The world of 3D printing is a lot of fun as a hobby. But did you know you could actually make extra money with it? It's true. Today, we're going to discuss how you can bring in some supplemental cash for your Christmas shopping using just your knowledge and your 3D printer.

What Do I Need to Earn Money With 3D Printing?

• A 3D Printer

• A few rolls of unique, colorful filament

• A few 3D-printed models or .stl files

• A way to create your own 3 D models or .stl files (optional)

If you're wondering what the best 3D printer is for these money-making ideas, we're really partial to the AnkerMake M5. Part of that is because of its large printing platform, its support for several filaments, and its exceptionally high-quality printing results.

That doesn't mean you have to buy one from us to earn extra money with 3D printing. (Even though we'd love it if you did!) As long as you have a 3D printer that works well and can help you print your files, then you should be good to go.

How to Earn Money With 3D Printing

1. Sell Your 3D-Printed Models

The first way you can earn some extra money with your 3 D printer is by selling printed models. For this method, you will need to have some readily available, commercially approved, model files. These can come from many places, but most people who want to sell their prints will create their own.

However, that’s not always the case. If you can find .stl files that are approved for commercial use, then you’re able to print those objects and sell them on places like Etsy. The possibilities for the 3D printed models you can sell are fairly endless here. Choose anything from car parts to fidget toys and everything in between. Though, it’s probably best if you find something you are interested in because it’s more fun!

Here Are Some Tips:

• Another name for this type of printing is “print on demand.” With this type of service, you print items as the orders come in, rather than printing a lot of inventory and wasting time/money.

• Check out popular social media communities that have a need for printed models but don’t have access to a 3D printer. Forums, and places like Reddit, are gold mines for these types of communities.

2. Sell Your 3D-Printed Designs

Are you handy with CAD or willing to learn? If so, you can take those skills, design your own models, and post those designs online for people to buy. In this instance, the people you’re selling to will probably have their own 3D printer, but what they won’t have is the knowledge or skill to create models for themselves.

Customized phone cases, organizers, charging stations, desk trinkets, fidget toys, and small repair parts are perfect for this approach. All you’ll need to do is create a design that people need that they can’t get anywhere else, and you’ll be the one they’re buying from!

Here Are Some Tips:

• One of the best ways to find items to design is to search for discontinued repair parts. Large manufacturers will often discontinue items like washers and dryers, vacuums, and electronics if the items aren’t super popular. This leaves the people who bought those items in a bad spot if their machine breaks down. That’s where you and your 3D-printed designs come in.

• Many of the larger 3D printing websites have model libraries that allow makers to charge for their designs. Find these and post on as many as you can. That way, when someone searches for the design they want, they won’t need to look far before encountering yours.

3. Create Content About 3D Printing

If you’re knowledgeable about the world of 3D printing, and you can translate that knowledge into writing articles or creating instructional videos, you can make content for social media. Many websites will pay you for creating this type of content for them.

Understand, content creation takes a significant amount of time and effort. While being a 3D printing influencer might seem like a simple job, there is quite a bit of work involved. That said, if you have the knowledge and the skills, then you can leverage those into some extra cash.

Here Are Some Tips:

• If you regularly peruse 3D printing websites, or read 3D printing articles, it’s likely that the companies posting those articles are paying someone to create their content. If you notice that a site’s content isn’t up to par, and you know you can improve it, then it might be worth your time to reach out to the company.

• It doesn’t take much to start a 3D printing social media account these days. Use that to your advantage if you’re already part of an established 3D printing community. Perhaps you can be the next big 3D printing influencer if you play your cards right.

4. Teach Others About 3D printing

Are you someone who likes to be the center of attention? Do you like sharing your knowledge with others? If the answer is yes, then you might earn some extra cash by teaching others about 3D printing. You could consult companies who are trying to break into the 3D printing space, you could start a podcast, or you could even hold a community workshop on 3D printing for a small fee.

There are also several websites that will allow you to post your video courses for learners. Those learners will pay to download the information you provide if you can present it in a way that is both entertaining and useful. Knowledge is power, and in this case, your knowledge of 3D printing can be a powerful tool to help people who are eager to learn the craft.

Here Are Some Tips:

• It’s important to think “outside-the-box” here. You want to find people who will benefit from your understanding of 3D printing. Community centers, senior centers, local trade schools, and public libraries could be very useful for finding people to take part in your class.

• Teaching others can be difficult, and some people struggle with public speaking. One of the best ways around this is to incorporate fun into your teaching. Play games, crack jokes, and be weird if it suits you. It’ll make you and the information you’re offering much more memorable.

5. Perform 3D Printer Repairs or Maintenance

Not everyone likes to get their hands dirty with fixing things. If you have a mechanical mind, know the ins and outs of a printer, and enjoy solving problems, then you can offer maintenance and repair of 3D printers in your local community. Even better, if you know how to fix 3D printers, you can purchase broken ones, fix them, and then resell them for a profit.

Now, fixing printers isn’t the most glamorous way to spend your time, but it can be a lot of fun for those who enjoy tinkering. It’s also a fast way to earn some extra money before the holidays get here. Plus, it doesn’t require you to own a 3D printer. All you need is the know-how to repair and maintain them and the patience to do so.

Here Are Some Tips:

• Auction sites are a great place to find broken 3D printers that people are willing to sell cheap.

• Auction sites are also a great place to find parts for those printers.

Make Extra Money With 3D Printing This Holiday Season

So, there you have it. Several ways to make some extra cash with 3D printing before the holidays. And while these ideas won’t turn your extra filament into gold, they can make real money with enough effort and commitment.

All it takes is for you to be confident in your ability and the knowledge you’ve gained through your love of 3D printing.