Start a 3D printing business if you’re interested in 3D printing or turning your digital models into real-world collectibles. It’s a field where you can use your creativity and IT skills to produce a product. You can determine if this is the right path for you by learning about 3D printing and the potential business opportunities. In this article, we explore what 3D printing is, how to start a 3D printing business and why you might start one.
What is 3D printing?
3D printing is a technological method of producing products and designs using a specialty printer. You can program the printer to create items through a process called additive layering. This process uses thermoplastics, or other materials, and layers them into pre-programmed shapes. The material exits the printer’s needle in a molten state to create each layer.The machine then waits for the material to dry and continues, fusing the layers together with adhesive or ultraviolet light. This process can take several hours, depending on the design and the printer. 3D printing is faster than traditional methods of production, and each individual printer is relatively small compared to most industrial equipment.
How to Get Started in 3D Printing Consider taking the following steps when starting a 3D printing business: 1. Learn about 3D technology for yourself. You can provide high-quality goods and make well-informed business decisions by learning about the most recent 3D printing technology and applications. It is essential to learn how to operate and carry out quick repairs on 3D printers in order to avoid having your workday disrupted by minor production issues. Although many universities offer online courses and certifications in operating 3D printers and creating the digital models they replicate, it can be challenging to locate schools that offer degrees in this field.
2. Choose a market. Once you understand the basis for the operation and production of 3D printed products, determine what your business is going to produce. It’s helpful to look into local demand, like if there’s a growing community of entrepreneurs that needs prototypes or a tabletop gaming group that might order miniature figures. This can help your business gain customers by appealing to existing markets. If you plan to appeal to an existing market, consider contacting businesses and communities that you might collaborate with to gain insight and expand your reach.Related: Benefits and Uses of 3D Printing in Construction
3. Plan your strategy
Consider whether you will be the sole employee or whether you will operate from your home. If you aim to start your business at home, then you might consider where you can set up your operation and how many printers you can successfully operate in that space. You may also need to locate online or more neutral venues to meet potential investors or clients as a result of this. If you aim to produce an original creation, it’s beneficial to look into renting out your printers and outsourcing them to other services for supplemental income while your product develops.Read more: 21 Tips for Starting a Successful Business
4. Choose your 3D printer
When researching what 3D printer is right for you, remember that you may not need a full-scale, industrial printer. It’s important to stay within your budget and ensure you find printers that work with the materials you use. For example, if you plan on producing small but intricate pieces, one powerful 3D printer could work, but if you plan on creating larger, simpler pieces like kitchenware, then several mid-tier 3D printers might be appropriate.It can also be helpful to look for 3D printers that come with benefits after purchase, such as a warranty or customer support. These can assist you with any problems that arise during your work and ensure that production runs smoothly.
5. Investigate filaments The various materials for 3D printers are called filaments. It’s important that you research which filament is best for your product, as they can vary in usage and conditions required to print without warping. To help you start your research and get an idea of what might work for your product, here’s a list of some common filaments with the pros and cons of each:
• ABS: Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is durable and cheap, but can produce irritating fumes and requires a heating bed to print.
• PLA: Polylactic acid is organic and prints fast, but it’s weaker than ABS and can warp under high temperatures.
• PETT: Polyethylene terephthalate is FDA-approved and doesn’t warp, but the printer nozzle and heating bed require fine-tuning to use it.
• Sandstone: This material has a unique exterior finish and doesn’t require a printer bed, but it’s not as durable as others.
• Wood: A wood material has adjustable aesthetics and shades, but is more malleable after printing than other materials.
• Metal: Metal is durable and doesn’t need a heated bed but may take longer to shape.
• Flexible TBE: This material has a high-quality form and a rubbery elasticity, but it needs to be fine-tuned to emerge from the nozzle.
6. Decide on a brand and platform
The last step before marketing yourself and selling your product is to choose a name and brand for your new business. It is essential to effectively communicate your business’s offerings and differentiate it from competitors. This could be accomplished with a label or logo that you use to create a website and other social media platforms. Use the logo as a foundation for store design and decoration if you start with a physical storefront. Additionally, there are a number of websites that permit creators to run shops on their platforms. What kinds of things can be made with a 3D printer? 3D printers can create a wide range of complex designs for products that you can sell. If your design has several moving parts, you can create them individually and connect them. Some of the more common markets where 3D printing businesses is useful are:
• On-demand prototypes
• Customizable eyeglasses
• Collectible toys, board game pieces and parts for toy repair
• Smartphone cases
• Home accents like cutlery, planters, photo frames, and plates • Spare parts
