How to Make Money with a 3D Printer in 2025

3D printing is not just a hobby anymore. With 3d printing market continue developing, many people are now using a 3D printer to make money in creative and practical ways.

If you own a 3D printer, you already have the tools you need to start earning. It can be a small side business or even grow into something bigger over time.

1. Sell 3D Printed Items

Selling 3D printed products is one of the most common ways to make money with a 3D printer. You can create phone holders, jewelry, cosplay props, home décor, and even replacement parts……etc.

But with so much competition, it’s tough to sell basic 3D printed items that anyone can make. You really need unique ideas or special techniques to stand out.

For example, try UV printing on your 3D prints. It not only adds full color quickly but also helps reduce filament waste. This approach can really make your 3D prints stand out in a crowded market.

Here’s an example of using a UV printer to print on a PLA cube.

2. Sell 3D Models

Not everyone who uses 3D printing needs physical products. Many people look for ready-to-print 3D model files online, especially unique designs that aren't widely available.

If you're skilled at 3D design, this method is perfect for you. But don't worry if you're new to 3D modeling - you can start by creating simple models and grow from there.

To keep costs down and increase your profit, consider using free 3D modeling software like Tinkercad, FreeCAD, or Blender. For more options, check out our guide on the best 3D modeling software we published earlier.

Once you finish your designs, you can sell your 3d print files on websites like Cults3D, MyMiniFactory and CGTrader.

When choosing a platform, consider:

• Their fee structure
• How easy it is for customers to find your models
• The type of audience each platform attracts

To improve your model's sales:

• Price your models competitively
• Respond quickly to customer questions
• Consider offering some free models to attract attention

Compared with selling 3d printed items, you can earn long-lasting money without huge effort and inventory pressure in this way.

3. Create Online 3D Printing Courses

The 3D printing industry is growing quickly. Cheaper printers, new materials, and popular projects (like custom toys or home decor) are attracting many new users.

But here's the thing: more users means more confusion.

Beginners buy printers, then quickly realize they need help with failed prints, slicer settings, or even basic design skills. That's where you can make your money.

Hobbyists, entrepreneurs, and teachers are perfect students-they want to learn fast without wasting time or money.

For example, a hobbyist might need to print a custom toy without 10 failed attempts, or a teacher might want classroom projects that actually work. Your courses solve these real problems.

Pro tips:

• Keep your lessons short, clear, and affordable
• Keep it practical-less theory, more doing. People aren't paying for information-they're paying to skip frustration and get results fast.

4. Rent Out Your 3D Printer

This might be the easiest way to make money with your 3D printer. You've already got the machine, so all you need to do is find your target renters.

Some people only need a 3D printer for a short time. Instead of buying one, they're happy to rent one. This could be for a specific project or to try 3D printing before investing in their machine.

If you have extra printers or your printer is not in use, rent your 3D printer to local businesses, schools, or hobbyists. It is best to provide basic training and support to ensure that the renter uses the machine safely.

5. Provide 3D Printer Repair & Maintenance Services

As 3D printers become more popular, so do repair issues. Many owners struggle with common problems like clogs, bed leveling, or firmware updates.

If you're handy with 3D printers and know how to fix different brands, you've got a valuable skill. You can turn this knowledge into a local repair service.

Here are some services you could offer:

• Deep cleaning and tune-ups
• Replacing worn parts (like nozzles, belts, and fans)
• Upgrading firmware and calibration
• Diagnosing print failures

You could charge by the hour or offer package deals for different services. As your reputation grows, you might even partner with local 3D printer sellers to handle their customer repairs.

This can be a great way to make money, especially if you enjoy tinkering with machines and solving problems.

6. Run an On-Demand 3D Printing Service

With on-demand 3D printing, you can quickly produce custom parts and prototypes without the need for mass production. Customers can order one-of-a-kind items made just for them, and you can fill those orders as they come in.

A small setup may only require 2 or 3 good printers. This will give you the flexibility to take on multiple orders at once while maintaining a high-quality standard.

If you need to handle more jobs, you can set up a 3D printing farm. A 3D printing farm is a group of printers working together to handle more jobs. Using a mix of printers with different materials and speeds will improve both efficiency and versatility.

7. Build an Audience on YouTube/TikTok

Another way to make money with your 3D printer is by making videos on YouTube and TikTok. This helps you get customers, show off what you can do, and even earn money from ads and sponsorships.

As we mentioned earlier, many people need help improving their 3D printing skills or fixing common printer problems. More than that, as a creative tool, a 3D printer brings your ideas to life, and other makers need these ideas too.

When you share helpful tips and cool projects, people start to trust you. This trust can turn into people wanting to pay for your services.

But this path isn't easy. Growing an audience takes time, and there are lots of other people making videos too. You need to make videos often, keep them interesting, and talk to your viewers.

Be patient - most channels take months or even years to get big.

Many creators give up too soon because they expect quick results. Others get too technical, forgetting that most viewers are beginners who need simple, engaging content.

So, keep your videos short and clear, and post regularly. Don't just show your prints; explain how you made them and the problems you solved.

If you keep at it and give people helpful info, more people will follow you. Your channel can grow, and you might start making money from it.

8. Freelance 3D Design Services

We've talked about making money by selling 3D models, but your 3D skills can make money in another way: freelancing.

If you're good at 3D modeling, you can make money by offering your skills as a freelancer. Many people need 3D models but don't know how to make them. That's where you come in.

You can find work on websites like Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer. These sites let you create a profile and list your services. Clients can then hire you for projects.

What kind of work can you do? Here are some ideas:

• Make 3D models for people who want to print something specific
• Design parts for inventors or small businesses
• Create 3D models for video games or animations
• Make digital models for architects or interior designers

The great thing about freelancing is that you can work from home and set your own hours. You can start small and grow as you get more experience and good reviews.

But remember, freelancing also isn't always easy. You need to be good at talking to clients and meeting deadlines. You might not get steady work at first, so be patient and keep improving your skills.

If you're just starting, it's okay to charge less to build up your portfolio. As you get better and more popular, you can raise your prices.

Start Making Money with Your 3D Printer

There are many ways to make money with a 3D printer. The more you learn about the technology, the more ideas you'll have. You can create and sell custom products, offer repair services, or teach others online.

The key is to start small, stay consistent, and focus on what you enjoy. Over time, you'll build your reputation and your business. Keep learning, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep creating.

The 3D printing world has many opportunities, and with the right approach, you can turn your passion into income.

Good luck on your 3D printing journey!

FAQs

Can I make money from a 3D printer?

Yes, you can make money from a 3D printer by focusing on what you enjoy and do well. The key to success is choosing the right niche, managing costs, and marketing your products effectively.

What can I make with a 3D printer to make money?

You can make money with a 3D printer by selling popular items like toys, dragons, and collectibles. To stay up-to-date, check what's selling well on Etsy or Amazon Handmade.

Is 3D printing a profitable business?

3D printing can be a profitable business. The market is growing quickly, so there are many opportunities. Many people are making money by selling unique 3D printed items or offering printing services. As more industries adopt 3D printing, there will be new opportunities for businesses.