3D Printing Business Models

Basics

• This page aims to show various Business Models to aid Microfactories and Print Farms in breaking even, or earning a small profit, to prevent the typical issue of good causes becoming Money Pits
• #3 business models - subcontracting, reverse engineering, product design

Models

Art

• Not for everyone, but 3D Printing can be a GREAT art medium
• Lattice Cubes, Lampshades, Lithophanes, Sculptures, and kinetic art can all be made easily (assuming you have someone to make the desings...)
• Market may be the issue, but either online Etsy , Flea Markets, or local craft fairs are all options

Cosplay/Props Service/Store

• Between Haloween, local theatres/indie film studios, and the emerging prevalence of cosplay there is a large market for 3D Printed Parts, or Molds etc in costumes or props
• Many can't afford 3D Printers, but a 3D Printed Helmet, Sword, Mask, etc is often doable
• Can also be combined with metal casting (even simple aluminum from Lost PLA Casting , Greensand Casting (using 3d Printed forms), Lost Wax Casting ), Silicone Molds (3D Printed), CNC Foam Cutting and more for little additional cost of equipment (toolheads, or propane etc, and a crucible + some cans)

Desing/Model Service

• Make architechtual models
• Make models for various academic uses (heart cutaways, skeletons, cell cutaways, etc) (something as simple as a local elementary school would work as a user base)
• Make models for presentations

Educational

• Work hand in hand with local schools
• Mainly middle and high schools would be the targets (perhaps vocational schools (models of engines?) ? )
• Work with engineering classes, physics classes, art classes, and anyone who would want the service
• Print designs made by students, print models, or even do 3D Printer builds long term

Fablab/Makerspace

• Sort of it's own category, but if you have a 3D Printer, you are a great cantidate to start your own, or team up with others to make one
• At this phase it would most likely be garage/school/library based level stuff (no 5 axis wire edm machine yet...), but still a makerspace in your area is better than NONE
• ANOTHER can of worms of models, but "throw money into the pot" and events/people paying for materials can work
• This is especially true if the market is EMPTY (ie no local makerspaces)

Print Farm

• Use websites and local ads
• People send you files, and you sell them the printed parts
• Can also perhaps have local pickup as well

Useful Links

• 15 Business Ideas