Could helping consumers and other businesses save money with 3D printing be the ‘secret sauce’ of scaling your 3D printing business to six or seven figures? Read about the top 15 use cases for 3D printing here.
3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is the construction of a three-dimensional object from a CAD model or a digital 3D model. Technology from the ’80s that has been gaining popularity for some time now is the 3D printer which allows people to create their own objects using plastic filament or liquid UV reactive resins.
There are several reasons why entrepreneurs might want to start their own company in the 3D printing field. Make sure to check out this article while you think about your business plan; find out how much demand for 3d printing there really is! Maybe you could become the best local 3d printing service in the area.
In fact, even though the technology for 3d printing has been around for quite some time now, the industry is still trying out different methods to improve its efficiency. There are plenty of opportunities when it comes to 3D printing business ideas. From prototypes to a finished product.
Business To Consumer (B2C) Product Production
If you’re looking for an idea for a new 3d printing service startup, there are lots of different 3D printing business opportunities out there, but one particularly interesting subcategory is B2C (business to consumers). Within this area of 3D printing, you can create products to sell to end-use consumers and target customers with specific needs. 3D printed products are attractive to customers because of their novelty, but they can also be great for business because they use less material, waste less, and generally weigh less (and therefore cost less to ship). My Favorite Prints 3d printing service in South Central Pennsylvania has had a lot of success in this area. Here are some ideas for things to consider when starting out.
1. Customized Headphones
Finding the right pair of headphones for your ears has been an ongoing struggle since we first started wearing them. 3D printing technology has started to change that. Next to great sound quality, earplugs that won’t cause any pain when inserted are one of the main things potential customers are looking for. Checking all of these boxes isn’t easy for these popular items, which also means customers are often willing to pay for the perfect set of buds.
Imagine having earbuds customized to fit perfectly in your ear and fit your style as well. Consumers don’t need to choose between style and comfort when they buy custom 3d printed headphones. They get both with this 3d technology!
It may not be a new idea but there’s still lots of room for competition in the hearing aid market.
Customers are able to use smartphones to take a picture of each ear, submit it, choose their styling options, and make a purchase. Digital designs are then generated based on these images. Once they’re done printing, the earbuds go through quality control before shipping out to their final destination. You could open up a retail space where people would be able to visit and get fitted for their own personal set of headphones. My Favorite Prints 3D printer sales and service in York PA is a great example of how you can sell online before you have a physical resale space.
2. Customized Collectibles
Collecting has always been popular no matter which fads come and go. Collectibles are often used by fans to show off their fandom and support for an athlete, artist, gamer, singer, or celebrity. If you’re looking for an easy way into entrepreneurship, then consider the wide range of starting up a 3d printer company. You don’t need to limit yourself to collecting just one type of item. As long as there is enough demand for your product, you’ll be able to find an audience willing to pay for it. My Favorite Prints, Inc. 3D printing service in York, PA can help you identify winning products in addition to helping with 3d printer assembly and maintenance. Contact us today!
A benefit of this kind of 3D printing business model is that its inventory is relatively light and compact, so it’s easier to store and ship than traditional brick-and-mortar stores. If you’re starting out from home, then this is especially important because you don’t want any surprises when it comes time for rent.
3. 3D Printing Education
There’s no shortage of room within the 3D printing industry itself to help people learn everything they need to know about starting up their own 3D printing companies. Believe it or not, 3D printing skills are in demand. 3D printing startups are popping up all over the place and new 3D printing techniques are being developed at a high rate. All types of 3D technology are really starting to gain popularity amongst beginners. It is our job as innovation leaders to help educate people new to the hobby. If you’re interested in getting into the 3D business you should contact MyFavPrints in York, PA to find out more. We offer 3d printer sales and maintenance services to South Central Pennsylvania as well as custom 3d models designed specifically for 3d printing. If you are not local we can also use various digital meeting platforms to connect.
Most people don’t know anything at all about 3D printing. Some people might already be looking for 3D printing courses, 3D printing experts, and 3D printing filament or raw materials for additive printing in their area. You can cover the basic concepts, delve into specific subjects, and simply share content that others might find useful and informative. Going over various 3D printing tools with students can also save them some frustration in the future. You don’t need to limit yourself to just one form for this kind of business; there are lots of different ways to go about doing things. My Favorite Prints, Inc. 3D printing service in York, Pennsylvania has experimented with a variety of teaching methods and can be flexible to your learning needs and design process. If you live in South Central PA we can even come to your location! Out of state? No problem, let us try a digital meeting on Zoom, Google Chats, or even Meta Workplace in VR!
Business To Business (B2B) Product Production
You may want to consider turning your attention towards these B2B (Business To Business) opportunities if you’re unsure whether the B2C (Business To Consumer) 3d printing business idea works for you. In comparison to the B2C market, there’s a wider variety of industries where you could potentially start an online store. It may be easier to work with other companies than working directly with consumers because they already know their business well enough to help you out. What kind of 3d printing idea will you come up with?
4. Improve Existing Products
There are so many different kinds of products available for purchase online — from books to clothing to electronics to furniture to cars to even pets! However, most of these products are difficult to manufacture, use up valuable resources during production, or aren’t cost-effective to produce. 3D printing technology can help solve some of these issues. MyFavPrints 3D printing service in York, PA has already helped multiple customers save money with its 3d printing technology.
If you have the vision to redesign an object so that it’s more eco-friendly, more sustainable, or less expensive than its current design, then you may want to consider using 3D printing technology. You could also improve upon an already good product by making it even better or easier to use. One additional method for improving existing products could be adding customizability.
5. Promotional Products
Companies are always looking to find new ways to get people interested in them. With a 3D printer, companies can create almost any type of product they want. Be creative and produce something new for them to see. You’ll be surprised at how effective this strategy can be!
As well as providing your services to companies, think about working with advertising agencies that have a long list of clients who are always looking for new ideas for their marketing campaigns.
6. Detailed 3D Models
Many business owners think that their company has no need for any sort of marketing strategy because they already know everything there is to know about their products and services. Little do they know, businesses can now use 3D printing technology and design software to create their own custom products and even complex designs!
If an industry requires highly detailed models on a tight schedule, then they’ll need to work with a 3d printer service provider. With a 3D printer, you can create objects at a high level of detail in a short amount of time compared to other manufacturing processes. For example, MyFavPrints 3D printing service in York, PA has made multiple creative designs for custom trophies when the clients’ alternative options were costly and required orders of higher quantities.
For some more ideas, you could start by looking at museums, architecture firms, interior design agencies, and inventors to see where they might be able to use your services.
7. E-commerce Supplier
One method for starting out in the B2B space is by working with larger e-commerce companies. E-commerce suppliers usually work with manufacturers overseas to produce their goods. They sell lots of different items from a wide variety of manufacturers. If you can provide them with the supplies they need for their business at a low price, then they’re likely to want to partner up with you.
Among the main advantages of producing things using a 3D printer is its high level of precision and detail. If you’re going to produce something like an entire car, then you’ll need to think carefully about every single part. If you can cut down their cost by making something cheaper than they would otherwise pay someone else to produce, you’re in business.
Medical Industry
There are countless 3D printing business ideas out there but one of the most innovative fields for entrepreneurs looking to get into 3D printing is in the medical industry. If you want to improve technology and make the world a better place by using your skills for good, then consider starting out in the medical industry.
8. Pill Production
In 2015, the FDA approved the first 3D-printed pill. Most 3D printers work using plastics or metals but some even allow for printing with various other materials like wood, ceramics, glass, etc. Some medications are now made from substances that dissolve faster so they can be taken orally rather than by injection. If you already have experience working in healthcare but want something different, this could be an ideal career move.
9. Medical Implants
One of the many technologies helping to accelerate medical innovation is the 3D printer which has been used for years by artists but now is finding its way into hospitals and clinics across the world. One of the big advantages of 3D printers is their ability to create custom products and detailed designs.
By using a 3D printer to print out custom medical devices, doctors can ensure that they’re creating exactly the right device for their patients’ needs. Innovators are even trying out 3D-printed tissues and organs. Innovations like these are just beginning. However, there are already some innovations out there for you to consider using.
10. Prosthetics
With customization comes improvement. In the case of prosthetics, 3D printing allows us to customize them so they’re not just one size fits most but actually fit each individual patient perfectly at a lower cost. That’s a win-win.
There are lots of different types of prosthetic limbs available for people who need them. With some training and practice, you can create prosthetic limbs, artificial dentures, wheelchair parts, etc.
Technology & Invention
Within technology and innovation, another really exciting space for 3d printing business ideas is within robotics. Many different technologies are currently used for manufacturing products; however, there are several ways they could potentially be improved using additive manufacturing techniques.
11. Rapid Prototyping
If you’re trying to start a business from scratch, then having an idea for a prototype might be one of the most important things you need. Businesses often spend lots of time and money trying out different ideas for their products before they find one that works well. With a 3D printer, prototypes can be made quickly and at low costs. After printing out a prototype, it’s easy to change the design if necessary and print another one. It’s easier than ever before!
12. Electronic Assembly
As technological products and motherboards become smaller and smaller, assembling them becomes increasingly difficult and expensive. In fact, there is an existing market for 3D printed laptop covers. And there have been plenty of investments made towards developing innovative technologies related to 3D printing. Robots made using 3D printing technology? Of course!
There’s plenty of room for researchers and entrepreneurs who want to get their hands dirty with electronics and 3D printing.
Fashion & Art
A 3D printer is an ideal catalyst for the intersection between technology and art. Artists often look for new ways to express themselves through their art and how they can use it to influence others. You don’t need to become an “Andy Warhol” but you can definitely take advantage of some of his techniques for creating art. With the range of 3D printing material available today, your imagination is basically the limit for your 3D printing projects. Do you already own a jewelry shop? 3D Jewelry printers are also available. You can even print with wax resins for investment castings.
13. Sustainable, Customized Fashion
With 3D printers, one of the many benefits is their ability to use sustainable materials and produce less waste than traditional manufacturing methods. Many 3D printers can actually be used for printing objects made out of recycled material like plastic bottles.
If you’re interested in entering the fashion industry and would like an innovative approach for production, then 3D printing may be right up your alley. Printable items include everything from clothing and accessories to toys and games for kids. It seems like even Adidas has gotten into the 3D printing game.
14. Customized Sunglass & Eyeglass Frames
Everyone loves a fashionable pair of glasses! As businesses like Warby Parker and Eye Buy Direct boom, this is an exciting niche to enter. They’re both functional and fashionable!
A 3D printer gives you an advantage because it allows for rapid prototyping — which means you don’t need to wait weeks before making changes to prototypes. Oh yeah, don’t forget about Personalization! Most people don’t look exactly like each other, and they certainly aren’t always perfectly symmetrical. All these things come together for uncomfortable eyewear. You can fix that with customized 3D-printed glasses.
15. Make Your Own Art
If you’re really good at designing things, then there may be an online market for custom designs made from plastic using 3D printers. Create your own artwork. It may be hard to define exactly what “this business idea” is, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t Creating art involves coming up with ideas that others haven’t come up with before. All you need is an idea and a 3D printer. You could even sell your artwork online to help offset any expenses related to running an Etsy shop for example.
Manufacturing & Assembly
Manufacturing industries aren’t overlooked when we talk about 3D printing business opportunities. There are several different ways to go about doing this. It might not be perfect for mass production, but perfect for small-run manufacturing.
16. Custom Tools, Rigs, & Jigs
Manufacturing companies often use customized equipment for their operations. They need to be painstakingly built just for them. Doing anything in small amounts increases its cost. Unless you’re making it using a 3D printer. If you’re skilled at using tools and know something about the tooling industry, then this could be the perfect 3D printing business idea. With the cost of 3D scanners coming down, it will be super easy to scan and print custom tools, rigs, and jigs for example.
17. Rare & Spare Vehicle Parts
You may not realize it now, but if you’ve ever owned an old car, you probably already know that repairing them isn’t cheap. Eventually, after a long enough period of use, there won’t be any spares left for sale. Many restoration companies are now creating their own replacement parts for old cars. They’re not going back to manufacturing their products by hand anymore; instead, they want to use 3D printing technology to produce their goods. Do you own a hot rod for example? My Favorite Prints, Inc 3D printing service in York, PA can help you get that special part you have been searching for.
18. Related Statistics About 3D Printing:
Factual sentences referenced across top search results:
- According to the latest market research, the global 3D printing services market is expected to grow from $4.97 billion in 2020 to $6.76 billion in 2021 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 36%. (twotrees3d.com)
- According to the latest market research, the global 3D printing services market is expected to grow from $4.97 billion in 2020 to $6.76 billion in 2021 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 36%. (twotrees3d.com)
- Between 2020-2024, the 3D jewelry business is forecasted to grow by $1.95 billion, a 21% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). (twotrees3d.com)
- Considering 45% of eyewear goes unsold and is discarded each year, 3D printed eyewear presents a lot of efficiencies for manufacturing and the environment. (uschamber.com)
- Between 2020-2024, the 3D jewelry business is forecasted to grow by $1.95 billion, a 21% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). (uschamber.com)
- In 2019, the global revenue for protective smartphone cases was $21.67 billion with an expected CAGR of 6.3% between 2019-2027. (uschamber.com)
- According to MIT’s John Hart, the Mitsui Career Development Associate Professor in Contemporary Technology and Mechanical Engineering, “We are still learning what 3D printing can do today.” (sloanreview.mit.edu)
- And market research projections suggest it will continue its meteoric growth through 2028 – when it is expected to reach an estimated $59.65 billion. (businessnewsdaily.com)
- The 3 best performing 3D printing stocks have dramatically outperformed the Russell 1000, which has provided a total return of 29.9% over the past 12 months. (investopedia.com)
- 3D Printing Stocks Price ($) Market Cap ($B) Revenue Growth (%) (investopedia.com)
19. External Related Links:
- Jewelry 3D Printers | 3D Systems
- 3D Systems Announces Sale of Medical Simulation Business – Simbionix | 3D Systems
- 3D-Printed Footwear 2019-2029: An Analysis of the Market Potential of 3D Printing in the Footwear Industry – ResearchAndMarkets.com
- Global 3D Printers Market Projected to Showcase a CAGR of 35% Through 2021: Technavio