If you're reading this blog, you're probably aware of how affordable 3D printers have become in recent years-or perhaps you're not. For example, you can now get the AnkerMake M5 for as little as $300, making high-quality 3D printing more accessible than ever.
Owning a 3D printer opens up a world of possibilities. With this versatile device, you can create, upgrade, or modify an almost endless range of items. In this post, we'll explore how you can harness the power of 3D printing to think beyond the ordinary, whether it's starting a small maker business, launching a design studio, or revolutionizing prototyping in 2025.
We'll explore exciting ideas for what you can create, guide you on how to get started and share tips on promoting and growing your 3D printing enterprise.
Why Start a 3D Printing Small Business in 2025?
The obvious answer here is you can earn a little extra money doing something that you're passionate about. But there are a few other reasons to consider as well.
As technology continues to advance and our world becomes more connected, cheap and disposable products have flooded the market.
However, many consumers are now seeking a more personal touch when shopping-whether it's for themselves, a loved one, or a unique and specific item that simply can't be found elsewhere.
This is where 3D printing truly excels. The flexibility of 3D models allows for easy customization, even within slicing software. For example, you can add personalized text, adjust basic geometries, or tweak designs to meet specific needs. Unlike traditional manufacturing, 3D printing operates on demand, eliminating the need for large production runs of every product variant.
With a single 3D printer and a spool of filament, you can offer a wide variety of styles, colors, shapes, and sizes without increasing your initial investment. This keeps upfront costs low, improves profit margins, and allows you to scale efficiently. Most importantly, the final product can remain competitively priced for consumers, making it a win-win for both creators and customers.
What Should You Know Before Starting Your 3D Printing Business?
Identify Your Niche
Before you start, you'll want to determine which 3D printing products you'll be selling, and the people you'll be selling to. Ideally, you also need to find where your potential customers hang out, what they value, and what the most effective ways of reaching them are.
One of the ways you can do this is by looking at others who have established 3D printing businesses. Find out what those people are doing and see if you can emulate their success. That doesn't mean you should copy everything they do. Instead, use their research to help springboard your understanding of your market.
Read Our Guide: How to Choose Your 3D Printing Business Niche
Image: Thirdman | Unsplash
Develop A Business Plan
Developing a business plan is an important step in building a successful business. A business plan helps ensure your 3D printing business is headed in the right direction.
Keep Your Expectations Realistic
Many 3D printing business start out as side gigs. That means, don't resign from your day job hoping your new 3D printing business will be immediately successful. It's better to work part-time at the outset until you establish yourself in the industry. Patience will be a virtue here, so try to keep that in mind.
Be Aware Of Potential Legal Liability
You should probably consult both a tax professional and a legal professional to ensure you're operating according to your local laws. Some places require you to obtain a business license or certification, so you'll want to get those before you get started.
What Do You Need To Start A 3D Printing Business?
A Good 3D Printer for Small Business
It's a good idea to set an initial budget of around $1000 dollars for supplies. That should cover your chosen 3D printer, filament, software, and other miscellaneous items. As for the printer, buy the best one you can afford within that budget. Quality and reliability should be your two largest concerns when considering a 3D printer purchase.
We recommend you start with the AnkerMake M5 or M5C, as both printer models are extremely reliable, while offering exceptional quality and speed. Plus, both printers are budget-friendly, and can make the most of the startup cash you've put aside.
{{ component: "product", handle: "m5", sku: "V81111C1"}}3D Printing Software
Finally, you'll need some way to design and customize 3D-printed models. There are numerous CAD and slicer software programs available online. If you've purchased an AnkerMake M5 or M5C, use AnkerMake Studio. It's specially designed for AnkerMake printers, and it's completely free.
How Much Does it Cost to Start a 3d Printing Business?
Starting a 3D printing business can cost anywhere from $1,000 for a basic home setup to $50,000+ for a professional-grade operation. Your actual costs will vary based on the quality of equipment, types of projects, and scale of your business. Here's a breakdown of what you might need to get started:
| Item | Cost Range | What to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| 3D Printers | $200 - $5,000+ | From beginner to pro models. More printers = more output. Here is our complete guide to the cost of 3D printers. |
| Printing Materials | $20 - $200/spool | Various plastics, resins. Different types for projects. For more details, check out our guide on filament cost. |
| Computer & Software | $500 - $2,000 | For designs and printer control. May need special software |
| Workspace | Varies | Spare room or rented space. Needs ventilation & storage |
| Business Basics | $100 - $500 | Registration, permits, etc. |
| Website & Ads | $0 - $1,000 | To showcase work and find customers. Can start with free social media |
| Tools | $100 - $500 | For finishing and cleaning up prints |
| Shipping Supplies | $100 - $300 | Boxes and packing materials for safe delivery |
Top 13 Printing Business Ideas for 2025
To help you better find your way in business, we've listed the top 13 3d printing business ideas to try in 2025
Prototyping
When businesses explore new product categories or aim to expand their current range, they often need to test their ideas before moving forward. However, this process can come with significant costs and long lead times, which can be prohibitively risky for small businesses.
This is where 3D printing-and your services-can make all the difference. Prototyping with 3D printing allows businesses to turn ideas into physical models quickly and affordably. Often, concepts that seem brilliant on paper or as digital 3D models don't translate perfectly into the real world. Parts may not fit as expected, mechanisms might not function as smoothly as planned, or ergonomic designs might need adjustment.
With 3D printing, these challenges become opportunities for rapid iteration. You can produce multiple versions of a product within a single day, all at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional methods.
This accelerates the process of refining a design, allowing businesses to achieve their "perfect" product faster and more efficiently. By offering rapid prototyping services, you not only help businesses reduce risk but also shorten the time it takes to move from concept to market, making innovation more accessible and cost-effective.
Art
3D prints are not only functionally useful but can also be works of art. With the right approach, 3D printing offers countless opportunities to create aesthetically pleasing and unique pieces. For instance, custom-modeled sculptures designed with tools like Blender can result in stunning, one-of-a-kind creations.
Lithophanes, which transform 2D images into textured designs that reveal detailed pictures when illuminated, offering a captivating and innovative way to present images. Additionally, tools like Make it Real's 3D Paint feature make it possible to fully transform 2D art into printable 3D masterpieces, unlocking even more creative potential.
These artistic applications of 3D printing open up opportunities to collaborate with professionals in creative industries. For example, local art galleries may be interested in showcasing 3D-printed art, offering a modern twist on traditional exhibits.
Similarly, interior designers could leverage 3D printing services to add unique, customized touches to their spaces, creating bespoke elements that elevate their designs. Exploring these avenues could position your 3D printing business as both innovative and versatile, appealing to clients seeking functional beauty.
Customized Signs
Another option for utilizing 3D printing is the creation of custom signage, which can be employed in various scenarios. For instance, businesses can benefit from 3D-printed signs that offer a unique and eye-catching way to display their branding or messages.
You could also produce 3D-printed QR codes that allow people to quickly access a Wi-Fi network or visit a specific website with a simple scan. Crafting unique name badges for employees that include the company logo adds a professional and personalized touch to staff uniforms.
Miniatures and Custom Figurines
Using a 0.2mm nozzle on a 3D printer allows you to achieve incredibly fine detail, making it perfect for recreating miniature models with impressive accuracy. This capability unlocks the potential to print figurines for tabletop games and dioramas, helping gamers bring their fantasy worlds to life. From intricate characters to detailed landscapes, 3D printing can transform imaginative ideas into tangible pieces that elevate the gaming experience to new heights.
Related Guide: Best 3D Printer for Miniatures
image: Sparsh Paliwal | Unsplash
Jewelry
One of the key advantages of 3D printing is the ability to produce items that are significantly lighter than those made through traditional injection molding. This is achieved through the use of sparse infill, which reduces material usage without compromising the structure's integrity.
This lightweight nature is particularly beneficial for products like jewelry, where comfort is just as important as design. With 3D printing, you can create fully customized, unique statement pieces tailored to any style or mood, offering a perfect balance of elegance, comfort, and individuality.
Product Add-Ons
3D printing can be a game-changer when it comes to repairing or enhancing existing products. If a customer damages a tool or appliance, you can reproduce replacement parts that might otherwise be unavailable-often at a fraction of the cost of buying a new product. This unique ability could make your 3D printing services stand out in the market.
Additionally, 3D printing opens the door to offering practical enhancements for everyday items. For example, you could create a custom hose adapter, a dust-catching tray for drilling holes, or other innovative solutions that improve functionality. By providing these tailored fixes and upgrades, you can meet customer needs in ways traditional manufacturing simply can't.
3D Printing Education
If offering physical products isn't your preferred route, another excellent option is to use your knowledge and expertise to inspire and educate others.
Consider reaching out to schools to offer 3D printing workshops, introducing students to the fundamentals of this innovative technology and sparking their creativity. Local maker spaces are another great avenue to explore.
While these spaces may already have 3D printers available, not all members may fully understand the potential of 3D printing or how to optimize their designs for the process.
By teaching the importance of accounting for 3D printing during the design phase, you can help individuals and businesses unlock new levels of efficiency and creativity in their projects. Offering education-focused services positions you as a valuable resource in your community while fostering the next generation of makers.
Image: Vanessa Loring | Pexels
Robotics
Many makers turn to 3D printing as a cornerstone for robotics projects, especially for creating lightweight combat robots or other functional mechanisms. The flexibility of 3D printing allows for the design of custom parts that are both durable and lightweight-ideal for robotics applications. If you know electronic components or programming, this could be an excellent opportunity to create accessible solutions for younger audiences.
By designing and producing basic building blocks for simple robotic mechanisms, you can help beginners get started with their own projects. These kits could be tailored to various skill levels, allowing end users to expand and customize their robots as they gain experience. This approach not only introduces more people to robotics but also positions your 3D printing services as a valuable resource for education and innovation.
Footwear
When you think of 3D printing, footwear might not be the first thing that comes to mind. While fully 3D-printed shoes can be a complex undertaking, a more practical and achievable service to offer is the creation of custom shoe inserts or insoles. These can be tailored for individuals who struggle to find a comfortable fit with standard shoe sizes and shapes.
Using flexible filaments like TPU allows you to produce inserts that are not only comfortable and durable but also provide excellent impact resistance and cushioning. This service could appeal to a wide range of customers, from athletes to individuals with specific orthopedic needs, making it a valuable and innovative offering.
Children's Toys
3D-printed children's toys are an excellent way to start small when offering 3D printing services or products. Personalized puzzles, for example, are easy to design, fast and inexpensive to print, and lightweight for shipping if needed.
Children's toys often feature bold and bright colors, which are readily available in a wide variety of 3D printing filaments. This makes it easy to create vibrant and engaging designs that appeal to both kids and parents. By combining creativity with practicality, you can tap into a market that values unique, customizable, and affordable toys.
Read Our Guide: 3D Printing Cool Toys for Fun and Profit
Smartphone Cases
A promising market to explore is personalized phone cases. People frequently replace their phones, whether due to upgrades or repairs, and often require new cases for different models. While the market is saturated with generic options, finding affordable, personalized cases can be a challenge.
Offering custom phone cases can fill this gap. For example, a parent might want a case with their child's name on it to reduce the likelihood of it being lost or mixed up at school. Additionally, using TPU filament allows you to create cases that provide the necessary impact resistance to protect the device while offering unique designs and personal touches.
You could also cater to owners of older or less common devices, where finding cases is often difficult. By offering affordable and customizable options, you can stand out in a competitive market while meeting the practical and aesthetic needs of your customers.
Gaming Gear
Just like printing miniatures, video game enthusiasts often enjoy expressing their passion through game-themed merchandise and accessories inspired by their favorite titles. This opens up a fantastic opportunity to create unique, game-related items that resonate with this dedicated audience.
Imagine the excitement of gifting a loved one a controller holder designed in the form of their favorite game character or helping them accessorize their desk or gaming space with beautifully crafted pieces referencing a game they've cherished for years. These personalized and creative designs not only serve as functional items but also as meaningful tokens of their gaming journey, making them perfect gifts or collectibles for avid gamers.
Cosplay
Thanks to the influence of social media, there's a growing interest in the culture of cosplay. This is fantastic news for anyone looking to start a 3D printing business, as cosplay enthusiasts often seek replica weapons, armor, and costume pieces to complete their looks. These items are not only fun and creative to design and print but also highly eye-catching, making them ideal for showcasing your skills.
Attending conventions and engaging with attendees is an excellent way to promote your services. These events provide the perfect platform to network with cosplayers, demonstrate your craftsmanship, and even take custom orders. By catering to this vibrant and expanding community, you can position your 3D printing business as a go-to resource for cosplay needs.
How Do You Sell Your 3D Prints?
Online Methods to Promote Your 3D Printing Business
In today's digital era, advertising and promoting a 3D printing business has never been easier. There are countless ways to showcase your offerings and reach potential customers.
One of the simplest and most effective methods is to share your creations on social media platforms. People unfamiliar with 3D printing are often amazed by the possibilities this technology unlocks, so showing off your work can generate excitement and interest.
Image: Adem AY | Unsplash
When sharing photos, make sure to use good lighting and uncluttered backgrounds to highlight your products or creations effectively. This ensures your designs stand out and convey their full potential. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are ideal for showcasing your work, depending on your target audience and niche.
Creating engaging content about your 3D printing business can significantly expand your reach. Documenting the design and building process in a fun and educational way can attract an organic audience on platforms like YouTube, helping you connect with viewers who are genuinely interested in your expertise.
Another effective strategy is to engage with online communities that align with your niche. Actively participating in discussions, offering advice, and showcasing your work can help you establish yourself as a trusted resource and go-to expert for 3D printing needs.
Finally, listing your products on e-commerce platforms like Etsy provides access to a vast audience with minimal effort. These platforms are designed for creatives and small businesses, making them a great starting point to sell your 3D-printed items and grow your customer base.
Offline Methods to Promote Your 3D Printing Business
While online promotion is the most common and convenient way to market your business, it's not the only option.
As mentioned earlier, one of the key selling points of your 3D printing business is the uniqueness and personal touch you bring to your products. There's no better way to showcase this than by attending and exhibiting at craft fairs and markets.
These events allow prospective clients to meet you, the creator, and see and feel your products in person-something that often can't be fully conveyed through images online. The tactile experience and personal interaction can leave a lasting impression and help build trust and enthusiasm for your work.
Craft fairs and markets are also excellent opportunities to network with other creators and small businesses. These connections could lead to valuable collaborations or joint ventures that further expand your reach and business potential.
By stepping outside the digital world, you can tap into a whole new audience and demonstrate the unique value of your 3D-printed creations.
Image: Quang Nguyen Vinh | Pexels
Start Your 3D Printing Business Today
The opportunities for starting your 3D printing business in 2025 are virtually endless, and we've only scratched the surface of what's possible.
The key to getting started lies in identifying your niche-an area that excites and inspires you. Choosing something you're passionate about will not only enhance the quality of your work but also make the process more enjoyable. When you love what you do, that enthusiasm translates into your creations and brings joy to your clients, creating a truly rewarding experience.
The most important step, however, is to take action. Post that first picture on your social media accounts, list your first item on Etsy, or create that Pinterest inspiration board. Don't wait-taking that initial step is often the hardest part, but it's the one that sets everything else in motion.
Transform your ideas into reality and make 2025 the year you turn your 3D printing dreams into a 3D printing Success story.
