3D printers
13 Business Ideas with 3D Printers
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3D printing is a revolutionary technology that can be integrated into almost any manufacturing process, or can revolutionize existing processes to create new manufacturing and business opportunities.
In this article we will briefly present 13 business ideas with 3D printers based on the unique advantages offered by 3D printing technology.1. 3D models for hobbyists
It's one thing to have a wallpaper, and it's another thing to have a tangible version of your favorite characters from movies, games, cartoons, or comic magazines.Using 3D printers, you can now create exactly what you always wanted. And if the idea excites you, you can be sure that others would be just as excited about it.
And if you can partner with the copyright holders of certain stories/characters, then you could even make whole series of figures for hobbyists.
2. Promotional and branding items for businesses
The promotional goods market is expected to reach over $15 billion in sales worldwide in 2021.And because most companies that offer such services using old production methods require a minimum quantity for certain products, and delivery can take even a few weeks, you can turn this into a competitive advantage: customized products for brands, in small series, with very short delivery times.
The possibilities are almost endless: logos, volumetric letters or numbers for companies, or various cool accessories for corporate teams, plus many others.
3. Models for architecture
It's hard to explain how important models are to an architecture studio.These mockups must be able to highlight even the smallest design details, and must be produced quickly to be presented to often extremely demanding clients in multiple iterations.
Create these models quickly, qualitatively, and at a reasonable cost, and you will become an indispensable partner for any self-respecting architecture studio.
You can see the success story of TechnoHub.
4. Prototypes
Similar to architectural models, being able to see and test a prototype of a product on its way to the final version is absolutely essential for any engineer or designer.Again, the speed of prototyping also dictates the speed with which the product reaches the final version. And here, any saving in time or labor also means saving money, which makes 3D printing technology ideal for this field, and can make a business based on this concept extremely profitable.
5. Medical prostheses
Comfort and a perfect fit are absolutely essential for any medical prosthesis, but the customization process is often expensive and time-consuming.3D printing technology makes it possible to make medical prostheses quickly, precisely, with a high degree of customization (both ergonomic and aesthetic), and at much more advantageous costs than through traditional production processes.
Therefore, 3D printed prostheses can be a useful option for those who depend on this type of product to lead a more normal, good-quality life. Prostheses and medical devices may only be produced in accordance with the regulations in force (CE marking, Regulation (EU) 2017/745), and IRIS printers are not medical devices.
6. Jewelry and fashion accessories
From earrings, bracelets, rings, or other accessories, the 3D printed jewelry market is expected to grow by $1.95 billion by 2024.The possibility to create increasingly sophisticated jewelry, quickly, and at lower costs using 3D printing technology, together with the relatively high and constant demand over time, make this business an excellent opportunity for those who are passionate about jewelry or fashion.
7. Frames for sunglasses or eyeglasses
Custom 3D printed eyeglass frames can have two big advantages for potential customers: custom design according to everyone's style, and the perfect size for maximum comfort.And if you've ever worn a suit or custom-made clothes, then you know very well that feeling when a product fits you perfectly, and it's 100% to your taste.
That's why making glasses frames using 3D printers can be a profitable business idea, and very popular.
8. Spare parts
For example, in the automotive industry, but also in many other niches with a large number of enthusiasts, situations arise where spare parts are no longer manufactured, thus becoming more and more expensive and harder to find with the passage of time.This is an excellent business opportunity for an enthusiast who is aware of this surplus demand, to make these spare parts to order using 3D printing technology.
And because 3D printers can work with a wide variety of materials, including metals and various polymers, so the types of parts that can be produced can be extremely diverse.
9. Footwear
Did you know you can 3D print shoes too? With a little creativity and ingenuity, the footwear products that can be made using 3D printers have the potential to be truly unique.Whether you choose to focus on sustainable materials (ex: recycled plastic), comfort and customization, or futuristic or "high-fashion" design, the opportunities for innovative and profitable business in this industry are truly limitless.
10. Home and garden decorations…
This being perhaps one of the most profitable niches for e-commerce, the advantage of a business that makes home and garden products using 3D printing technology is that it will be able to build a catalog of truly unique products that cannot be found on other sites such as AliExpress, and that cannot be sold by other merchants.Also, in addition to the raw material economy specific to 3D printing, you could also have the advantage of eliminating shipping and import costs from outside the country, as well as reducing inventory storage costs and drastically reducing delivery times to the customer (a very important criterion in any purchasing decision).
11. Device accessories
Cases or stands for cell phones, laptops, tablets, headphones, and the list goes on...This may seem like a relatively unsophisticated product category, but since customers are always looking to express their personalities through the accessories they choose, they will almost automatically appreciate one-off or limited-edition accessories with a sophisticated design that can easily be made using 3D printing technology.
12. Toys
Toys are among the easiest objects to produce using 3D printers. From figurines for board games, to spaceships or ships, excavators and fire engines, toys will always capture the imaginations of children and adults alike.13. Accessories and toys for animals
Our pets mean everything to us, and that's why we want them to look as beautiful and well-groomed as possible, and to live as happily and comfortably as possible (sometimes more comfortably than we do!).From personalized collars and leashes to toys or cute necklaces, this niche is a receptive and profitable segment for fun products that stand out and make us love our little (or big) pets even more.
Conclusion
We hope these 3D printer business ideas have inspired you. But, more important to realize is that almost any object can be 3D printed.
So, all you have to do to discover new business ideas with 3D printers is to look around, and ask yourself: "What if I made this object using 3D printing? What would happen?" or "How could I improve this product using 3D printing?", and you'll never run out of 3D printer business ideas.
Visit our 3D Printer Store to see the types of 3D printers available, and contact us anytime for additional information or help with anything related to 3D printers.
IRIS Robotics offers solutions to optimize and grow businesses through 3D printing and scanning technologies, humanoid robots, as well as advanced software.
