 3D knitting technology to produce comfortable, washable, and environmentally friendly shoes made from innovative materials, including recycled plastic.
4. Collectibles
Consider starting a collectibles business to create unique gifts using 3D printing technology. Popular items include custom minifigures (perhaps of customers' friends, family, or pets).
Using 3D printing, find a niche to launch your collectibles business and identify customers who will buy your products.
4. Collectibles
Consider starting a collectibles business to create unique gifts using 3D printing technology. Popular items include custom minifigures (perhaps of customers' friends, family, or pets).
Using 3D printing, find a niche to launch your collectibles business and identify customers who will buy your products.
5. Jewelry
If you're passionate about jewelry, you can 3D print using metals, waxes, and other materials to create necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings. Jewelry designers can also create personalized designs.
6. Art
Graphic designers and sculptors use 3D printers to create works of art based on their original designs. A 3D printer makes it easier to create complex works that can be quite labor-intensive and time-consuming.
You can showcase your 3D printed art in online art galleries like Artsy, sell your art on marketplaces like Etsy, or set up an ecommerce website on Shopify.
6. Art
Graphic designers and sculptors use 3D printers to create works of art based on their original designs. A 3D printer makes it easier to create complex works that can be quite labor-intensive and time-consuming.
You can showcase your 3D printed art in online art galleries like Artsy, sell your art on marketplaces like Etsy, or set up an ecommerce website on Shopify.
7. Product additions
You can use a 3D printer to produce replacement parts for existing products. For example, you can use a 3D printer to create missing parts for instruments, toys, or household appliances. You can also use a 3D printer to modify existing products, such as printing ergonomic phone cases.
8. 3D printer training
Consider offering classes to hobbyists and local businesses looking to learn how to use a 3D printer. If you have a reliable 3D printer and are familiar with the process, you could offer classes where you teach customers how to use the technology.
9. Robotics
Entrepreneurs can use 3D printers to develop customized robotic solutions for various fields, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and construction.
By some estimates, the global robotics technology market will exceed $200 billion by 2030. This reflects the growing interest in robotic solutions. Robotic engineering companies can use 3D printing technology to produce complexly shaped robot parts.
10. Smartphone cases
3D-printed smartphone cases are a promising field, as nearly everyone owns a smartphone and many need a protective case. Business Research Insights predicts the global phone case market will exceed $15 billion by 2033.
Because the cases are small and inexpensive to produce, you can create personalized designs. You can also sell smartphone cases online through e-commerce platforms like Shopify.
11. Home decoration
Home decor is a growing market expected to reach $139 billion by the end of 2026, with marketplaces like the US and Germany offering significant business opportunities.
Some of the items you can sell:
Special props for weddings and events
Artistic decorative pieces
Specially designed products from interior designers
Sustainable and environmentally friendly decoration products
Since you can print these products to order, you do not need to keep a large stock.
12. Medical models and educational tools
3D-printed medical models and devices make it easy to create exact anatomical replicas for surgical planning and training. The market is growing rapidly and is expected to reach $16.5 billion by 2034.
Unlike mass production, 3D printing allows doctors to customize parts cost-effectively. Some opportunities include:
Patient-specific surgical guides and anatomical models (fastest growing segment)
Special prosthetics and implants (largest segment with 1.9 billion USD by 2028)
Educational tools for medical education
Special bioprinting applications
💡 Note: This technology business idea requires HIPAA compliance and clear FDA approval for clinical use.
13. Architectural models
Architectural models allow builders and clients to visualize a project before it's built. They give them something to hold and examine rather than viewing designs on a screen.
There are several ways to make money in this field:
Create AI-generated models for architects and real estate developers.
Make models with removable parts to show building interiors.
Work with designers to create detailed project mock-ups.
Provide quick model updates when the design changes.
14. Gaming accessories
Gamers generally appreciate and are willing to pay for personalized accessories. Mordor Intelligence expects the gaming accessories market to grow from $13 billion in 2026 to $21 billion by 2030.
You can create custom minifigures for role-playing games, design custom storage solutions for popular board games, or collaborate with indie game developers to produce official merchandise.
Because every gaming group and player has different needs, there is always a demand for new designs.
15. 3D printer rental
Entry-level and hobbyist printers range from $300 to $900, while high-end models start at $20,000. Another way to make money with 3D printing is to rent equipment.
You could create a 3D printing facility where others can rent equipment. Your facility could offer machines, workspaces, and expertise, serving customers for hourly rates or monthly memberships.
3D printing business ideas, FAQ
What types of materials can be used for 3D printing?
Different materials serve different purposes in 3D printing. Here are some materials and their uses:
PLA (polylactic acid): Decorative items and toys
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene): Durable parts and prototypes
PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol): Durable, water-resistant products
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane): Flexible products such as phone cases
Nylon: Extremely durable, functional parts
Resin: Detailed minifigures and jewelry
Metal filaments: Metallic surfaces
Carbon fiber composites: Durable and lightweight objects
How long does it take to 3D print an object?
Small items like phone cases take two to four hours to print, while large or detailed items can take 24 hours or more. Print time depends on size, complexity, layer height, and print speed settings.
How can I turn my 3D printer into a profitable business?
You can use your 3D printer to make money by selling 3D-printed art, jewelry, and collectibles. Before making your first sale, conduct market research, develop a business plan, and select a 3D printing technology. Then, sell your 3D-printed products through Shopify, a reliable e-commerce platform.
Is 3D printing a profitable business?
Businesses can profit from 3D printing by selling art, jewelry, collectibles, or specialty accessories. The key to success is finding a market niche and identifying customers who will pay for your products.
Can I 3D print anything and sell it?
Yes, if you have good design skills and some 3D printing experience, you can print and sell any of a wide range of materials. It's best to create original designs and avoid copying copyrighted materials.
Which industries use 3D printers?
Entrepreneurs can explore 3D printing business ideas in a wide range of industries, including retail, manufacturing, aviation, healthcare, construction, and robotics.
