how to write a 3d printing business plan

How To Start a 3D Printing Business & Which Sector To Choose

Written by: 3DSourced

February 20, 2024

Key Takeaways

• Know your 3D printing : Learn the basics of 3D printing technology, software, and materials.
• Create a business plan : Define your niche, target market, budget, revenue goals, and marketing strategy.
• Choose your 3D printer and supplies : Pick the best 3D printer for your needs, based on the type, quality, and cost of printing you want to offer.
• Sell your products or services : Decide whether you want to sell 3D printed items, 3D designs, 3D printing on demand, or 3D printing repair and maintenance. Find the best platform or channel to reach your customers.

In just a few short years, 3D printing has gone from “what’s that?” to “how can I get in on this?”

Why? Here are some key stats :

• The 3D printing market is predicted to grow 30% per year to 2026 .
• There are over 422,000 working 3D printers in the USA .
• The USA, UK, France, Germany & China are all heavily adopting 3D printing.

Continuing to explode in popularity for both hobbyists and industrial uses, budding entrepreneurs are looking for opportunities to start a 3D printing business. But what opportunities are there?

Honestly, there are so many industries being shaken up by 3D printing — medical, hearing aids , dental, metal part production, spacecraft , even food — that listing every potential use would take too long.

Some have already taken areas of 3D printing and made themselves synonymous with the sector. Wiivv and 3D printed custom sandals, Relativity Space and 3D printed rockets , and Sonova and 3D printed hearing aids. What will your 3D printing business be known for?

This article focuses on how to start a 3D printing business, which 3D printing businesses you could start, and what you need to be able to start and be successful in the 3D printing industry.

How to start a 3D printing business

Naturally, to start a 3D printing business you need to know everything there is to know about 3D printing. You’ll need to know your 3D printer — and the technology that powers it — in and out.  

• You can view all our 3D printing technologies guides here

Write your 3D printing business plan

Now you need to create a business plan. Though you feel you already know exactly what you need to do, it’s always best to get your thoughts down in writing, as well as any predictions around revenues, sales, and the amount you’re prepared to invest.

When writing this, think of what you will need to spend money on: potentially renting a location, buying new equipment, hiring or training people — and do you have any guaranteed income you can factor in, or are you starting from zero?

It’s very likely your 3D printing business plan will change dramatically as your business adapts and changes — and that’s fine! — but a business plan will get your future and present ideas down on paper. If you’re planning on lending money from a bank or other institution, a business plan is crucial.

Buying your equipment

If you haven’t chosen which 3D printer (or 3D printers if you’re planning on multiple), you’ll need to choose carefully based on what you plan to print, or what services you plan on offering. Prototypes are often made using SLS 3D printers , as well as MJF, PolyJet, FDM, and more.

For deciding which to buy, you can check out our guide to every type of 3D printer .

If you know what type of 3D printer you’re planning on using, but aren’t sure on which printer, you can check out our buyer’s guides:

• Our buyer’s guide for the best FDM 3D printers
• Buyer’s guide for the best resin 3D printers
• The best SLS 3D printers
• Our metal 3D printer buyer’s guide
• The best 3D printers for small businesses

3D printers don’t run themselves, so you’ll need to make sure you have the right software, including a 3D slicer such as Cura , and if you’re designing your own models, a 3D modeling software tool . If you’re managing multiple 3D printers, you may want to invest in software to manage them more easily.

For FDM 3D printing you’ll need a steady supply of filament in every material and color range you plan to offer. For more industrial printing you may want to offer Polycarbonate , HIPS , PEEK , Nylon and ASA , but for more standard jobs you may just need PETG , ABS and PLA . The same goes for resins for resin 3D printing for any planned uses, including castable for jewelry molds, and any powders for SLS.

Running costs & marketing costs

As well as this, you’ll need to factor in costs for replacing any parts of your 3D printer that wear out, such as nozzles , resin vats and so on. Electricity isn’t free , but shouldn’t be a major cost.  

If you’re planning on launching your own website or webstore, you’ll need to decide how you’ll accept payments, which cart software to use such as Shopify, or Woocommerce on WordPress, and which hosting provider to use.

For marketing, you can opt for social media ads across Facebook, Instagram, or PPC ads on Google for a quick buzz. You can also try to capture people’s attention through generally interesting social media content, such as showing your factory in action, some of the cool things you’ve 3D printed , or vlogging yourself at work. For industrial B2B clients, LinkedIn and direct outreach may be better options.

Where to sell your products

If you’re planning to sell your models on existing platforms like Etsy, Amazon or eBay, you’ll need to decide your plans for those. Or, you may decide to niche down and sell on specialized 3D model platforms. If you’re planning on acting as a service, signing up to Treatstock or Makexyz can save you marketing time and pair you directly with clients.

3D Printing Business Ideas: Which 3D printing business should I start?

A true visionary may want to create an entirely new category, like 3D printed rockets, pizza or hearing aids. Nevertheless, here are some tried and tested existing 3D printing business models:

Printing on demand

Do you already own a 3D printer? This is the easiest way to make money from 3D printing.

The business model is simple: you offer to print someone else’s 3D file. The only problem with this 3D printing business plan is that it’s already getting quite competitive, and your service is easily seen as a commodity. Fortunately, we’ve listed some tips for making it in printing on demand.

Sign up on one of the major 3D printing service marketplaces , or sell your service to individual companies outside of a marketplace.

• Establish yourself in a niche market – B2C

Instead of trying to please everyone, you need to find a tribe of loyal customers who see you as their trusted vendor. To find your ideal niche, do some market research by Googling your market, checking sites like Quora and Reddit, and reading blog posts.

Start on a marketplace and then expand beyond it when you have some experience and know which customers you want to attract.

Many creatives, nerds and designers just want their design, such as favorite D&D model or character, in front of them, right now — and they don’t want to buy an entire 3D printer just to print it. Instead, they’ll find someone to do the odd job for them here and there.

Starting a 3D printing business printing consumer models requires less start-up investment, less expensive filaments or resins, and perhaps slightly lower accuracy and precision requirements. More affordable desktop 3D printers will work here, so you could potentially get started as a 3D printing business for just a few hundred dollars with an Ender 3 or Prusa 3D printer .

That isn’t to say there aren’t jobs for individuals that require more industrial 3D printers . Classic car fans looking to get a car part 3D printed will require perfect accuracy and a tough material used, with the crisp surface finish only accessible on higher end machines. But for most consumer jobs, less professional 3D printers should suffice.

There are even marketplaces for local 3D printer service businesses that’ll help you find customers. Treatstock, for example, puts you in contact instantly with thousands of local 3D printer businesses to have your parts printed for you in a variety of different materials.

By becoming a vendor, you potentially skip the expensive marketing costs associated with drumming up business at the beginning of your 3D printing business journey. There are other similar sites to Treatstock like makexyz, but 3D Hubs no longer allow individuals to sign up and offer their printing services.

• Offer your service to B2B customers

Alternatively, you can offer your services directly to B2B customers. Typically, these customers tend to have deeper pockets, a more consistent need for 3D printing services, and they tend to place larger orders.

Start on a marketplace and as you grow, transition to your own brand or site. A successful business that uses this business model is  Stratasys , a company that’s active in the engineering, manufacturing, production, and prototyping industries.

Again you’ll want to establish a niche, I see far too many home-based 3D printing businesses try to appeal to everyone doing everything just to make money 3D printing. To really get penetration in the market in a sea of ‘me too’ businesses and franchises -you’ve got to target, accurately.

In B2B — business to business — 3D printing businesses make prototypes and other parts for companies that want to test them. This could be for shape and aesthetics, or functional testing based on how it holds up in certain situations.

Common client needs include architectural and interior design models (a huge advantage if you can print multiple colors, such as by using a Palette ), sunglasses and other fashion prototypes, engineering prototypes, resin, ceramic or metal prototypes for various industries, and medical parts, including orthotics, prosthetics and medical implants.

Your ability to run this kind of 3D printing business really depends on the 3D printers you have. With massively growing demand for metal 3D printing — predicted to grow to a $11 billion industry by 2024 — metal additive manufacturing for automotive, space, medical and other uses is a great area to launch.

However, metal 3D printers cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in most cases, so this is not a venture for anyone looking to get in cheap and make some beer money.

Standard affordable 3D printers may not offer the level of precision companies expect when they hire your 3D printing business to print parts and prototypes for them. And many companies may be looking for more expensive types of 3D printing for their parts, such as SLS 3D printers or even PolyJet .

Overall, if you’re planning on starting a B2B 3D printing business acting as a 3D printing services for industrial clients, you’ll probably need a large investment to start with. For marketing, social media and more hobbyist forms of marketing won’t work as well, so you’ll need to either harness PPC ads or grow your network within the industry to find contacts looking to get manufacturing done. But, with this big risk comes the potential for big reward.

Open up your own 3D printing e-commerce store

[Source:  AudioQuest ]

3D printing is already disrupting the manufacturing industry. That’s why now is the time to set up an e-commerce shop where you sell products that you design and print. 3D printing makes the whole process flexible and cheap. If you’re wanting to know how to make money with a 3D printer, this is one of our favorite 3D printing startup ideas. 

Before actually going all-in starting a 3d printer business, you could validate your idea by using crowdfunding sites like  Kickstarter  and  Indiegogo . You can sell your products by building a shop on  Shopify  and on  Amazon , NotOnTheHighStreet.com and Etsy.

• Jewelry, home furnishing, decorations and fashion

The design industry is the perfect industry if you want to open an e-commerce shop. There are lots of options here; jewelry, home furnishing, decorations and fashion. If you want to start small, Etsy is the perfect platform, because its customers crave individualized design.  NomaniFOLD  sells 3D printed jewelry and is a pioneer in this industry.

• Monthly subscription box

Monthly subscription boxes are insanely popular. Some of them are something of a trend, but others are a convenient way for people to get products delivered to them. But what if you could use this idea to 3D print monthly items that people need and want as a recurring service? For example, deliver toys or pet or baby products on a monthly basis.

• Events  

The event industry is massive. There’s everything from weddings, birthdays, graduation parties to company events and conferences. Tap into this market by printing event decorations and other products.

• Other products

With the ideas above, we’re just scratching the surface. There are so many 3D printing business opportunities you can explore!

Customized products

[Source:  Open Bionics ]

3D printing is changing the way we do business. No wonder; one of the main advantages of 3D printing is that it enables us to mass-customize products. Why not start a shop that’s all about customization? The possibilities for making money with 3D printing business opportunities are endless and this is an area with significant growth potential.

Use Kickstarter, Indiegogo, Etsy, Amazon, Ebay and Shopify to sell items.

You’ll need to price your models based on the amount of filament or resin they use, as well as the time value of your 3D printer’s time. In addition, since you’ve created real tangible models, posting them to your customers will cost money, too. This can vary wildly depending on whether your customer is in your city, or if they’re half way across the globe.

It’s safest to use your own files, as many models from free STL file sites may not authorize you to commercialize them. If you want to add even more value, you could even paint your models, making them stand out and letting you charge higher prices.

You’ll need to think about marketing for this type of 3D printing business. People are unlikely to just find your 3D printing shop unless you’re savvy about getting your name out there: either on social media, or by paid ads such as PPC on Google or Facebook ads. You’ll need to continually optimize any paid ads to make sure you’re selling enough products to make the ads profitable, and keep a beady eye on the data.

If successful however, it’s one of the most rewarding and independent ways to make it as a 3D printing business.

• Customized products  

There are no limitations here… mobile cases and covers, special parts that enable you to use items in different ways (e.g. toys), jewelry and so forth. For example, check out  Lantos Technologies , a company that prints customized in-ear products.

These 3D printed toys and similar models are always popular, and there will always be a demand for 3D character prints of peoples’ favorite video game or movie characters, musicians, actors and more. Cosplayers are always looking for new elements to use, too.

If you’re a good 3D designer — and if you want to learn, check out our ranking of the best free 3D modeling software tools for beginners — you can design your own creations harnessing your boundless creativity and signature style, or just create 3D models based on real people or things. You can then either sell these models and send them fully printed, or sell the STL file and let them print their own.

• Customized collectibles and figures

Fans LOVE customized collectibles and figures of their favorite athletes, artists and gamer avatars. Just make sure to check all licenses if you want to use this for your business. On the other hand, there’s a market for customized figures of people themselves, e.g. a figure of someone posing in his or her sports gear or their own gamer avatar.

For example,  CoKreeate  is a company that has successfully established itself in this market. Want to learn more about how to set up your own shop?  Here’s a story  that might inspire you.

Selling small items like this could be much easier if you’re wanting to set up a home-based 3D printing business. Lower storage and shipping costs for your home-factory business.

Read more: the best 3D printers for D&D miniatures

• Prosthetics

Prosthetics are expensive and difficult to manufacture. 3D printing is solving several problems in this industry. It makes prosthetics better, more customized and more affordable. Additionally, 3D printing is making it easier to manufacture wheelchairs and other support tools. Some companies that are producing prosthetics and support tools are  e-Nable  and  Open Bionics.

Read more: our feature story on 3D printed prosthetics

• Customized clothes

Typically, clothes are a mass market product. When you walk down the street, you’ll probably meet someone wearing the same item from the same chain. But thanks to 3D printing, it doesn’t have to be this way. 3D printing makes it easy to customize clothing. For example, a popular item that could be 3D printed and mass-customized are clog like foam shoes. One of the advantages of these shoes is that the foam forms itself to your feet. 3D printing enables you to improve this product.

Want to check out some successful companies in this space?  Kinematics dress  and  Continuum Fashion  are some of the companies that are already selling customized clothes and fashion related accessories. 

Read more: how 3D printed clothing is changing the world

Read more: 3D printed fashion: the latest trend

• Customized sports and hobby products

People spend a lot of money on sports and hobbies, and this is the perfect market for customized items. For example, you could sell customized tennis racket covers to teams or customized fishing and golfing gear .

Read more: our feature story on 3D printed shoes and sneakers

• Customized gifts

The best gifts are personal. The problem is that most customized gifts are expensive because they cost so much to manufacture. That’s why 3D printed customized gifts are the best choice; 3D printed customized gifts are affordable and flexible to print.

Read more: 3D printed gifts you can download and print today

• 3D printed photographs  

People love storing memories of their loved ones. A great idea for a 3D printing business is to create 3D printed family photographs. Many would love the possibility to store a model of their child, grandparent, pet or even a model of their house.

• Customized baby products

Naturally, most parents want the best for their babies and babies need different tools that fit them. By starting a business that customizes baby products, you tap into this lucrative market. Some of the companies that have noticed this are  Spuni , a company that prints spoons, and  Technologia Humana 3D , a company that prints 3D models of fetuses.

• Customized B2B products

Not all customized products are in the B2C space. Businesses want to stand out from their competition. You could 3D print customized furniture, signature decoration or other products and sell them to companies.

If you’ve got an eye for designs that’ll sell well online, such as miniatures , tabletop models and D&D-esque designs, this might be the route for you.  

Become a 3D printer reseller and expert

Most cheap 3D printers are bought from Amazon. They come with instructions to get you going, and normally have some form of tech support if you run into serious problems.  

However, with more complex professional and industrial 3D printers, installation, training and ongoing support may be required.

Resellers sell printers from major 3D printer manufacturers to domestic or local customers, and can provide all the required support and installation locally so the manufacturer doesn’t need to be involved.

To be a reseller, you’ll need to be an expert on every 3D printer made by the brand you’d be reselling, and may need to purchase one at full price first to fully understand it before becoming licensed and gaining access to wholesale rates.  

To find customers you’ll need a full understanding of the uses and applications of the particular 3D printers you sell, as well as likely buyer personas. The more industrial and expensive the 3D printers you sell, the smaller your potential client base will likely be.

Another variant of this is focusing on education and 3D printing in schools . Experts on 3D printing may be required to assist with either informing schools to install 3D printers, creating and teaching, or selling to educational establishments. However, check the regulatory rules for your country first.

Design 3D printing files

[Source:  History.com ]

Love design? Then designing 3D files and selling those designs might be one of the better 3d printing business ideas you’re looking for.

The setup is simple: create and sell designs that your customers can print with their own 3D printers.

Sell your designs on 3D file marketplaces like  MyMiniFactory ,  CG Trader , Shapeways or  i.Materialise  or create your own online store with Shopify or WordPress (via Woocommerce).

• Create designs for a niche market

Become the go-to person in a niche and sell designs on marketplaces. For example, you could provide designs in the home furnishing niche that companies can buy and use to sell their own prints.

• Create prototypes for companies

Another idea is to create prototype designs and sell them to companies. You’re not printing the designs, which means that you can scale faster.

It’s important to start in a specific niche. For example, say a medical company needs 3D prototypes. If you’re a 3D printing company specializing in medical prototype designs, it’s much more likely that you’ll land them as a client than if you produce generic designs.

• Create designs for museums, architects and interior designers

Typically, museums, architects, and interior designers need a lot of prototypes and other models. For example, History.com uses 3D printed Viking models in its  Vikings  project and architects need building models.

• Set up your own online store

If you don’t want to sell your designs on marketplaces, you can open a store with a service like Shopify. Sell designs that people can buy right away to use for their own businesses.

Full-Service 3D Design and 3D Printing Agency

Want to take it a step further and set up a shop that takes care of the entire process? With this business plan, your customers come in and talk about what they want you to print. Then, you design the product and print it.

Because the whole process can be quite expensive, you probably scale faster if you target B2B customers or those looking to get started with a new prototype. 

• Create prototypes for companies 

Companies need prototypes, and they can be very expensive. That’s why 3D printed prototypes are such a great alternative; they’re easier to produce, and they’re cheaper.

 2.   Design and print products for e-commerce stores

E-commerce companies need to find reliable factories overseas because it’s too expensive to manufacture products locally. As the factory is far away from where the company is based, there might be a range of problems; long production times, varying factory standards and long and costly delivery times.

Many times, e-commerce companies have to source more stock than they need to avoid running out of products. With your services, you can offer a flexible and affordable solution to these problems. By designing and printing products for e-commerce shops, you tap into a major pain point in the industry.

It’s important (and with any of the other business ideas listed here) that you don’t just see this as a way to profit from 3D printing. When starting a business like this, you want to make sure you’re really passionate about the quality or products and the service levels you want to deliver. Otherwise, it will show. 

Think about what types of aspects matter most to the types of companies that would want your services and tailor your business plan to address these concerns. Creating small batch production items for an e-commerce company will require a slightly different service than perhaps just creating initial one-off prototypes for new startups.   

• Create promotional goods

You know, promotional goods can be really powerful for a company’s marketing strategy. The only problem is that it’s expensive and difficult to find creative promotional goods if the company wants to go with something else than t-shirts. 3D printing doesn’t have the same restrictions, and that’s why your 3D printing service can solve this problem. Besides targeting the end user (companies), you might want to offer your services to ad agencies.

• Repair and maintenance

As the 3D printing industry grows, there will be a growing demand for reliable repair and maintenance services. Set up your own repair and maintenance shop and repair and maintain 3D printers and prints.

Overall, with massive industry growth — especially on the industrial side — additive manufacturing is very attractive area to be in. If you’ve got the risk-taking chops, business acumen and love and knowledge for 3D printing, and are willing to put the work in, who knows, perhaps you could be the next 3D printing billionaire!

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3D Printing Business

Back to All Business Ideas

How to Start a 3D Printing Business (With Checklist)

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on January 27, 2022 Updated on July 5, 2024

Investment range

$7,050 - $16,100

Revenue potential

$130,000 - $650,000 p.a.

Time to build

1 – 3 months

Profit potential

$100,000 - $200,000 p.a.

Industry trend

Here are the most important things to consider when starting a 3D printing business:

• Home-based business — Consider operating your business from home as it will reduce your monthly expenses and allow you to test the market viability with minimal financial commitment.
• Equipment — You will need a 3D printer. Many options are available on the market, such as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) , Stereolithography (SLA) , or Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) , so it’s a good idea to invest in a high-quality printer, test out some designs, and get familiar with the technology. 
• Materials — Depending on the 3D printer you will need printing materials such as filament for FDM printers, resins for SLA printers, or powders for SLS printers.
• Niche — Decide what you want to make (art, custom parts, repair parts, personalized designs).
• Register your business — A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple. Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the best LLC services on the market.
• Legal business aspects — Register for taxes, open a business bank account, and get an EIN .
• Intellectual property laws — Get familiar with intellectual property laws , copyrights to designs, patented products, and trademarks to avoid legal pitfalls.

Interactive Checklist at your fingertips—begin your 3D printing business today!

You May Also Wonder:

How profitable can a 3D printing business be?

Even with a small 3D printing operation at home, you could make six figures. 3D printing prices are customized based on the complexity of the print and can run upwards of $1,000 for complex designs.

How much does a 3d printer cost?

The cost of 3D printers varies based on type, size, capabilities, and brand. Entry-level printers for beginners typically range from $200 to $600, mid-range models cost between $600 and $2,000, and high-end industrial printers start at $2,000 and can exceed $10,000.

What materials are used in 3d printing?

The most common materials used in 3D printing are plastic, metal, resin, wood, composites, and ceramics.

How much does 3d printing material cost?

The prices for common 3D printing materials are approximately as follows: PLA (polylactic acid) costs between $20 and $50 per 2.2 pounds, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) is also $20 to $50 per 2.2 pounds, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) ranges from $30 to $60 per 2.2 pounds, Nylon varies from $40 to $100 2.2 pounds, and Resin costs between $50 and $150 per quart.

Can 3D printing be a side hustle?

Yes, 3D printing can be a  side hustle  for individuals who are interested in making some extra income outside of their regular job.

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons.

Starting a 3D printing business has pros and cons that you should consider before deciding if it’s right for you.

• Good profit — Prices for 3D prints cost up to $1,000 or more
• Global clientele — Work from home, take orders from anywhere
• Strong retention — Happy customers tend to return
• Evolving technology — 3D printers quickly become outdated
• Expensive — 3D printers don’t come cheap

3D Printing Industry Trends

The US 3D printer manufacturing industry has strongly recovered from the pandemic slump. The opportunity is there for the bold entrepreneur to jump in and ride the wave. 

Industry Size and Growth

• Industry size and past growth — The 3D printer manufacturing industry in the US has returned to a high growth path, reaching a revenue of $7.3 billion in 2023, the highest in the past 10 years. The industry has been growing by 11.8% per year since 2018.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/3d-printer-manufacturing-united-states/ ))  
• Growth forecast — Global 3D printing market was valued at $20.37 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow 23.5% yearly by 2030.(( https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/3d-printing-industry-analysis ))
• Number of businesses — There were 613 3D printer manufacturers in the US in 2023.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/3d-printer-manufacturing-united-states/ ))
• Number of people employed — In 2023, the industry employed 21,737 people.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/employment/3d-printer-manufacturing-united-states/ ))

Trends and Challenges

• Advancing technology is opening doors for many new 3D printing applications, fueling the growth of the industry. The most common use of a 3D printer remains the making of prototypes, but other applications include toys and home decor.
• New types of 3D printing materials are emerging, including polymers and metals, contributing to the advance of the industry. New products that can be 3D printed include tool components and even finished auto parts.
• 3D printing may threaten intellectual property rights since printers can potentially duplicate patented products. This may lead to increased regulation in 3D printing.
• Advancing technologies can make current 3D printers obsolete, creating a need for printing businesses to regularly upgrade their equipment. 

What Kind of People Work in 3D Printing?

• Gender — 84% of 3D designers are male, while 16% are female.(( https://www.zippia.com/3d-designer-jobs/demographics/#gender-statistics ))
• Average level of education — 64% of 3D designers hold a bachelor’s degree.(( https://www.zippia.com/3d-designer-jobs/demographics/#degree-level-types ))
• Average age — The average age of an employed 3D designer is 38.5 years old.(( https://www.zippia.com/3d-designer-jobs/demographics/#age-statistics ))

How Much Does It Cost to Start a 3D Printing Business?

Startup costs for a 3D printing business range from $7,000 to $16,000. The highest costs are the printer itself and the 3D design software. The high end reflects purchasing a more expensive printer with better functionality. Other than those items, you just need printing materials such as plastic or metal, in addition to enough space to create a small studio. 

You could also take an online course through a site like Udemy for less than $30. Courses are self-study and can be completed in 4–8 hours. 

How Much Can You Earn From a 3D Printing Business?

Prices for 3D prints vary greatly depending on the complexity but can range from $30 to $1,000 or more. If you specialize in prototypes, designs are likely to be complex, so these calculations will assume an average price of $500. Your profit margin after the cost of materials should be around 80%.

In your first year or two, you could work from home and sell five prints a week, bringing in $130,000 in annual revenue. This would mean over $100,000 in profit, assuming that 80% margin. As your brand gains recognition, sales could climb to 25 prints a week. At this stage, you’d rent a commercial space and hire staff, reducing your margin to 30%. With an expected annual revenue of $650,000, you’d make nearly $200,000.

What Barriers to Entry Are There?

There are a few barriers to entry for a 3D printing business. Beyond mastering the 3D printing process, your biggest challenges will be:

• Funding the costs of starting the business
• Facing massive competition from online 3D printing companies

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Step 2: hone your idea.

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a 3D printing business, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an Opportunity

Research 3D printing businesses in your area to examine their services, price points, and what sells best. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a 3D prototype printing business.

You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry, such as 3D printed toys.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine Your 3D Products or Services

Your services will depend on the capabilities of your 3D printer. If it has advanced capabilities, prototypes will be your highest-priced services. However, you should probably offer a wide range of services to maximize revenue. 

There are several ways to make money with 3D printing , including:

• Selling 3D-printed products — You can design and print your own products or use existing designs to create items that you can sell on online marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon, or eBay. Popular 3D-printed items include jewelry, phone cases, toys, and home decor.
• Providing 3D printing services — You can offer 3D printing services to individuals or businesses that need custom parts or prototypes. This can include creating one-off prints or producing small runs of products.
• Creating and selling 3D printing designs — You can design and sell your own 3D printing designs on platforms like Thingiverse or MyMiniFactory . This can be a good way to earn passive income once your designs become popular.
• Teaching 3D printing classes — You can offer classes or workshops on 3D printing to teach others how to use the technology. This can be a great way to earn income while sharing your expertise with others.
• Repairing and maintaining 3D printers — As 3D printing becomes more popular, there is a growing need for technicians who can repair and maintain 3D printers. You can offer these services to individuals or businesses that need help keeping their printers in good working order.

Overall, there are many opportunities to make money with 3D printing, and the field is constantly evolving. By staying up to date on new technologies and trends, building a strong reputation for quality and reliability, and finding a niche in the market, you can create a successful 3D printing business.

How Much Should You Charge for 3D Prints?

Prices will vary based on the complexity of the print and the materials used. Complex items may cost $1,000 or more. You’ll price products on a case-by-case basis. When you’re working by yourself and from home, you should aim for a profit margin of about 80%.

Once you know your costs, you can use our profit margin calculator to determine your markup (also, use our Markup Calculator ) and final price point. Remember, the price you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify Your Target Market

If you do mostly prototypes, your target market will be entrepreneurs. You can find them on sites like LinkedIn. You could also partner with local business incubators and small business development centers to get referrals.

Where? Choose Your Business Premises

In the early stages, you may want to run your business from home to keep costs low. But as your business grows, you’ll likely need to hire workers for various roles and may need to rent out a production facility. Find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist , Crexi , and Instant Offices .

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a 3D Printing Business Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “3D printer” or “3D printing,” boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for example, “The 3D Hub” over “3D Automotive Parts Makers”
• A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO but might hinder future expansion

Discover over 370 unique 3D printing business name ideas here . If you want your business name to include specific keywords, you can also use our 3D printing business name generator. Just type in a few keywords, hit Generate, and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Find a Domain

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Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that set your business apart. Once you pick your company name and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a 3D Printing Business Plan

Here are the key components of a home inspection business plan:

• Executive summary — A brief overview of your 3D printing business plan, summarizing its key points and goals
• Business overview — An introduction to your 3D printing business, including its mission, vision, and the problem it aims to solve
• Product and services — Description of the 3D printing products and services you offer, highlighting their unique features and benefits
• Market analysis — An examination of the 3D printing market, including target demographics, industry trends, and potential growth opportunities
• Competitive analysis — An evaluation of your 3D printing business’s competition, identifying key competitors and their strengths and weaknesses
• Sales and marketing — Strategies for promoting and selling your 3D printing products and services, encompassing pricing, distribution, and marketing tactics
• Management team — Profiles of the individuals leading your 3D printing business, emphasizing their relevant skills and experience
• Operations plan — Details on the day-to-day operations of your 3D printing business, covering production, supply chain, and quality control
• Financial plan — Financial projections and funding requirements for your 3D printing business, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow forecasts
• Appendix — Supplementary information, such as additional research, charts, and supporting documents to provide further context and details for your business plan

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose Where to Register Your Company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you’re planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to 3D printing businesses.

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind that it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose Your Business Structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your 3D printing business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole proprietorship — The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General partnership — Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) — Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corporation — Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corporation — This refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just needs to elect this structure for tax status. In an S Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have.

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

We recommend ZenBusiness as the Best LLC Service for 2024

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number or EIN. You can file for your EIN online, or by mail/fax. Visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you’re completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund Your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans — This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans — The Small Business Administration can act as a guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants — A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and family — Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding — Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal — Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best options, other than friends and family, for funding a 3D printing business. You might also try crowdfunding since 3D printing is such a booming industry.

Step 8: Apply for Licenses and Permits

Starting a 3D printing business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

It’s important to note that several states are considering a ban on the 3D printing of firearms. New Jersey already has such a ban in place. Be aware that additional regulations may be on the horizon. 

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health license and permit from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your 3D printing business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability — The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business property — Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment breakdown insurance — Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation — Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property — Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto — Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability — Protects against claims from clients who say they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP) — This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As the opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential Software and Tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks. 

You can use industry-specific software, such as MakerOS , 3DPrinterOS , or All3DP , to manage your workflows, machines, quotes, and invoicing. 

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , FreshBooks , and Xero . 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences of filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial. 

Develop Your Website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using website builders . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

However, people are unlikely to find your website unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

• Targeted social media campaigns — Leverage platforms like Facebook and Instagram to run ads tailored to specific demographics interested in 3D printing.
• Search engine optimization (SEO) — Apply SEO best practices to improve your website’s visibility and attract clients searching for 3D printing solutions.
• Local SEO — Ensure your business is prominently listed on Google My Business and Yelp to boost your local online presence.
• Instructional video content — Create videos that explain the benefits and processes of 3D printing, increasing shareability and engagement.
• Blogging and thought leadership — Start a blog to share insights on industry advancements and innovative uses of 3D printing, establishing your brand as a thought leader.
• Webinars and workshops — Organize webinars and workshops to demonstrate your expertise and the capabilities of 3D printing technology.
• Creative signage — Utilize your 3D printing technology to produce innovative signage for your store and events, showcasing your technical capabilities.
• Event sponsorship — Sponsor relevant local and industry events to build brand awareness and connect with potential clients.
• Referral programs — Implement a referral program with incentives to motivate current customers to bring in new clients.
• Paid digital advertising — Invest in digital ads on platforms that align with your target audience for precise and effective targeting.
• Collaborations with designers — Partner with designers and artists to bring their creative concepts to life, highlighting the versatility of your services.
• Augmented reality ads — Incorporate augmented reality into your advertising to provide potential clients with interactive previews of their designs.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that set it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your 3D printing meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your 3D printing business could be: 

• Custom 3D toys for your child only!
• Custom 3D-printed home décor — the design is yours! 
• Prototype printing to help launch your business 

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain but your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a 3D printing business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been in 3D printing for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in 3D printing. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. Online businesses might also consider affiliate marketing as a way to build relationships with potential partners and boost business. 

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a 3D printing business would include:

• Printers — making the 3D prints, customer service
• General manager — staff management, ordering, accounting
• Marketing lead — SEO strategies, social media, other marketing

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run 3D Printing Business — Start Making Money!

If you want to get into an industry that is growing by leaps and bounds, look no further. 3D printing is the market for you, expected to more than quadruple in size in the next few years. 

Considering the potential money you could make, startup costs are a relatively small investment. It’s also a business with virtually unlimited growth potential, so your small at-home business could become something huge. Now that you understand what’s involved in 3D printing from a business perspective, get ready to launch your new business and start building a 3D printing empire.

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• Decide if the Business Is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a 3D Printing Business Name
• Create a 3D Printing Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund Your Business
• Apply for Licenses and Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build Your Team
• Run 3D Printing Business — Start Making Money!

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Home » Sample Business Plans » Technology

How to Write a 3D Printing Business Plan [Sample Template]

Are you about starting a 3D printing company? If YES, here is a complete sample 3D printing business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE . If you want to start a business that has potentials and that is sure to make you smile to the bank at all times, then you should be looking at delving into the 3D printing services business. This is a very practical business that is capable of making focused succeed at it.

One of the things that you have got to first of all determine is the willingness for you to go into this business. There after you will begin to do other underground businesses like undertaking a thorough feasibility studies, amongst other things. This business plan below will come in handy as you work at drawing and putting yours all together.

A Sample 3D Printing Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

The printing industry is indeed a very large industry with many subsets and 3D printing and rapid prototyping is one of the active lines of business in the printing industry. Generally, establishments in the 3D Printing & Prototyping Services industry offer 3D printing and rapid prototyping services.

A 3D printing and prototyping service is the automatic construction of physical objects using additive manufacturing technology. The process include melting or softening material to produce layers, laying liquid material thermosets that are cured and cutting thin layers to shape that are then joined together.

The 3D Printing and Rapid Prototyping Services industry over time has experienced rapid growth and this is due to rapid technological advancements, falling costs and new uses for 3D printing technology. Going forward, the demand for 3D printing and rapid prototyping service and of course the revenue generated is projected to increase rapidly as 3D printing and rapid prototyping explodes in popularity and accessibility, especially in consumer markets.

The 3D Printing & Rapid Prototyping Services Industry is indeed a very large industry and pretty much active in all the parts of the world. Statistics has it that in the united states of America alone, there are about 151 registered and licensed 3D printing and rapid prototyping services companies responsible for employing about 3,814 and the industry rakes in a whooping sum of $492 million annually.

The industry is projected to enjoy 3.7 percent annual growth and the establishments with the dominant market share in the 3D printing and rapid prototyping industry are 3D System Inc. and Stratasys.

Research carried out by IBISWORLD shows that the 3D Printing and Rapid Prototyping Services industry exhibits moderate level capital intensity. The report shows that for every $1.00 spent on labor, the average industry operator is estimated to invest about $0.14 in capital equipment.

The average firm’s primary capital investment comes in the form of actual 3D printers. They also stated that printing service companies source these machines directly from 3D printer manufacturers. 3D printers and rapid prototyping equipment form the majority of a firm’s initial purchases and can be of great cost.

The report further states that, the industry wages are anticipated account for roughly 42.2 percent of revenue in 2015. This ratio may seem high; however, the industry’s employees are typically more skilled than other types of printing service related businesses.

If you are looking towards starting your own 3D printing and rapid prototyping services business, then you should endeavor to learn the trade. The truth is that the technology and processes involve in this line of business is one that will require a period of time (months) to learn.

Over and above, the 3D printing and rapid prototyping services industry is pretty much open to new entrepreneurs and investors to come in and build a successful business. But they must first and foremost ensure that they conduct thorough feasibility studies and market survey before situating the business in any location. This is very important because if this type of business is better located in an area that has available market for its services.

2. Executive Summary

Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC is a U.S based and world – class 3D printing and rapid prototyping Services Company. We have been able to secure a standard and well – positioned office facility in a busy business district in Los Angeles – California.

We are a world class 3D printing and rapid prototyping company that is set to compete in the highly competitive 3D printing and rapid prototyping services industry not only in the United States market, but also in the global market.

Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC will be involved in the all aspect of 3D printing and rapid prototyping  services such as3D printing rapid prototyping, 3D printing support services, selective laser sintering (SLS), fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereo lithography (SLA) and other related 3D printing and rapid prototyping services.

Our business goal is to become one of the leading 3D printing and rapid prototyping Services Company in the United States and we will make sure that every 3D printing and rapid prototyping jobs that leaves our printing press can favorable compete with the best in the industry.

Our workers are going to be selected from a pool of talented and highly creative 3D printers in and around Los Angeles – California and also from any part of the world as the business grows.

We will make sure that we take all the members of our workforce through the required trainings that will position them to meet the expectation of the company and to compete with leading 3D printing and rapid prototyping services companies in the United States and throughout the globe.

At Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC our client’s best interest come first, and everything we do will be guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by delivering excellent and neat jobs and also meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely.

We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our clients. Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC is a private business that is owned and managed by Mr. Joseph Pascal and his immediate family members.

Joseph Pascal studied Printing Technology from Illinois Institute of Technology and he has well over 10 years of hands on experience working with one of the leading 3D printing and rapid prototyping services companies in the United States of America. He will be bringing his wealth of experience to grow Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC to become a national brand.

3. Our Products and Services

Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC was established with the aim of maximizing profits in the 3D Printing and Rapid Prototyping industry.

We want to compete favorably with the leading 3D printing and rapid prototyping companies in the United States of America which is why we have but in place a competent quality assurance team that will ensure that all our 3D printing and rapid prototyping services jobs and other related printing services rendered meet and even surpass our customers’ expectations and match – up with international best practices.

We will work hard to ensure that Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC is not just accepted in Los Angeles – California but also nationally throughout the United States of America. Our service offerings are listed below;

• 3D printing
• Rapid prototyping
• 3D printing support services
• Selective laser sintering (SLS)
• Fused deposition modeling (FDM)
• Stereo lithography (SLA)
• The sale of 3D printers and supplies.
• Screen printing consulting and advisory services
• Other related printing services

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to establish a standard and world class 3D printing and rapid prototyping company whose services and brand will not only be accepted in Los Angeles – California but also throughout the United States of America, but also in other parts of the world.
• Our mission is to build a world class 3D printing and rapid prototyping company that will be known to execute top notch s3D printing and rapid prototyping projects and to become the number one choice for branding, advertising and promotion agencies and other stake holder in the industry.
• We want to build a 3D printing and rapid prototyping services company that can favorably compete with other leading brands in the industry.

Our Business Structure

Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC is a 3D printing and rapid prototyping services company that intend starting small in Los Angeles – California, but hope to grow big in order to compete favorably with leading 3D printing and rapid prototyping companies in the industry both in the United States and on a global stage.

We are aware of the importance of building a solid business structure that can support the picture of the kind of world class business we want to own. This is why we are committed to only hire the best hands within our area of operations.

At Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC, we will ensure that we hire people that are qualified, hardworking, creative, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stake holders (the owners, workforce, and customers).

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more as agreed by the board of trustees of the company. In view of the above, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

• Chief Executive Officer
• Creative Director
• Human Resources and Admin Manager
• Sales and Marketing Executive

3D Printing Machine Operators

Client Service Executive

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Creates, communicates and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. lading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization

Creative Director:

• Serves as project manager of the organization; works directly with employees
• Responsible for designing and approving concepts for 3D printing of materials for client
• Develops strategic plan by studying technological and financial opportunities; presenting assumptions; recommending objectives.
• Accomplishes subsidiary objectives by establishing plans, budgets, and results measurements; allocating resources; reviewing progress; making mid-course corrections.
• Coordinates efforts by establishing procurement, production, marketing, field, and technical services policies and practices; coordinating actions with corporate staff.
• Builds company image by collaborating with customers, government, community organizations, and employees; enforcing ethical business practices.
• Maintains quality service by establishing and enforcing organization standards.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications / journals; establishing personal networks; benchmarking state-of-the-art practices; participating in professional societies.
• Makes certain that production and development department perform efficiently, coordinate employee efforts, and facilitate communications between management and 3D printing machine operators and rapid prototyping specialist
• Ensures that the organization work in line with international best practices.

Admin and HR Manager

• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Designs job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for clients
• Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders to review the effectiveness of HR Policies, Procedures and Processes
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily office activities.

Sales and Marketing Manager

• Manages external research and coordinate all the internal sources of information to retain the organizations’ best customers and attract new ones
• Models demographic information and analyze the volumes of transactional data generated by customer
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
• Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
• Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Creates new markets cum businesses for the organization
• Empower and motivates the sales team to meet and surpass agreed targets

Accountant / Cashier:

• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensuring compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC
• Serves as internal auditor for Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC
• In charge of handling 3D printing, rapid prototyping, 3D printing support services, selective laser sintering (SLS), fused deposition modeling (FDM) and stereo lithography (SLA)
• Liaises with clients to determine their requirement and budget
• Works to a brief, which details what the space will be used for, and finding out the client’s personal ideas and requirements
• Responsible for creating patterns and operating 3D printing machines cum equipment
• Responsible for negotiating fees and setting schedules for the project
• Responsible for researching and drawing up rough plans
• Responsible for developing detailed designs and choosing materials
• Responsible for preparing drafts or material based on an agreement brief.
• Researches and advices the organization on style, genre and other trendy info as it relates to 3D printing and rapid prototyping et al.
• Welcomes clients and visitors by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the HR manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to potential clients when they make enquiries
• Receives parcels / documents for the company
• Distributes mails in the organization
• Handles any other duties as assigned by the human resources and admin manager.

6. SWOT Analysis

Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC employed the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring to assist our organization in building a well – structured 3D printing and rapid prototyping services business that can favorably compete in the highly competitive 3D printing and rapid prototyping services industry in the United States and the world at large.

Part of what the team of business consultant did was to work with the management of our organization in conducting a SWOT analysis for Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC;

Our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team of creative and highly proficient 3D printers and rapid prototyping experts, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in various niche areas in the printing industry.

Aside from the synergy that exists in our carefully selected 3D printers and rapid prototyping experts, we have some of the latest and efficient 3D printing machines and equipment and of course our work output and services will be guided by international best practices in the industry.

As a new 3D printing and rapid prototyping services company in Los Angeles – California, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance especially from the government and other high profile clients in the already saturated and highly competitive 3D printing and rapid prototyping services industry; that is perhaps our major weakness. Another weakness is that we may not have the required cash to promote our business the way we would want to.

• Opportunities:

No doubt, the opportunities in the 3D printing and rapid prototyping services industry is massive considering the number of individuals and corporate organizations that would need the services of 3D printing and rapid prototyping services companies. As a standard 3D printing and rapid prototyping services company, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that is available in the industry.

Just like any other business, one of the major threats that we are likely going to face is economic downturn. It is a fact that economic downturn affects purchasing / spending power. Another threat that may likely confront us is the arrival of a new 3D printing and rapid prototyping services company in same location where our target market exist and who may want to adopt same Business model like us.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

As a 3D printing and rapid prototyping services company with the aspiration to favorably compete in the industry, you are expected to keep tab with new trends and products that are always coming up in the industry.

It is important to state that in recent time, for any 3D printing and rapid prototyping services company to continue to stay in business and grow, they must continue to come up with highly creative design and concepts and also engage in other printing related services.

8. Our Target Market

Before starting our 3D printing and rapid prototyping services company, we are certain that there is a wide range of both corporate and individual clients who cannot successfully carry out promotions and branding of their products and services without hiring the services of 3D printing press.

We will ensure that we develop strategic pacts with corporate organizations, advertising and branding agencies, and religious organizations et al. This will give us several options to generate revenue for our company. In view of that, we have created strategies that will enable us reach out to various corporate organizations and individual who we know can’t afford to do without our services.

We have conducted our market research and survey and we will ensure that all our 3D printing and rapid prototyping services are well accepted in the market place. Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically market our products and services to;

• Banks, Insurance Companies and other related Financial Institutions
• Blue Chips Companies
• Corporate Organizations
• Manufacturers and Distributors
• Real Estate Owners, Developers, and Contractors
• Research and Development Companies
• The Government (Public Sector)
• Schools (High Schools, Colleges and Universities)
• Celebrities, Politicians, Public Figures and Public Speakers
• Sport Organizations
• Religious Organizations
• Political Parties
• Television Stations
• Printing Press (Publishing Houses) and Authors
• Branding and Advertising agencies
• Aspiring celebrities
• Entrepreneurs and Start – Ups

Our Competitive Advantage

No doubt the competition in the 3D printing and rapid prototyping services industry is getting stiffer by the day, you have to be highly creative and come up with appealing designs and concepts and very neat jobs in order to survive in the industry.

The 3D printing and rapid prototyping services industry is indeed a profitable and at the same time a highly competitive industry; it enjoys strong demand as organizations and individuals continue to print materials for promotional purposes. Clients will only hire your services if they know that they can get nothing but the best from you.

We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the 3D printing and rapid prototyping services industry means that you are not only expected to be able to deliver consistent and highly creative designs, but you must be able to meet set targets. No one would want to continue to hire your services if don’t always meet up with the target date of completion of projects.

Our competitive advantage lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team of creative and highly proficient 3D printers and rapid prototyping experts, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in various niche areas in the printing industry.

Lastly, all our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category ( startups 3D printing and rapid prototyping services companies in the United States ) in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the 3D printing and rapid prototyping services industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to meet and surpass the expectations of all our clients.

Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC will generate income by offering the following 3D printing and rapid prototyping services and other printing related services;

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain, there would always be corporate organization and individual who would need the services of 3D printing and rapid prototyping companies whenever they have to conduct promotions and branding and also other related printing services.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in 3D printing and rapid prototyping services industry and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow our 3D printing and rapid prototyping services company to enviable heights.

We have been able to critically examine the 3D printing and rapid prototyping services market and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projections are based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in Los Angeles – California.

Below are the sales projections for Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC, it is based on the location of our business and of course the wide range of our services and target market;

• First Fiscal Year-: $250,000
• Second Fiscal Year-: $400,000
• Third Fiscal Year-: $750,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same 3D printing and rapid prototyping services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We are not ignorant of the fact that there are stiffer competitions in the 3D printing and rapid prototyping services industry; there are loads of 3D printing and rapid prototyping services companies jostling for contracts which is why we have been able to hire some of the best marketing experts to handle our sales and marketing.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the 3D printing and rapid prototyping services industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their set targets and the overall business goal of Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC.

Our goal is to grow Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC to become one of the leading 3D printing and rapid prototyping services companies in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategies that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in Los Angeles – California but also in other cities in the United States of America.

Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients and win 3D printing and rapid prototyping services contracts;

• Introduce our 3D printing and rapid prototyping Services Company by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to corporate organizations, advertising and branding agencies, religious organizations and key stake holders.
• Promptness in bidding for 3D printing and rapid prototyping services contracts from the government and other cooperate organizations
• Advertise our business in relevant business magazines, newspapers, TV stations, and radio station.
• List our business on yellow pages ads (local directories)
• Attend relevant international and local expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Create different packages for different category of clients in order to work with their budgets and still deliver excellent 3D printing and rapid prototyping services
• Leverage on the internet to promote our business
• Engage direct marketing approach
• Join local chambers of commerce and industries to network and market our services
• Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market.

We are set to become the number one choice for both corporate clients and individual clients in the whole of the Virginia Beach and beyond which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our 3D printing and rapid prototyping services company.

Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC;

• Place adverts on both print (newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our services
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around Los Angeles – California
• Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighborhoods
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
• Contact corporate organizations and residence in our target areas by calling them up and informing them of Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC and the services we offer
• List our 3D printing and rapid prototyping services company in local directories / yellow pages
• Advertise our 3D printing and rapid prototyping services company in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
• Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles and trucks are well branded with our company logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

If you are conversant with the 3D printing and rapid prototyping services industry, you will realize that the pricing structure ranges from fixed price rate to per square foot billing and even to the quantity of materials to be printed on. Almost all 3D printing and rapid prototyping services companies adopts all the available pricing system as it applies to the quantity of the job or project they are expected to execute.

At Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC we will adopt all the pricing system as is obtainable in the industry but we will ensure that we keep the prices of our services a little below the average market rate for all of our customers by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance from corporate organizations who would hire our services to help them print on their promotional materials.

In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to all our customers at regular intervals. We are aware that there are some one off 3D printing and rapid prototyping services jobs or government contracts which are always lucrative; we will ensure that we abide by the pricing model that is expected from contractors or organizations that bid for such contracts.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America. Here are the payment options that Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via mobile money
• Payment via Point of Sales Machines (POS Machines)
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for farm produces purchase without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials to clients who may want to deposit cash or make online transfer for our services.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

In setting up any business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by renting a place, then you would need a good amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of, and that your facility is conducive enough for workers to be creative and productive.

This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business. When it comes to setting up a 3D printing and rapid prototyping services business, the materials and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked.

As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a 3D printing and rapid prototyping services company; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. However, this is what it would cost us to setup Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC in Los Angeles – California, U.S;

• Business incorporating fees in the United States of America will cost – $750.
• The budget for Liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $3,500
• Acquiring an office space or warehouse that will accommodate the number of employees for at least 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $150,000.
• Equipping the office (computers, 3D printing machines and equipment, servers / internet facility, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics) will cost – $10,000
• Amount required to purchase the needed software applications – $3,500
• Launching an official Website will cost – $500
• Amount need to pay bills and staff members for at least 2 to 3 months – $70,000
• Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $5,000

Going by the report from the market research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need about two hundred thousand ( 350,000 ) U.S. dollars to successfully set – up a medium scale but standard 3D printing and rapid prototyping services company in the United States of America.

Generating Funds / Startup Capital for Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC

Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC is a family business that will be owned by Mr. Joseph Pascal and his immediate family members. They are the sole financial of the business which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the business to just three major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the start – up capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $100,000 (Personal savings $85,000 and soft loan from family members $15,000 ) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $250,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to offer our 3D printing and rapid prototyping services a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Crop & Clip 3D Printing™, LLC will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of ten years or more as determined by the board of the organization. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Securing a standard office facility plus renovation of the facility: Completed
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating part of the start – up capital from the founders: Completed
• writing of business plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
• Design of Logo for the business: Completed
• Secure trademark for our products: In Progress
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the needed 3D printing machines: Completed
• Purchase of the needed furniture, office equipment, software applications, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the business: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors and key players in the industries: In Progress

More on Technology

3D Printing Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

3D Printing Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your 3D Printing business plan.

We have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their 3D Printing companies.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your 3D Printing business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

OKC 3D Printing is a new 3D printing company located in the heart of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. We offer world-class 3D printing services to businesses, educational institutes, and other organizations located around the city. The company uses the latest manufacturing technologies to build functional parts and prototypes in both metals and plastics. Some of the services provided include selective laser sintering, fused deposition modeling, stereolithography, and multi-jet fusion. No matter what models or ideas our customers bring to us, we can easily make them a reality.

OKC 3D Printing is founded and owned by Alex Walker, who is a veteran of the additive manufacturing and printing industry. He is well-versed in all of the most popular forms of 3D printing and has an in-depth knowledge of the operations and management aspects of running a 3D printing company. His experience and local connections will prove invaluable to the business.

Product Offering

OKC 3D Printing will provide a wide variety of 3D printing services to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Some of these services include:

• Rapid prototyping
• Multi-jet fusion (MJF)
• Selective laser sintering (SLS)
• Fused deposition modeling (FDM)
• Stereolithography (SLA)
• Direct metal printing
• Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS)

Customer Focus

OKC 3D Printing will serve the community of Oklahoma City. The company will primarily offer its products and services to businesses, educational institutions, and other organizations:

Management Team

OKC 3D Printing is led by Alex Walker, who has been in the additive manufacturing and printing industry for 25 years. While Alex has never run a 3D printing company himself, he was the Director of Operations at one of the leading 3D printing and rapid prototyping services companies in the area. During this time, he helped the company reach its full potential as it expanded its services and outreach to over a dozen local industries. As such, Alex has an in-depth knowledge of the 3D printing business, including the operations side (e.g., running day-to-day operations) and the business management side (e.g., staffing, marketing, etc.). He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Printing Technology and an MBA.

Success Factors

OKC 3D Printing will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Management: The management team has 25 years of working experience in a 3D printing company that allows them to serve customers in a more sophisticated manner than the competitors.
• Relationships: Having lived in the community for 30 years, Alex Walker knows all of the local leaders, media, and other influencers. Furthermore, he will be able to draw from his existing personal and professional relationships to develop an initial client base.
• Great service at an affordable price: The complete array of 3D printing services offered by OKC 3D Printing nearly equals the most premium-positioned competitors but at a much more affordable price.
• Location: OKC 3D Printing’s location is near the business center of town, giving the company access to educational institutions and private and public sector organizations that need 3D printing services.

Financial Highlights

OKC 3D Printing is currently seeking $600,000 to launch its 3D printing press. Specifically, these funds will be used as follows:

• Design and build-out: $100,000
• Equipment and supplies: $100,000
• Six months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $250,000
• Marketing costs: $50,000
• Working capital: $100,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for OKC 3D Printing.

Company Overview

Who is okc 3d printing, okc 3d printing history.

Alex Walker is an entrepreneur with a passion for new 3D printing techniques. He has been in the additive manufacturing and printing industry for the last 25 years but has been eager to branch out on his own. It was last year that Alex decided to start his own company dedicated to offering a complete 3D printing and design service experience for the residents and businesses of Oklahoma City.

Upon surveying the local customer base and finding a potential location, Alex Walker incorporated OKC 3D Printing as an S-Corporation on October 10th, 202X.

Alex is currently undergoing due diligence on several properties to assess which one might be the most desirable location for the 3D printing press.

Since incorporation, the company has achieved the following milestones:

• Found several properties that can serve as the location for the 3D printing press
• Developed the company’s name, logo, and website
• Determined equipment and inventory requirements
• Began recruiting key employees with experience in the industry

OKC 3D Printing Services

Industry analysis.

Though 3D printing has been around for decades, the industry has rapidly expanded in just the past 15 years. This is expected to continue as both businesses and individuals have an increasing need for 3D printing technology. Numerous industries are benefiting from 3D printing and are expanding this technology’s applications. With 3D printing becoming more common in sectors such as the healthcare, automotive, and defense industries, the 3D printing services industry will only continue to expand and increase in demand.

According to Grand View Research, the industry was valued at USD 16.75 billion in 2022, and about 2.2 million 3D printers were shipped. However, the industry is expected to grow at an enormous compound annual growth rate of 20.8% from now until 2030. In 2030, it is expected that the industry will be valued at USD 76.17 billion, and about 21.5 million printers will be shipped. This is aggressive growth that shows just how much this technology is in demand. This growth will only continue as more applications for 3D printing are discovered.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

OKC 3D Printing will serve businesses, government organizations, and educational institutions that are located in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City is a large city filled with numerous businesses and organizations that can benefit from 3D printing.

The precise demographics for Oklahoma City are:

Customer Segmentation

OKC 3D Printing will primarily target the following three customer segments:

• Small businesses
• Government organizations
• High schools, colleges, and universities

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

OKC 3D Printing will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Prototype One

Prototype One is one of the most renowned 3D printing companies and has been in business for 30 years. Prototype One offers a wide array of 3D printing services to allow product developers, designers, and engineers an easier path to move from prototyping to low-volume production. Their suite of services and capabilities is the most comprehensive of any other competitor.

3D Printing Solutions

3D Printing Solutions provides its customers with thousands of 3D services for the architecture, engineering, and construction sectors. The company’s products include coordinate measuring machines, laser trackers and projectors, mappers, scanners, and software. Customers are able to browse through their vast database of designs from one central location. 3D Printing Solutions categorizes designs to make it easy to find what its customers are looking for.

XO 3D Printing

XO 3D Printing was established in 2008 and caters to a high-end clientele as it provides platforms to facilitate the development of 3D printing applications in industries such as healthcare, automotive, aerospace, and art and design. With more than 120 3D printers, they have an unmatched capacity that reliably delivers parts within days.

Competitive Advantage

OKC 3D Printing enjoys several advantages over its competitors. These advantages include:

• Management: The management team has 25 years of working experience in a 3D printing company which allows them to serve customers in a more sophisticated manner than the competitors.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

OKC 3D Printing seeks to position itself as an upper-middle-market competitor in the 3D printing industry. Customers can expect to receive professionally printed objects from skilled printing operators at a moderate price point.

The OKC 3D Printing brand will focus on the company’s unique value proposition:

• Offering a wide variety of customized 3D printing services and capabilities
• Convenient location
• Customer-focused service
• Moderate price point

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for OKC 3D Printing is as follows:

Pre-Opening Events

Before opening, OKC 3D Printing will organize pre-opening events designed for prospective customers, local merchants, and press contacts. These events will create buzz and awareness for the company in the area.

Advertisement

Advertisements in print publications like newspapers, magazines, etc., are an excellent way for businesses to connect with their audience. The company will advertise its products in popular magazines and news dailies. Obtaining relevant placements in industry magazines and journals will also help in increasing brand visibility.

Public Relations

OKC 3D Printing will hire an experienced PR agency/professional(s) to formulate a compelling PR campaign to boost its brand visibility among the target audience. It will look to garner stories about the company and its offerings in various media outlets like newspapers, podcasts, television stations, radio shows, etc.

Social Media Marketing

One of the most cost-effective and practical marketing tools for increasing company visibility is social media. The company will use social media to develop engaging content in terms of different 3D designs and customer reviews that will increase audience awareness and loyalty. Engaging with prospective clients and business partners on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn will also help understand changing customer needs.

OKC 3D Printing’s pricing will be moderate, so customers feel they receive great value when availing of the 3D printing services. Customers can expect to receive high-quality modeling and printing services at a more affordable price than what they pay at an ultra-premium printing company.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for OKC 3D Printing.

Operation Functions:

• Alex Walker will be the President of the company. He will be in charge of the overall operations as well as some of the initial marketing and networking efforts to gain new customers.
• Alex will be assisted by Noah Brown, who will serve as the Manager. He will help with customer service, operating the 3D printers, and managing the other technicians.
• Alex is also assisted by Rhonda Williams, who will work as an Administrative Assistant. She will be in charge of all the general administrative tasks for the company.
• Alex will hire several other employees to assist with marketing, sales, and customer service as the company continues to expand.
• Alex will also hire several technicians to operate the 3D printers and provide customer service.

Milestones:

The following are a series of steps that lead to our vision of long-term success. OKC 3D Printing expects to achieve the following milestones in the following six months:

2/202X            Finalize lease agreement on retail location

3/202X            Design and build out OKC 3D Printing

4/202X            Hire and train initial staff

5/202X            Kickoff of promotional campaign

6/202X            Launch OKC 3D Printing

7/202X            Reach break-even

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

OKC 3D Printing’s revenues will come from the 3D printing services. The major costs for the company will be the buildout of the facility, printing equipment and supplies, and staff salaries. In the initial years, the company’s marketing spending will be high as it establishes itself in the market. Moreover, rent for the prime location is also one of the notable cost drivers for the company.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following table reflects the key revenue and cost assumptions made in the financial model:

• Average monthly payroll expenses: $50,000
• Office lease per year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement.

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

3D Printing Business Plan FAQs

What is a 3d printing business plan.

A 3D printing business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your 3D printing business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your 3D Printing business plan using our 3D Printing Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of 3D Printing Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of 3D printing businesses , some examples include: Rapid Prototype Printer, Aerospace, Automotive and Railway Printer, or Consumer Products Printer.

How Do You Get Funding for Your 3D Printing Business Plan?

3D Printing businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a 3D Printing Business?

Starting a 3D printing business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A 3D Printing Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed 3D printing business plan in PDF or doc, that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast. 

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your 3D printing business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your 3D printing business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your 3D Printing Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your 3D printing business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your 3D printing business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations.

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events.

7. Acquire Necessary 3D Printing Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your 3D printing business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation.

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your 3D printing business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising.

Learn more about how to start a successful 3D printing business:

• How to Start a 3D Printing Business

How to Start a 3D Printing Business

Starting a 3D printing business can be very profitable. With proper planning, execution and hard work, you can enjoy great success. Below you will learn the keys to launching a successful 3D printing business.

Importantly, a critical step in starting a 3D printing business is to complete your business plan. To help you out, you should download Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template here .

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here

14 Steps To Start a 3D Printing Business :

• Choose the Name for Your 3D Printing Business
• Develop Your 3D Printing Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your 3D Printing Business
• Secure Startup Funding for Your 3D Printing Business (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your 3D Printing Business with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your 3D Printing Business
• Buy or Lease the Right 3D Printing Business Equipment
• Develop Your 3D Printing Business Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your 3D Printing Business
• Open for Business

1. Choose the Name for Your 3D Printing Business

The first step to starting a 3D printing business is to choose your business’ name.  

This is a very important choice since your company name is your brand and will last for the lifetime of your business. Ideally you choose a name that is meaningful and memorable. Here are some tips for choosing a name for your 3D printing business:

• Make sure the name is available . Check your desired name against trademark databases and your state’s list of registered business names to see if it’s available. Also check to see if a suitable domain name is available.
• Keep it simple . The best names are usually ones that are easy to remember, pronounce and spell.
• Think about marketing . Come up with a name that reflects the desired brand and/or focus of your new business venture.

2. Develop Your 3D Printing Business Plan

One of the most important steps in starting a 3D printing business is to develop your 3D printing business plan . The process of creating your plan ensures that you fully understand your market and your business strategy. The plan also provides you with a roadmap to follow and if needed, to present to funding sources to raise capital for your business.

Your business plan should include the following sections:

• Executive Summary – this section should summarize your entire business plan so readers can quickly understand the key details of your 3D printing business.
• Company Overview – this section tells the reader about the history of your 3D printing business and what type of 3D printing business you operate. For example, are you a service bureau, product manufacturer, or a print-on-demand service?
• Industry Analysis – here you will document key information about the 3D printing industry. Conduct market research and document how big the industry is and what trends are affecting it.
• Customer Analysis – in this section, you will document who your ideal or target customers are and their demographics. For example, how old are they? Where do they live? What do they find important when purchasing products or services like the ones you will offer?
• Competitive Analysis – here you will document the key direct and indirect competitors you will face and how you will build competitive advantage.
• Marketing Plan – your marketing plan should address the 4Ps: Product, Price, Promotions and Place.
• Product : Determine and document what products/services you will offer 
• Prices : Document the prices of your products/services
• Place : Where will your business be located and how will that location help you increase sales?
• Promotions : What promotional methods will you use to attract customers to your 3D printing business? For example, you might decide to use pay-per-click advertising, public relations, search engine optimization and/or social media marketing.
• Operations Plan – here you will determine the key processes you will need to run your day-to-day operations. You will also determine your staffing needs. Finally, in this section of your plan, you will create a projected growth timeline showing the milestones you hope to achieve in the coming years.
• Management Team – this section details the background of your company’s management team.
• Financial Plan – finally, the financial plan answers questions including the following:
• What startup costs will you incur?
• How will your 3D printing business make money?
• What are your projected sales and expenses for the next five years?
• Do you need to raise funding to launch your business?

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3. choose the legal structure for your 3d printing business.

Next you need to choose a legal structure for your own business and register it and your business name with the Secretary of State in each state where you operate your business.

Below are the five most common legal structures:

1) Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is a business entity in which the owner of the 3D printing business and the business are the same legal person. The owner of a sole proprietorship is responsible for all debts and obligations of the business. There are no formalities required to establish a sole proprietorship, and it is easy to set up and operate. The main advantage of a sole proprietorship is that it is simple and inexpensive to establish. The main disadvantage is that the owner is liable for all debts and obligations of the business.

2) Partnerships

A partnership is a legal structure that is popular among small business owners. It is an agreement between two or more people who want to start a 3D printing business together. The partners share in the profits and losses of the business. 

The advantages of a partnership are that it is easy to set up, and the partners share in the profits and losses of the business. The disadvantages of a partnership are that the partners are jointly liable for the debts of the business, and disagreements between partners can be difficult to resolve.

3) Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A limited liability company, or LLC, is a type of business entity that provides limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners of an LLC are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The advantages of an LLC for a 3D printing business include flexibility in management, pass-through taxation (avoids double taxation as explained below), and limited personal liability. The disadvantages of an LLC include lack of availability in some states and self-employment taxes.

4) C Corporation

A C Corporation is a business entity that is separate from its owners. It has its own tax ID and can have shareholders. The main advantage of a C Corporation for a 3D printing business is that it offers limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The disadvantage is that C Corporations are subject to double taxation. This means that the corporation pays taxes on its profits, and the shareholders also pay taxes on their dividends.

5) S Corporation

An S Corporation is a type of corporation that provides its owners with limited liability protection and allows them to pass their business income through to their personal income tax returns, thus avoiding double taxation. There are several limitations on S Corporations including the number of shareholders they can have among others.

Once you register your 3D printing business, your state will send you your official “Articles of Incorporation.” You will need this among other documentation when establishing your banking account (see below). We recommend that you consult an attorney in determining which legal structure is best suited for your company.

4. Secure Startup Funding for Your 3D Printing Business (If Needed)

In developing your 3D printing business plan , you might have determined that you need to raise funding to launch your business. 

If so, the main sources of funding for a 3D printing business to consider are personal savings, family and friends, credit card financing, bank loans, crowdfunding and angel investors. Angel investors are individuals who provide capital to early-stage businesses. Angel investors typically will invest in a 3D printing business that they believe has high potential for growth.

5. Secure a Location for Your Business

There are a few things to consider when looking for a location for your 3D printing business. You’ll want to find a space large enough to accommodate your equipment. Additionally, the space should be in a convenient location for your customers. Another factor to consider is the cost of the rent. You’ll want to find an affordable location that offers the space and resources you need.

You may want to consider renting a space in an industrial park or business incubator, which can provide the resources to get your business up and running.

6. Register Your 3D Printing Business with the IRS

Next, you need to register your own business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which will result in the IRS issuing you an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Most banks will require you to have an EIN in order to open up an account. In addition, in order to hire employees, you will need an EIN since that is how the IRS tracks your payroll tax payments.

Note that if you are a sole proprietor without employees, you generally do not need to get an EIN. Rather, you would use your social security number (instead of your EIN) as your taxpayer identification number.

7. Open a Business Bank Account

It is important to establish a bank account in your 3D printing business’ name. This process is fairly simple and involves the following steps:

• Identify and contact the bank you want to use
• Gather and present the required documents (generally include your company’s Articles of Incorporation, driver’s license or passport, and proof of address)
• Complete the bank’s application form and provide all relevant information
• Meet with a banker to discuss your business needs and establish a relationship with them

8. Get a Business Credit Card

You should get a business credit card for your 3D printing business to help you separate personal and business expenses.

You can either apply for a business credit card through your bank or apply for one through a credit card company.

When you’re applying for a business credit card, you’ll need to provide some information about your business. This includes the name of your business, the address of your business, and the type of business you’re running. You’ll also need to provide some information about yourself, including your name, Social Security number, and date of birth.

Once you’ve been approved for a business credit card, you’ll be able to use it to make purchases for your business. You can also use it to build your credit history which could be very important in securing loans and getting credit lines for your business in the future.

9. Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits

There are a few licenses and permits you will need to start a 3D printing business. You will need a business license, a trade name registration, and a sales tax permit. You may also need a zoning permit. Check with your local government to see if there are any other licenses or permits that you will need.

10. Get Business Insurance for Your 3D Printing Business

The type of insurance you need to operate a 3D printing business largely depends on the type of printing services you offer.

Some business insurance policies you should consider for your 3D printing business include:

• General liability insurance : This covers accidents and injuries that occur on your property. It also covers damages caused by your employees or products.
• Workers’ compensation insurance : If you have employees, this type of policy works with your general liability policy to protect against workplace injuries and accidents. It also covers medical expenses and lost wages.
• Commercial property insurance : This covers damage to your property caused by fire, theft, or vandalism.
• Business interruption insurance : This covers lost income and expenses if your business is forced to close due to a covered event.
• Professional liability insurance : This protects your business against claims of professional negligence.

Find an insurance agent, tell them about your business and its needs, and they will recommend policies that fit those needs. 

11. Buy or Lease the Right 3D Printing Business Equipment

To start a 3D printing business, you’ll need a 3D printer, filament, and a computer. The type of filament will depend on the material you want to print. There are many different types of filament available, so you can find one that matches your needs. You’ll also need a computer to design your prints.

12. Develop Your 3D Printing Business Marketing Materials

Marketing materials will be required to attract and retain customers to your 3D printing business.

The key marketing materials you will need are as follows:

• Logo : Spend some time developing a good logo for your 3D printing business. Your logo will be printed on company stationery, business cards, marketing materials and so forth. The right logo can increase customer trust and awareness of your brand.
• Website : Likewise, a professional 3D printing business website provides potential customers with information about the products and/or services you offer, your company’s history, and contact information. Importantly, remember that the look and feel of your own website will affect how customers perceive you.
• Social Media Accounts : establish social media accounts in your company’s name. Accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or other social media networks will help customers and others find and interact with your 3D printing business.

13. Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your 3D Printing Business

The primary software you’ll need to run a 3D printing business is a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to help you design 3D prints. You’ll also need a slicing program, which takes your CAD designs and turns them into printing instructions for the 3D printer. You may also want to invest in some general business software such as customer relationship management (CRM) software, accounting software, and project management software.

14. Open for Business

You are now ready to open your 3D printing business. If you followed the steps above, you should be in a great position to build a successful business. Below are answers to frequently asked questions that might further help you.

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How to Start a 3D Printing Business FAQs

Is it hard to start a 3d printing business.

It is not hard to start a 3D printing business, but it does require 3d printing business ideas, planning, and knowledge on additive manufacturing technology . You'll need to invest in the right equipment and create a business plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and how you plan to make money. You'll also need to find customers and market your business. Luckily, there are many resources available to help you get started.

How can I start a 3D printing business with no experience?

There are a few things you can do to get started in the 3D printing business with no experience. You can research the latest technologies in the printing business and learn about the different types of 3D printers and materials available. You can also attend trade shows and networking events to learn more 3D printing business ideas, expand your skill set and meet potential customers and partners. Additionally, you can speak with experienced 3D printing business owners for guidance.

What type of 3D printing business is most profitable?

Medical 3D printing businesses are the most profitable type of 3D printing business. This is because there is a high demand for medical prosthetics and implants, which can be produced with 3D printers. Hospitals and clinics are always looking for new and innovative ways to improve their services, and 3D printing can aid in this improvement.

How much does it cost to start a 3D printing business?

To start a 3D printing business it will cost you between $10,000 and $50,000. This includes the cost of the 3D printer, the cost of materials, and the cost of labor. However, keep in mind that this is just a starting point and your costs may vary depending on the size and scope of your business.

What are the ongoing expenses for a 3D printing business?

The ongoing expenses for a 3D printing business can include things like filament, electricity, and labor costs. Filament is the material used to create 3D prints. It can be expensive depending on the quality and type. Electricity costs can also be high if many machines are running simultaneously. Labor costs can add up if employees are needed to help run the business. It is important to factor in these ongoing expenses when starting a 3D printing business, so you can be prepared for the costs associated with running it.

How does a 3D printing business make money?

3D printing businesses make money by charging for their printing services. They also create and sell models of objects that have been printed using a 3D printer. Additionally, other businesses offer design services, where they will create a customized 3D model for a client based on their specifications.

Is a 3D printing business profitable?

Yes, 3D printing can be profitable because it is a quickly growing industry, with most businesses discovering opportunities for success. The technology is becoming popular, so there is a growing demand for 3D printing services. Local businesses are also becoming familiar with 3D printing. They are increasingly looking to use it for rapid prototyping of custom made tools and small-scale manufacturing at a reasonable cost . It is cost effective and speeds up the production process in many businesses. This means there is a great potential for growth in the 3D printing industry, making it a profitable business venture.

Why do 3D printing businesses fail?

There are a number of reasons some 3D printing companies might fail. One reason is that many people still prefer the traditional manufacturing methods and there may not be a large enough market for it yet. Another reason is that the printers themselves are expensive to purchase, which can make it difficult for small businesses to compete. Additionally, the materials used for 3D printing can be expensive, which can further limit the appeal of this technology.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

How to Start a Profitable 3D Printing Business [11 Steps]

By Nick Cotter Updated Feb 05, 2024

Business Steps:

1. perform market analysis., 2. draft a 3d printing business plan., 3. develop a 3d printing brand., 4. formalize your business registration., 5. acquire necessary licenses and permits for 3d printing., 6. open a business bank account and secure funding as needed., 7. set pricing for 3d printing services., 8. acquire 3d printing equipment and supplies., 9. obtain business insurance for 3d printing, if required., 10. begin marketing your 3d printing services., 11. expand your 3d printing business..

Performing market analysis is an essential first step when starting a 3D printing business. This process involves researching and understanding your potential customers, competitors, and industry trends. Having a clear picture of the market situation can help you make informed decisions about your business strategy.

• Identify your target customers: Determine who is likely to use your 3D printing services. This could be businesses in specific industries (like manufacturing, healthcare, or architecture), hobbyists, or educational institutions. Consider their needs, preferences, and budget.
• Analyze your competitors: Look at other 3D printing businesses to understand what they offer and how they operate. This includes their pricing, services, marketing strategies, and customer reviews. This information can help you identify gaps in the market and unique selling points.
• Understand industry trends: Keep up-to-date with the latest developments in 3D printing technology and materials. Also, monitor trends in the industries you aim to serve, as this may affect demand for your services.
• Assess the market size and growth potential: Use industry reports, surveys, and other data sources to estimate the current size and future growth of the 3D printing market. This can help you assess the profitability and scalability of your business idea.

Are 3d printing businesses profitable?

Yes, 3D printing businesses can be profitable depending on the type of services and products offered. Many businesses offer 3D printing services, such as creating prototypes, creating custom products for clients, and selling 3D printed objects. Additionally, entrepreneurs can sell 3D printer hardware and materials for those who want to use 3D printing in their own home or business. Successful businesses can generate a steady stream of revenue from the sales of both services and products.

Creating a robust business plan is a critical step in launching a successful 3D printing business. It not only helps to solidify your ideas but also serves as a roadmap for your business and can be vital in securing financing. Here are some essential components to include:

• Executive Summary: Offer a concise overview of your business goals, target market, and unique selling propositions.
• Market Analysis: Research and document the current 3D printing market trends, customer needs, and competition.
• Services and Products: Describe the 3D printing services you'll offer, the products you'll create, and any niche markets you'll target.
• Marketing and Sales Strategy: Outline how you intend to attract and retain customers, including pricing, sales tactics, and advertising.
• Operational Plan: Detail your business location, equipment, supplies, and the technology you'll use for 3D printing.
• Management and Organization: Define the structure of your business, including key team members and their responsibilities.
• Financial Plan: Provide projections for startup costs, operating expenses, revenue, profit margins, and break-even analysis.
• Funding Request: If seeking financing, specify the amount needed and how it will be used, along with repayment plans.

How does a 3d printing business make money?

3D printing businesses make money by selling their printed products to customers. For example, a 3D printing business could produce custom design phone cases and sell them to retailers or directly to consumers. Another way a 3d printing business can make money is by offering 3D printing services. For instance, they could provide 3D modeling, scanning, and printing services to various customers including schools, businesses, and individuals. A target audience for a 11 Steps To Starting a Successful Spice Business could be people who are interested in setting up their own spice business. These people might be entrepreneurs who want to start a side business or small independent shop owners looking to diversify their product offerings.

Creating a brand for your 3D printing business is a critical step in your startup journey. Your brand is more than just a logo or tagline; it's an embodiment of your business personality and the promise you're making to your customers. Here's how you can develop a strong 3D printing brand.

• Identify your unique selling proposition (USP): Understand what sets your 3D printing business apart from the competition. Is it the quality of your prints, your customer service, or your pricing? Use your USP to differentiate your brand.
• Create a compelling logo and tagline: Your logo is the face of your brand that people will recognize, while your tagline succinctly communicates what your business does. Both should be unique, memorable, and reflective of your brand's personality.
• Establish brand guidelines: Consistency is key to building a strong brand. Establish guidelines around the use of your logo, color palette, fonts, and tone of voice in all of your brand communications.
• Develop a strong online presence: Launch a professional website and establish your presence on social media. Showcasing your work, sharing customer testimonials, and engaging with your audience will help build your brand's reputation.

Remember, your brand is not static. As your 3D printing business evolves, so too should your brand. Always be open to refining and developing your brand to ensure it remains relevant and appealing to your target audience.

How to come up with a name for your 3d printing business?

Coming up with a name for your 3D printing business can be a great way to give people an idea of the purpose and specialties of your business. Start by brainstorming words related to 3D printing, like build, create, design, and construct. After that, consider meanings that relate to the services you offer, such as innovative, personalized, and reliable. Once you have some ideas in mind, create a list of potential names that include these words. Finally, compare your options and pick the one that best captures the spirit of your business.

When starting a 3D printing business, formalizing your business registration is a crucial step. This process will vary depending on where you live, but it generally involves registering your business with the appropriate local, state, or federal authorities. By doing this, you ensure that your business is legally recognized, which is important for tax purposes, legal protection, and establishing credibility with customers and suppliers.

• Choose a Business Structure: Decide whether your 3D printing business will operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. Each has different legal and tax implications, so consider consulting with a business advisor or attorney.
• Register Your Business Name: If you're using a business name different from your own, you'll need to register it with the relevant government authority. This is often referred to as a "Doing Business As" (DBA) registration.
• Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN): If your business is in the United States, you'll likely need an EIN from the IRS for tax purposes, especially if you plan to hire employees. This can typically be done online and is free of charge.
• Register for State and Local Taxes: Depending on your location, you may need to register for state and local taxes. This can include sales tax, use tax, and property tax if you own business property.
• Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses: Check with your local government to find out what permits or licenses are required to operate a 3D printing business. This may include a general business license, zoning permits, or industry-specific certifications.

Resources to help get you started:

Explore key resources designed to provide 3D printing entrepreneurs with valuable market trends, operational best practices, and strategic business growth advice:

• The Wohlers Report : An annual comprehensive guide offering an in-depth analysis of 3D printing and additive manufacturing worldwide - https://wohlersassociates.com .
• 3D Printing Industry Newsletter : A free subscription-based newsletter delivering the latest 3D printing news, innovations, and trends directly to your inbox - https://3dprintingindustry.com/newsletter/ .
• Additive Manufacturing Magazine : A publication covering the industrial applications of 3D printing technologies, offering insights into manufacturing efficiencies and product innovations - https://www.additivemanufacturing.media/ .
• ASTM International Standards for Additive Manufacturing : A collection of standards guiding the processes and materials used in 3D printing, vital for ensuring quality and safety in production - https://www.astm.org/Standards/additive-manufacturing-standards.html .
• 3DPrint.com : An online resource offering daily news, analysis, and opinions on the state of the 3D printing industry, helping entrepreneurs stay informed on developments - https://3dprint.com/ .

Before you start a 3D printing business, you must ensure that you have all the necessary licenses and permits. This step is crucial because operating a business without the required licenses and permits can result in heavy fines or even closure of your business.

• Research on Necessary Licenses: Different locations and jurisdictions may have different requirements. Check with your local government or a business advisor to understand what specific licenses and permits you need for a 3D printing business. This may include a general business license, sales tax license, or even special permits related to manufacturing.
• Apply for Licenses: Once you've identified the necessary licenses, complete the application process. This usually involves filling out forms and paying application fees. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid potential issues or delays.
• Keep Up with Renewals: Most licenses and permits are not one-time requirements. They must be renewed periodically. Keep track of all renewal dates and fees to maintain your business's legal standing.
• Understand Copyright Laws: 3D printing can potentially infringe on copyright, particularly when creating replicas of existing products. Familiarize yourself with copyright laws and consider consulting with a legal expert to avoid infringement issues.

Getting the required licenses and permits can be a lengthy process, so start early. This will ensure you are legally ready to operate when you're set up and ready to start printing.

What licenses and permits are needed to run a 3d printing business?

The licenses and permits you need to run a 3D printing business depend on a number of factors, such as the type of 3D printing service you provide, the location, and other regulations that may apply. Generally, you will need to obtain a business license, any applicable permits from your state or local government, as well as any necessary professional licenses. You may also need to register for sales tax collection and comply with any industry-specific regulations. Additionally, depending on the materials you use for printing and the items you sell, you may need to get certification or obtain various patents and trademarks.

Embarking on the journey of starting a 3D printing business requires careful financial planning and management. A dedicated business bank account is essential for keeping personal and business finances separate, while securing funding will provide the capital necessary to purchase equipment, materials, and cover operational costs. Follow these steps to establish your financial groundwork:

• Research banks that offer business accounts with low fees and suitable services for small businesses. Compare their offerings and select one that aligns with your business needs.
• Gather the necessary documentation, which typically includes your business registration, EIN (Employer Identification Number), and personal identification, to open your business bank account.
• Explore different funding options, including small business loans, lines of credit, grants, and crowdfunding platforms, to determine the best fit for your startup capital needs.
• Prepare a solid business plan that outlines your business model, market analysis, and financial projections to present to potential investors or lenders.
• Consider reaching out to local small business associations or chambers of commerce for guidance on obtaining funding and other financial resources available in your area.
• Keep track of all financial transactions meticulously to maintain a clear financial picture of your 3D printing business as it grows.

Setting pricing for 3D printing services is a crucial step in starting your own 3D printing business. Your pricing strategy should be competitive yet profitable, and must consider your operational costs, market trends, and customer expectations. Here are some tips to help you establish pricing for your services.

• Understand your costs: Determine all the costs involved in your 3D printing process, such as the cost of materials, machine maintenance, and electricity. Understanding your costs will help you price your services in a way that ensures profitability.
• Check the competition: Research how much your competitors are charging for similar services. This will give you an idea of the market rate and help you set a competitive price.
• Value-based pricing: Consider the value you are providing to your customers. If your service offers unique features or superior quality, you may be able to charge a premium price.
• Consider different pricing models: You may choose to charge per hour, per project, or offer package deals depending on the complexity and size of the 3D printing tasks.
• Review and adjust: Your pricing strategy should not be static. Regularly review your prices and adjust them as necessary to reflect changes in costs, competition, or customer demand.

What does it cost to start a 3d printing business?

Initiating a 3d printing business can involve substantial financial commitment, the scale of which is significantly influenced by factors such as geographical location, market dynamics, and operational expenses, among others. Nonetheless, our extensive research and hands-on experience have revealed an estimated starting cost of approximately $6000 for launching such an business. Please note, not all of these costs may be necessary to start up your 3d printing business.

Acquiring 3D printing equipment and supplies is a crucial step in starting your 3D printing business. It's important to consider the quality, cost, and capabilities of the equipment, as well as the type of materials you will need for your specific services. Here are some key things to consider:

• Research and choose the right 3D printer: The type of 3D printer you need depends on what you plan to print. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) printers are the most common and affordable, but if you need to print in high detail, you might need a stereolithography (SLA) or selective laser sintering (SLS) printer.
• Consider the cost: 3D printers can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Make sure to budget for the cost of the printer, as well as ongoing costs for maintenance and supplies.
• Buy quality materials: The type of materials you use can greatly affect the quality of your prints. Research different types of filament and resin to find the best ones for your needs.
• Don't forget the accessories: In addition to the printer and materials, you will need accessories like a scraper, cleaning solution, and finishing tools. Some printers come with these included, but others do not.
• Invest in good software: You will need 3D modeling software to create your designs, as well as slicing software to prepare them for printing. There are many options available, from free programs to professional-grade software.

List of software, tools and supplies needed to start a 3d printing business:

• 3D Printer - $1000 to $5000
• 3D Printing Filament - $20+ per kg
• Computer with 3D modeling software - $600 to $3000
• Scalable 3D Design Platform - $30 per month
• Sustainable Printing Materials - $20+ per kg
• OTA/Firmware Management Software - $70 per month
• CAD Software - Free or premium versions from $50 to $1500
• 3D Scanner - From around $750
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software - Free or premium versions from around $10-50/month
• Marketing Automation Software - Free or premium versions from around $5-50/month.

Securing business insurance for your 3D printing business is a critical step that should not be overlooked. This step not only protects your business from any unforeseen circumstances but also enhances its credibility in the eyes of your clients. Here are some tips on how to go about obtaining business insurance for your 3D printing business.

• Identify the Risks: Before you can get insurance, you need to understand the potential risks in your business. These could be equipment breakdown, product liability, or even intellectual property disputes. Knowing these risks will help you determine what type of coverage you need.
• Seek Professional Advice: It's advisable to consult with an insurance broker or agent. They have in-depth knowledge of various insurance products and can guide you to select the most suitable coverage for your business.
• Compare Insurance Providers: Don't settle for the first insurance provider you come across. Instead, compare different providers and their policies. Look at aspects such as coverage, premiums, deductibles, and customer reviews.
• Consider Business Interruption Insurance: This type of insurance can cover loss of income resulting from a disaster that disrupts the operation of your business, which could be very beneficial for a 3D printing business.

Step 10 involves marketing your 3D printing business. This is a crucial step that will make potential customers aware of your services and help you establish a customer base. To effectively market your business, you will need to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy.

• Identify your target market: Are you targeting businesses, hobbyists, or individuals? Knowing your audience will help tailor your marketing messages and choose the right channels to reach them.
• Develop a unique selling proposition (USP): What makes your 3D printing services unique? This could be anything from superior quality, competitive pricing, or quick turnaround times. Your USP should be the central message of your marketing efforts.
• Create a professional website: Your website is your online storefront. It should be user-friendly, visually appealing, and contain all the necessary information about your services. Ensure your portfolio is included to showcase your past work.
• Utilize social media: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn can be effective for marketing your 3D printing services. Regularly post updates, share pictures of your work, and engage with your audience.
• Network: Attend industry events, join online forums and communities, and connect with potential customers and partners. Networking is a great way to spread the word about your business.
• Email marketing: Collect emails from interested parties and send them regular updates and promotional offers. Email marketing is a cost-effective way to keep your business in the minds of potential customers.

Expanding your 3D printing business is a strategic move that can lead to new markets, increased revenue, and a stronger brand presence. It involves scaling operations, diversifying services, and strengthening customer relationships. Here are key points to consider for successful expansion:

• Invest in Advanced Equipment: Acquire higher-end 3D printers to increase production capacity and offer higher quality prints.
• Diversify Materials and Services: Offer a wider range of materials and 3D printing services to attract a broader clientele.
• Explore New Markets: Research and target new industries that could benefit from 3D printed products, such as healthcare or automotive.
• Strengthen Online Presence: Optimize your website, engage on social media, and utilize online marketplaces to reach a global audience.
• Partner with Other Businesses: Form partnerships with design firms, manufacturing companies, and educational institutions to expand your service offerings.
• Focus on Customer Service: Provide exceptional customer service to encourage repeat business and generate positive word-of-mouth.
• Implement Marketing Strategies: Use targeted advertising, content marketing, and trade shows to promote your expanded capabilities.

How To Write a Business Plan for 3D Printing Entrepreneurial in 9 Steps: Checklist

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Are you interested in starting a 3D printing business? You're not alone! The 3D printing industry is experiencing rapid growth, with the market expected to reach $26.7 billion by 2025 . This revolutionary technology has endless possibilities, and one of the most popular business models for 3D printing entrepreneurs in the US is the on-demand manufacturing model. In this blog post, we will outline the 9 essential steps to help you write a successful business plan for your 3D printing entrepreneurial venture.

The first step in writing a business plan for your 3D printing venture is to identify your target market and understand their specific needs. Whether you plan to cater to individuals or businesses, understanding what they want and how your 3D printing capabilities can meet those needs is crucial for success.

Next, you'll need to conduct market research and analysis . This will help you gain insights into the current market trends, identify potential opportunities, and assess the demand for your customized 3D printed products. Understanding the market landscape will give you an edge in standing out from your competitors.

Evaluating your competition is another crucial step in writing your business plan. By doing so, you can identify their strengths and weaknesses, and identify your unique selling proposition . This will help you differentiate yourself and position your business as the go-to choice for customized and fast 3D printed products.

Next, you'll need to determine your business objectives, goals, and strategies . Having a clear vision and a roadmap for your 3D printing entrepreneurial venture will help guide your decision-making and ensure that you stay on track.

Assessing the financial feasibility and requirements of your business is crucial. You'll need to determine your startup costs, operating expenses, and projected revenue streams. This will help you understand the potential profitability of your venture and secure the necessary funding.

Developing a pricing and revenue model is essential for any business, and a 3D printing venture is no exception. You'll need to factor in the costs of your materials, time, and customization, while also considering market demand and competitors' prices.

Creating a marketing and sales plan will help you reach and attract your target market. Define your marketing strategies and tactics, such as online advertising, social media engagement, and collaborations with complementary businesses in your industry.

Identifying the necessary resources and infrastructure for your 3D printing business is essential. Determine which 3D printing technology and equipment you'll need, as well as the software and tools required to optimize your production process and deliver exceptional results.

Lastly, it's crucial to define the legal and regulatory requirements for your 3D printing business. Research any licenses, permits, or certifications that may be necessary to operate legally and ensure regulatory compliance.

By following these 9 essential steps, you'll be well on your way to writing a comprehensive and effective business plan for your 3D printing entrepreneurial venture. Start researching, analyzing, and planning, and turn your passion for 3D printing into a profitable and successful business!

Identify Target Market And Customer Needs

Before starting a business in the 3D printing industry, it is crucial to identify your target market and understand their needs. By doing so, you can tailor your products and services to meet their specific requirements, increasing the chances of success.

The first step in identifying your target market is to define the demographics and characteristics of your ideal customers. Consider factors such as age, gender, location, and profession. This will help you create a profile of your target market and give you a better understanding of who you should be reaching out to.

Next, it's important to determine the needs and pain points of your potential customers. What problems can your 3D printing business solve for them? Are they looking for personalized products, rapid prototyping, or customized manufacturing solutions? Understanding their needs will allow you to tailor your offerings to meet their specific demands.

Conducting market research is a valuable tool in identifying your target market and customer needs. This can include surveys, focus groups, or analyzing existing data to gain insights into customer preferences, trends, and behaviors. Researching industry publications, attending trade shows, and networking with potential customers can also provide valuable information.

• Engage with your target market through online forums, social media groups, and discussions to gain insights into their preferences and pain points.
• Consider conducting interviews or surveys with potential customers to gather firsthand information about their needs and expectations.
• Stay updated on industry trends and developments to identify emerging opportunities and niches within your target market.

Conduct Market Research And Analysis

When starting a 3D printing entrepreneurial venture, it is crucial to conduct thorough market research and analysis to understand the current landscape and identify potential opportunities. This step will help you gather valuable insights into your target market, customer preferences, competitive environment, and industry trends.

The following points are important to consider during your market research:

• Identify your target market: Determine the specific group of individuals or businesses that would be most interested in your 3D printing services. Consider factors such as demographics, location, and industry to narrow down your target audience.
• Analyze customer needs: Understand the pain points, challenges, and demands of your target market. Conduct surveys, interviews, or focus groups to gain a deeper understanding of what potential customers are looking for in terms of 3D printed products or services.
• Assess market size and growth: Determine the size of the market and its growth potential. Look for research reports, industry statistics, and trend analysis to support your findings. This information will help you gauge the market's attractiveness and potential profitability.
• Study the competitive landscape: Identify your direct and indirect competitors in the 3D printing industry. Analyze their offerings, pricing strategies, target markets, and unique selling propositions. This information will help you differentiate your business and position yourself effectively in the market.

Tips for conducting market research and analysis:

• Use a combination of primary and secondary research methods to gather accurate and up-to-date information.
• Utilize online resources, industry publications, and trade associations to gather relevant market data.
• Consider using surveys or focus groups to collect direct feedback from potential customers.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes that may impact your business.

Evaluate Competition and Identify Unique Selling Proposition

Evaluating the competition and identifying your unique selling proposition are critical steps in developing a successful business plan for a 3D printing entrepreneurial venture. In this step, you will analyze the existing market landscape and determine how your business can differentiate itself from competitors.

1. Conduct a comprehensive market analysis: Start by researching and analyzing your competitors' products, pricing, target markets, and marketing strategies. This analysis will help you understand the current market trends and identify gaps that your business can fill.

2. Identify your competitive advantage: Once you have thoroughly reviewed the competition, determine what sets your 3D printing venture apart. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of your business, such as your technology, expertise, customer service, or unique product offerings, and highlight the aspects that give you a competitive edge.

3. Define your unique selling proposition (USP): Your USP is a concise statement that summarizes the primary benefit or advantage your business offers to customers. It should emphasize the value you provide, whether it's high-quality customized products, faster turnaround times, competitive pricing, or exceptional customer support.

• Focus on a niche market: Consider targeting a specific industry or customer segment that is underserved by existing 3D printing businesses. This will help you stand out and cater to specialized needs.
• Highlight your expertise and experience: If you have a background in a specific field or possess unique skills related to 3D printing, emphasize these qualifications to differentiate yourself from the competition.
• Emphasize your commitment to innovation: Show how your business stays at the forefront of technological advancements in 3D printing to provide cutting-edge solutions to customers.
• Offer exceptional customer service: Providing personalized support, prompt communication, and post-purchase assistance can be a significant differentiating factor in a competitive market.

Evaluating the competition and determining your unique selling proposition is crucial for positioning your 3D printing entrepreneurial venture in the market. By understanding your competitors and clearly articulating what sets your business apart, you will be better equipped to attract customers and achieve long-term success.

Determine Business Objectives, Goals, And Strategies

Before starting a 3D printing entrepreneurial venture, it is crucial to determine the business objectives, goals, and strategies that will drive the company's growth and success in the market. This step involves setting clear and measurable objectives that align with the overall vision of the business.

1. Define the vision and mission: Clearly articulate the purpose and long-term goals of the business. The vision and mission statement should serve as a guiding force for decision-making and strategic planning.

2. Set measurable objectives: Identify specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives that will help gauge the success of the business. These objectives can include revenue targets, market share goals, customer satisfaction metrics, or expansion plans.

3. Identify key strategies: Develop a roadmap of the strategies that will be employed to achieve the defined objectives. Consider factors such as product development, marketing and sales, operational efficiency, and customer service. These strategies should align with the target market and the unique selling proposition identified during the previous steps.

4. Create an action plan: Break down the strategies into actionable steps with timelines and responsibilities. This will help in effectively executing the strategies and tracking progress towards the objectives.

5. Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement: Emphasize the importance of innovation and staying ahead of industry trends. Encourage employees to contribute ideas and actively seek feedback from customers to refine products and services.

• Empower your team: Involve key team members in the strategic planning process to ensure alignment and ownership.
• Regularly review and update objectives: As the business evolves, reassess and adjust objectives to stay relevant and responsive to market changes.
• Balance short-term and long-term goals: Set achievable short-term goals while keeping the long-term vision in mind. This helps maintain focus and momentum.

By determining clear business objectives, goals, and strategies, 3D printing entrepreneurs can lay a solid foundation for their venture and increase the likelihood of sustainable success in the dynamic market.

Assess Financial Feasibility And Requirements

Assessing the financial feasibility and requirements of your 3D printing entrepreneurial venture is crucial for its long-term success. It allows you to determine the financial viability of your business idea and understand the resources and investments needed to bring it to fruition. Here are some important steps to consider:

• Evaluate startup costs: Begin by compiling a comprehensive list of startup costs, including expenses for purchasing or leasing 3D printers, software, materials, and any necessary equipment. Additionally, consider costs related to marketing, training, and hiring personnel.
• Analyze revenue potential: Conduct a thorough analysis of the market demand and pricing in your target industry. Determine the potential number of orders, the average order value, and the revenue you can generate within a specific timeframe. This analysis will help you understand the financial feasibility of your venture and assess its profitability.
• Projected expenses: Develop a detailed projection of ongoing and recurring expenses such as material costs, maintenance, personnel wages, utility bills, and any other overhead costs. This will allow you to anticipate your cash outflows and plan for any potential financial challenges.
• Create a financial plan: Develop a comprehensive financial plan that includes projected revenues, expenses, and cash flow statements for at least the first few years of your venture. This plan will serve as a roadmap to help you track and manage your finances effectively.

Tips for Assessing Financial Feasibility and Requirements:

• Consider seeking guidance from a financial advisor or consultant who specializes in the 3D printing industry to gain expert insights into the financial aspects of your business plan.
• Take into account any potential fluctuations in material costs or market demand that could impact your financial projections. Be prepared to adapt your business model accordingly.
• Research and explore potential funding options, such as loans, grants, or investors, to secure the necessary capital to launch and sustain your 3D printing entrepreneurial venture.

By accurately assessing the financial feasibility and requirements of your 3D printing entrepreneurial venture, you will be better equipped to make informed decisions, secure funding, and navigate any financial challenges that may arise along the way. Remember, thorough financial planning is an essential component of building a successful business in the dynamic world of 3D printing.

Develop A Pricing And Revenue Model

Developing a pricing and revenue model is a crucial step in creating a successful business plan for your 3D printing entrepreneurial venture. It involves determining how much to charge for your products or services and establishing a strategy to generate consistent revenue.

Start by considering the costs associated with your 3D printing capabilities, including materials, equipment maintenance, and labor. These costs should be factored into your pricing model to ensure profitability. Additionally, assess the value and uniqueness of your customized products to determine if you can charge a premium for them in the market.

When developing your pricing strategy, it's important to research your competitors and the market to understand the average prices for similar products or services. This will help you position yourself competitively while also ensuring that your prices are attractive to customers.

An effective revenue model goes beyond just pricing. Consider diversifying your revenue streams by offering additional services or products related to 3D printing. This could include design services, maintenance contracts, or even licensing agreements for your unique products.

• Regularly review and adjust your pricing model based on market trends, costs, and customer feedback.
• Consider offering discounts or promotions to attract new customers and encourage repeat business.
• Explore partnerships or collaborations with other businesses to expand your reach and increase revenue.
• Seek feedback from customers and incorporate their suggestions into your pricing and revenue model to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.

By developing a well-thought-out pricing and revenue model, you can ensure that your 3D printing entrepreneurial venture remains profitable and sustainable in the competitive market.

Create A Marketing And Sales Plan

In order to successfully market and sell your 3D printing services, it is crucial to create a comprehensive marketing and sales plan. This plan will outline your strategies for reaching and attracting potential customers, as well as how you will convert those leads into actual sales.

First, you need to identify your target market and customer needs . Understand who your ideal customers are, what industry they belong to, and what specific needs or pain points they have that your 3D printing services can solve. This will help you tailor your marketing messages and sales approach to resonate with your target audience.

Conduct market research and analysis to gain insights into the current trends, preferences, and demand for 3D printing services. This will help you determine the size of your target market, identify any gaps or opportunities, and understand your competition.

Evaluate your competition and identify your unique selling proposition (USP). What sets your 3D printing services apart from others in the market? Highlight what makes you stand out, whether it's your expertise in a specific niche, your advanced technology, or your exceptional customer service. This will give you a competitive edge and attract customers who value these unique qualities.

Next, determine your business objectives, goals, and strategies . What do you want to achieve with your marketing and sales efforts? Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that align with your overall business objectives. Develop strategies and tactics to reach these goals, such as leveraging social media, attending industry trade shows, or partnering with complementary businesses.

Assess the financial feasibility and requirements of your marketing and sales plan. Consider the budget and resources needed to execute your strategies effectively. Determine how much you can invest in marketing activities and explore cost-effective yet impactful marketing channels.

Develop a pricing and revenue model that aligns with your target market and positions your 3D printing services competitively. Consider your costs, including raw materials, labor, and overhead, and factor in a profit margin that is both attractive to customers and sustainable for your business.

Create a marketing and sales plan by outlining the specific tactics, channels, and timelines for executing your strategies. Leverage various marketing channels, such as online advertising, content marketing, email marketing, and social media, to reach your target audience. Develop a sales strategy that outlines how you will generate leads, nurture prospects, and convert them into paying customers.

Identify the necessary resources and infrastructure to support your marketing and sales plan. This includes ensuring you have the right technology, tools, and personnel in place to effectively execute your strategies. Consider investing in customer relationship management (CRM) software to track and manage customer interactions and sales leads.

Finally, consider the legal and regulatory requirements that may impact your marketing and sales activities. Ensure you comply with any industry-specific regulations or licensing requirements, and protect your intellectual property rights if necessary.

• Regularly analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of your marketing and sales efforts, and make adjustments as needed.
• Build strong relationships with current customers to foster customer loyalty and generate repeat business.
• Explore partnerships and collaborations with other businesses to expand your reach and access new customer segments.
• Consider offering incentives or discounts for referrals to encourage word-of-mouth marketing.

Identify Necessary Resources And Infrastructure

When starting a 3D printing entrepreneurial venture, it is crucial to identify the necessary resources and infrastructure required to operate successfully. By understanding these needs, entrepreneurs can ensure they have everything in place to meet customer demands and provide high-quality products.

One of the primary resources you will need is a reliable and efficient 3D printer. Consider the size and capabilities of the printer, as well as its compatibility with various materials. Research different options available in the market to find one that suits your specific requirements and budget.

In addition to the printer, you will also need a steady supply of 3D printing materials. These materials can include plastics, metals, ceramics, and more, depending on your target market and product offerings. Research suppliers and compare prices to find a cost-effective and reliable source for your materials.

Another crucial resource is skilled and knowledgeable personnel who are experienced in operating and maintaining 3D printers. Hiring individuals with expertise in 3D printing technology can ensure smooth operations and minimize any technical issues that may arise.

• Consider investing in multiple 3D printers to increase production capacity and meet growing demands.
• Establish a well-equipped workspace that provides a safe and organized environment for 3D printing operations.
• Invest in quality software for designing and modeling the 3D-printed products.
• Network with other 3D printing professionals and join relevant industry associations to stay updated on the latest trends and advancements.

Furthermore, it is necessary to have a robust IT infrastructure that supports the design and file-sharing aspects of 3D printing. This includes high-speed internet access, reliable file storage and sharing systems, and secure backup solutions to prevent data loss.

Additionally, consider the space requirements for your 3D printing operations. Depending on the scale of your business, you may need a dedicated area for printing, post-processing, and assembly. Adequate space and organization are crucial for maintaining efficiency and ensuring product quality.

Lastly, having a reliable network of suppliers and partners can also contribute to your resource base. Identify potential collaborators or suppliers who can provide additional services or materials that can enhance your offering or streamline your operations.

• Ensure your business plan includes a comprehensive list of the necessary resources and infrastructure required for your 3D printing entrepreneurial venture.
• Consider the costs associated with acquiring and maintaining these resources and plan your budget accordingly.
• Regularly reassess your resource needs as your business grows and adapt your infrastructure accordingly to meet evolving customer demands.

Define The Legal And Regulatory Requirements

When starting a 3D printing entrepreneurial venture, it is important to understand and comply with the legal and regulatory requirements that govern this industry. Failing to do so can lead to costly fines, legal issues, and damage to your business's reputation. Here are some key areas to consider:

• Intellectual Property: Ensure that you are not infringing on any existing patents, trademarks, or copyrights when creating and selling your 3D printed products. Conduct thorough research and consult with a legal professional if needed.
• Product Liability: Understand your responsibilities and liabilities as a 3D printing entrepreneur. If your products cause harm or damage, you could be held legally responsible. Consider obtaining liability insurance to protect your business.
• Privacy and Data Protection: If you collect and store customer information, it is crucial to comply with data protection laws and ensure the security and privacy of this data. Implement appropriate security measures and obtain consent from individuals for any data collection.
• Consumer Protection: Familiarize yourself with consumer protection laws to ensure you are providing accurate product descriptions, adhering to advertising standards, and handling customer complaints and returns in compliance with regulations.
• Environmental Regulations: 3D printing involves the use of materials and chemicals. Research and comply with any local, state, or federal regulations regarding waste disposal and environmental impact.
• Consult with an attorney who specializes in intellectual property to ensure you are not infringing on any existing patents or trademarks.
• Keep detailed records of customer interactions, including consent for data collection and product liability waivers, to protect yourself in case of any legal disputes.
• Stay updated on changes and developments in relevant laws and regulations to avoid any compliance issues.
• Consider joining industry associations or organizations that can provide guidance and resources on legal and regulatory matters in the 3D printing field.

By understanding and adhering to the legal and regulatory requirements in the 3D printing industry, you can protect your business and build a trustworthy reputation. Do your due diligence, consult with experts when needed, and ensure compliance every step of the way. This will set a solid foundation for your successful 3D printing entrepreneurial venture.

Developing a comprehensive business plan is essential for success in the 3D printing entrepreneurial industry. By following the nine-step checklist outlined in this blog post, entrepreneurs can strategically identify their target market, evaluate competition, set business objectives, assess financial feasibility, and define the necessary resources and infrastructure. Additionally, creating a pricing and revenue model, marketing and sales plan, and understanding legal and regulatory requirements are crucial aspects of building a successful 3D printing business. With careful planning and execution, entrepreneurs can leverage the on-demand manufacturing model to capitalize on high demand and generate a steady stream of revenue.

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How To Start a 3D Printing Business (2024)

If you’re an entrepreneur with a product idea, you might have considered looking for a factory to handle production. But thanks to 3D printing, that’s no longer necessary. 

3D printing lets you turn digital designs into physical products, without bringing in a third party. You can create items for retail or business-to-business sales using a 3D printer and some basic skills. Here’s a quick guide on starting your own 3D printing business.

What is 3D printing?

3D printing, also called additive manufacturing, is a method of making three-dimensional objects from a digital design using various materials like metal, ceramic, and plastic. While traditional printers put ink on paper, 3D printers build objects by adding material, layer by layer.

You can 3D print at home with a small device that melts and reshapes plastic. This technology is also widely used in large industries, like automotive, health care, construction, architecture, electronics, and other areas that require mass manufacturing.

What are the steps in 3D printing?

The 3D printing process is made up of five main steps:

1. Designing

A designer makes a 3D model using CAD software , by scanning an existing item to copy its shape. This digital file tells the 3D printer what to create.

Proprietary software cuts the 3D model into thin horizontal layers. These layers are stacked on top of each other in the 3D printer. The software then converts them into instructions for the 3D printer to follow.

3. Printing

Based on the instructions, the 3D printer starts creating the item. It precisely layers materials like metal, plastic, or ceramic, as directed by the slicing software.

4. Layer bonding

With each layer added, the material bonds to the one before it. This additive process goes on until the whole object comes into shape.

5. Post-processing

After printing finishes, the object might need extra steps like cleaning, curing, sanding, painting, and assembly to get its final look and function.

How much does it cost to start a 3D printing business?

Starting a 3D printing business can cost between $4,000 and $6,000, initially. You’ll need to cover some standard expenses like a business license and business insurance. Other costs are specific to additive manufacturing technology. New 3D printing business owners can expect the following expenses:

Printing materials

Think of 3D printing materials like the ink for a paper printer. They come as filaments, resins, or powders. The cost depends on what you’re making. A spool of filament might cost $20 for basic PLA plastic, but specialty filaments can go for hundreds.

Your 3D printer needs modeling and slicing software to work. Free options include FreeCAD and Blender , but they might not handle complex designs. Paid software like Simplify3D and Autodesk Fusion 360 can cost from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars annually.

Post-processing equipment

For certain 3D-printed items, you’ll need additional equipment for post-processing. This equipment typically includes tools that can help the item reach its final form, such as cleaning stations and sanding and filling tools. Costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on your industry.

Real estate and utilities

Your 3D printing setup requires physical space. A small home-based startup might work if you’re serving a local market. For bigger production runs, you’ll probably need to rent a larger workspace or even a warehouse. Don’t forget to factor in the costs of utilities like internet and electricity. Costs will vary depending on where you’re located.

Marketing costs

You’ll need a budget for promoting your business. This includes creating a business website , designing a newsletter , pursuing social media marketing , and implementing SEO . Some businesses invest in hiring marketing experts, while others manage it themselves to save costs.

Hired labor

Planning to hire employees? You’ll need to budget for salaries, training, and benefits. The cost of personnel can vary widely.

Insurance and legal fees

Small business owners can expect to pay for business insurance. Many will also incur costs for legal services related to licensing, registration, and contracts. Getting these through a lawyer typically costs several hundred dollars per hour. To save money on some of these services, look into online legal options like LegalZoom or ZenBusiness. These solutions are often more affordable than traditional legal fees.

How to start a 3D printing business

Starting a 3D printing business requires careful planning and discipline. Just like any other industry, you’ll need to be organized and focused. Here are the main steps to launching your own 3D printing business:

1. Do market research

2. create a business plan, 3. legally establish your business, 4. obtain financing, 5. research and choose a 3d printing technology, 6. lease space and purchase equipment, 7. choose a sales platform, 8. hire employees, as required, 9. build an online presence, 10. market your 3d printing business.

Before trying your hand at 3D printing, evaluate the business model through market research. Assess your competitors and examine the industry. Identify market gaps and potential niches for your 3D printing venture.

Create a detailed business plan outlining your objectives, target market, services, marketing plan, and financial projections. Make sure it aligns with the findings of your market research because you want to offer services that address the needs and pain points of your target audience. Additionally, choose a legal business name (you can brainstorm or use a free name generator for ideas).

To operate your 3D printing business legally, you’ll need to set up a formal business structure like a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation. You may also need to register for sales tax, depending on your location and state regulations.

Open a business bank account and get financing. You could seek investor capital or bank loans or bootstrap with your own savings. Entrepreneurs can also tap into private resources like Shopify Capital or public ones like the Small Business Administration (SBA) to obtain the funding they need.

Select the 3D printing technology you want to use. Look into options like stereolithography (SLA), fused deposition modeling (FDM), and selective laser sintering (SLS), which all build objects layer by layer. Determine the materials you’ll use and the specific services you’ll offer, such as production, custom items, prototyping, and more.

You might begin your 3D printing business from home. But when it grows, you’ll probably need a dedicated workspace with proper lighting, ventilation, and electrical sockets. Additionally, you’ll require the right 3D printers and raw materials for the items you manufacture. Research different models and brands and invest according to your financial capacity.

There are several channels you can use to sell your 3D-printed goods to consumers. For instance, you can create your own online store via Shopify to manage everything from transactions to customer relationships. Other businesses, such as those operating under a business-to-business (B2B) model, may not need a front-facing sales platform. These companies can use accounting software to track revenue and expenses.

You can choose to start your 3D printing business solo. Alternatively, you can have a team ready before you start fulfilling orders. You could also learn how to 3D print yourself and hire freelance help for administrative tasks like marketing and bookkeeping.

With most people using the internet to find service providers these days, you’ll need a website and social media presence to get noticed. Create an online profile that showcases your expertise and services. You can use an all-in-one commerce platform like Shopify for this purpose—it includes hosting, a website builder, and more in its package.

You can market your 3D printing business using several strategies:

• SEO content: Write helpful guides and articles related to 3D printing, and use relevant keywords to boost search engine rankings.
• Social media marketing: Share engaging posts, customer testimonials, and behind-the-scenes looks on Instagram and Facebook to build a loyal following.
• Online ads: Use Google Ads or Facebook Ads to target specific demographics interested in 3D printing services and products.
• Word-of-mouth campaigns: Offer referral discounts to existing customers who bring in new clients.
• Influencer collaborations: Partner with industry influencers to showcase your products in their content and reach a wider audience.

Ready to start your own 3D printing business?

3D printing might still be new technology, but it’s quickly becoming accessible. Entrepreneurs can use the steps above to create their own 3D products and grow their businesses. With the right approach, you can carve out your niche and succeed.

How to start a 3D printing business FAQ

Can i 3d print anything and sell it.

You can 3D print any item that can be built using additive manufacturing technology. From custom jewelry to specialized electronic components, you can legally create and sell anything as long as you comply with local, state, and federal laws. These may pertain to intellectual property, consumer rights, tax compliance, and safety, among other categories.

Do I need to have technical expertise in 3D printing to start a business?

Operating a 3D printer does require technical know-how, but you can learn through manuals, online tutorials, and training courses. The process involves mastering advanced software used in 3D printing. Alternatively, you can hire people with expertise in 3D printing to oversee this aspect of your business.

How do I ensure the quality of my 3D-printed products?

You can ensure quality by using top-grade materials such as high-quality resins, metals, and plastics. You should also invest in commercial-grade manufacturing equipment. Make sure you and your team are familiar with the complexities of the 3D production process to consistently produce high-quality products.

What factors should I keep in mind when pricing my 3D printing products?

When pricing your products, you should consider the following:

• Market demand: How popular is the product among potential buyers?
• Cost of materials and equipment: What are the expenses for high-quality plastics, metals, and resins?
• Competitor prices: How much are your competitors charging for similar 3D-printed items?

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How to Create 3D Printing Business Plan

Blog > how to create 3d printing business plan, table of content, introduction, executive summary, market analysis, business model and services, competitive analysis, marketing and sales strategies, operations and workflow, talent and workforce, financial projections and funding, legal and regulatory considerations, sustainability and environmental impact, risk analysis and contingency plans, technology and innovation, implementation plan, our other categories.

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Reading Time : 22 Min

Business plan 101.

The world of 3D printing is witnessing exponential growth, revolutionizing industries with its endless possibilities. As an aspiring entrepreneur in the 3D printing domain, you understand the significance of a well-crafted business plan in guiding your venture towards success. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essential steps of creating a solid 3D printing business plan that will attract investors, inspire confidence in customers, and drive growth in your startup.

At Stellar Business Plans , we are dedicated to providing expert guidance and support to entrepreneurs like you. With our proven track record in 3D printing ventures and a team of industry specialists, we are confident that together, we will turn your dream of owning a thriving 3D printing business into reality.

In this section, we present an overview of your 3D printing business and define its vision, mission, and objectives. We also highlight your unique selling proposition and what sets your business apart from competitors.

Overview of Your 3D Printing Business:

• Briefly introduce your 3D printing startup, including its name, location, and primary services offered.
• Highlight key milestones achieved and the driving force behind the venture’s inception.

Defining Vision, Mission, and Objectives:

• Clearly articulate the long-term vision and mission of your 3D printing business, outlining the impact you aim to make in the industry.
• Define specific short-term and long-term objectives that will guide your company’s growth and development.

Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and Market Differentiation:

• Present your unique value proposition that sets your 3D printing business apart from competitors.
• Explain how your business offers innovative solutions, high-quality prints, faster turnaround times, or customized services to cater to diverse customer needs.

The success of your 3D printing venture relies on a comprehensive understanding of the industry, target markets, and current trends. In this section, we delve into the intricacies of the 3D printing industry and identify lucrative growth opportunities.

Understanding the 3D Printing Industry:

• Analyze the current state of the 3D printing industry, its market size, and projected growth.
• Discuss key factors driving the industry’s expansion, such as advancements in materials, technologies, and applications.

Identifying Target Markets and Applications:

• Profile your primary target markets for 3D printing services, such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, education, and consumer goods.
• Explore emerging applications for 3D printing, including bioprinting, personalized healthcare, and sustainable manufacturing.

Analyzing Current Trends and Future Growth Opportunities:

• Identify and analyze recent trends shaping the 3D printing industry, such as the shift towards mass customization and Industry 4.0 integration.
• Forecast future growth opportunities, such as potential partnerships with other industries and international market expansion.

The 3D printing industry offers various business models and service offerings. In this section, we help you define your business model and explore the different types of 3D printing services you can provide.

3D Printing Business Model Options:

• Explain various business models, such as operating as a service bureau, contract manufacturing, or developing proprietary products.
• Discuss the pros and cons of each model and determine which aligns best with your business objectives.

Types of 3D Printing Services Offered:

• Detail the range of 3D printing services your business will offer, including rapid prototyping, low-volume production, and custom manufacturing.
• Discuss the benefits and applications of each service type in different industries.

Leveraging Additive Manufacturing Technologies:

• Highlight the different additive manufacturing technologies your 3D printing business will utilize, such as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and Binder Jetting.
• Explain the strengths of each technology and their compatibility with specific materials and applications.

To thrive in the 3D printing industry, it is crucial to understand your competition and identify areas where your business can gain a competitive edge. In this section, we conduct a thorough competitive analysis and explore ways to differentiate your business from competitors.

Identifying Key Competitors in the 3D Printing Industry:

• Conduct market research to identify direct and indirect competitors operating in the 3D printing industry.
• Analyze their market presence, service offerings, client base, and pricing strategies.

Evaluating Their Strengths and Weaknesses:

• Assess the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors, such as technological capabilities, production capacity, and customer satisfaction levels.
• Identify opportunities where your business can outperform competitors and address potential threats.

Differentiating Your 3D Printing Business from Competitors:

• Highlight your unique value proposition and how it addresses customers’ pain points better than competitors.
• Communicate your commitment to delivering exceptional quality, superior customer service, or innovative solutions.

An effective marketing and sales strategy will help your 3D printing business reach its target audience and drive revenue. In this section, we outline essential marketing tactics to promote your services.

Creating a Strong Brand Identity:

• Develop a compelling brand identity that resonates with your target audience and reflects your company’s values and mission.
• Design a visually appealing logo and brand collateral that communicates professionalism and innovation.

Effective Digital Marketing Campaigns:

• Outline your digital marketing strategies, such as search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, and online advertising.
• Emphasize the significance of a user-friendly and visually appealing website to showcase your 3D printing services.

Leveraging Social Media and Online Platforms:

• Identify social media platforms relevant to your target audience and craft engaging content to build a strong online presence.
• Explore online marketplaces and platforms to expand your customer base and drive sales.

Developing Strategic Partnerships and Sales Channels:

• Explore opportunities for strategic partnerships with other businesses, such as design studios, engineering firms, and creative agencies.
• Define sales channels, such as direct sales, resellers, or e-commerce, and outline the benefits of each channel.

The operational efficiency of your 3D printing business will directly impact customer satisfaction and profitability. In this section, we guide you through setting up the 3D printing facility, selecting suitable equipment, and optimizing workflow.

Setting Up the 3D Printing Facility:

• Detail the infrastructure requirements for your 3D printing facility, including space, utilities, and ventilation.
• Discuss considerations for facility location, such as proximity to suppliers and target markets.

Selecting Suitable 3D Printers and Materials:

• Evaluate various 3D printer options available in the market and select the ones that align with your service offerings and budget.
• Highlight the materials compatible with each 3D printer and their applications in different industries.

Ensuring Quality Control and Print Validation:

• Describe your quality control procedures to ensure consistent and high-quality 3D prints.
• Implement rigorous print validation processes to verify accuracy and reliability.

Optimizing Workflow for Efficiency:

• Map out the workflow from order intake to final product delivery, ensuring efficiency and minimal lead times.
• Identify potential bottlenecks and implement measures to streamline operations.

Your team is the backbone of your 3D printing business. In this section, we focus on recruiting skilled professionals, nurturing a creative work culture, and retaining talent.

Recruiting and Training Skilled 3D Printing Technicians:

• Define the skills and qualifications required for 3D printing technicians and specialists.
• Outline your recruitment strategies, including online job portals, professional networks, and partnerships with educational institutions.

Nurturing a Creative and Innovative Work Culture:

• Cultivate a work environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Encourage employees to experiment with new technologies and techniques to enhance your 3D printing services.

Employee Retention Strategies:

• Develop strategies to retain skilled employees and reduce turnover, such as providing competitive compensation packages, growth opportunities, and recognition programs.
• Highlight the importance of a positive work environment and open communication.

In this critical section, we dive into financial projections for your 3D printing business, estimating startup costs, projecting revenue, and identifying potential funding sources.

Estimating Startup Costs and Capital Investment:

• Conduct a detailed analysis of the initial investment required to launch your 3D printing business, including equipment, facility setup, marketing, and working capital.
• Use realistic and data-driven estimates to present a comprehensive financial picture.

Financial Forecasts for Revenue and Expenses:

• Prepare financial projections for the first few years of your 3D printing business, including revenue forecasts, cost of goods sold, operating expenses, and net profit margins.
• Analyze the financial viability of your business and its growth potential.

Identifying Funding Sources:

• Explore different funding options, such as angel investors, venture capital, small business loans, or government grants.
• Provide a plan for repayment and return on investment for potential investors.

Compliance with legal requirements is crucial for a successful 3D printing business. In this section, we cover intellectual property protection, safety regulations, and contractual agreements.

Understanding Intellectual Property Rights and Patents:

• Explain the importance of intellectual property protection for your 3D printing designs and technologies.
• Discuss the process of obtaining patents and trademarks to safeguard your innovations.

Complying with Safety and Industry Regulations:

• Detail the safety regulations and certifications required for operating a 3D printing business, especially in industries like healthcare and aerospace.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards to gain trust from customers and regulatory authorities.

Contractual Agreements and Liability Protection:

• Address legal agreements required in your 3D printing business, such as service contracts, Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), and liability waivers.
• Work with legal professionals to protect your business from potential legal disputes and liabilities.

As sustainability gains importance, your 3D printing business can make a positive impact by adopting eco-friendly practices. In this section, we emphasize sustainability in your operations.

Implementing Sustainable Practices in 3D Printing:

• Highlight the benefits of using eco-friendly materials and recycling waste in your 3D printing processes.
• Showcase your commitment to reducing the environmental impact of your business.

Reducing Waste and Energy Consumption:

• Discuss strategies to minimize material waste during the 3D printing process, such as optimizing print parameters and recycling excess materials.
• Implement energy-efficient practices to reduce the environmental footprint of your 3D printing facility.

Promoting Eco-friendly Materials and Processes:

• Emphasize the use of biodegradable, recycled, or renewable materials in your 3D printing services.
• Educate customers about the environmental benefits of choosing sustainable 3D printing solutions.

Every business faces risks, and in this section, we identify potential challenges and devise contingency plans to ensure business continuity.

Identifying Potential Risks and Challenges:

• Conduct a thorough risk assessment, considering internal and external factors that may impact your 3D printing business.
• Identify potential risks, such as technological obsolescence, market fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and intellectual property infringement.

Developing Risk Mitigation Strategies:

• Outline risk mitigation strategies to address identified risks proactively.
• Implement backup plans and preventive measures to reduce the impact of unforeseen events.

Creating Contingency Plans for Adverse Scenarios:

• Develop contingency plans for critical situations, such as financial crises, natural disasters, or sudden declines in market demand.
• Ensure your business remains resilient and adaptable in challenging times.

Innovation is essential in the 3D printing industry. In this section, we explore the latest advancements in 3D printing technologies and how you can leverage them to stay competitive.

Embracing Advancements in 3D Printing Technologies:

• Stay updated with the latest advancements in 3D printing technologies and assess their potential applications in your business.
• Collaborate with technology providers or research institutions to access cutting-edge equipment and expertise.

Collaborating with R&D and Universities:

• Explore opportunities for collaboration with research and development institutions or universities to enhance your technological capabilities and stay at the forefront of innovation.
• Consider partnering on joint research projects or accessing government-funded research programs.

Investing in Research and Development:

• Allocate resources for in-house research and development initiatives to develop proprietary 3D printing technologies or unique solutions.
• Highlight how your investment in R&D will contribute to the continuous improvement of your services and competitiveness.

With a detailed implementation plan, you can streamline the process of launching and growing your 3D printing business.

Developing a Comprehensive Timeline:

• Create a detailed timeline for launching your 3D printing business, including pre-launch preparations and post-launch activities.
• Set specific milestones and deadlines to track progress and achievements.

Setting Milestones and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Define key performance indicators to measure the success of your 3D printing business.
• Use KPIs to monitor the business’s financial performance, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

Assigning Responsibilities and Roles:

• Allocate responsibilities to team members based on their skills and expertise.
• Establish clear roles and communication channels to ensure smooth collaboration among team members.

The journey to establishing a successful 3D printing business begins with a well-crafted business plan that aligns your vision with market trends and customer needs. At Stellar Business Plans, we are committed to partnering with you on this exciting journey, providing expert guidance, and ensuring your venture reaches new heights in the dynamic world of 3D printing. With our support and your passion for innovation, your 3D printing business is poised to make a lasting impact in various industries.

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Updated On : September 1, 2023

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Small Business Trends

How to start a 3d printing business, 3d printing and additive manufacturing technology.

The process involves layering materials to create intricate designs, thereby eliminating waste and enhancing efficiency. It has become an indispensable part of modern manufacturing, offering a more sustainable and precise product creation approach. If you’re wondering how to start a business in this sector, a deep understanding of these processes is essential. It has become an indispensable part of modern manufacturing, offering a more sustainable and precise approach to creating products.

The Applications of 3D Printing

In the healthcare sector, 3D printing has proven to be a game-changer. What is marketing strategy for such transformative technology? Medical professionals now utilize this technology to create custom prosthetics and implants. Tailoring these items to individual patient needs has led to improved outcomes and has significantly reduced production costs.

Materials in 3D Printing: Plastics, Metals, and Beyond

Understanding 3D printing materials such as the following can help businesses make informed decisions, ensuring the quality and functionality of their products.

Starting a 3D Printing Business

Lucky for you, our comprehensive guide can walk you through the essential steps to launch your own business successfully, ensuring you are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Crafting Your Business Name and Brand Identity

Once the name is decided, focus on creating a visually appealing logo and a consistent color scheme that can be used across various marketing materials and digital platforms.

Identifying and Specializing in Your Target Market

Developing your own website for your 3d printing business.

A dedicated website acts as a digital storefront for your 3D printing business. It offers a platform to showcase your portfolio, list your services, and establish credibility.

Crafting a Business Plan and Financial Projections

A robust business plan serves as the blueprint for your 3D printing business. It should include target market research, competitive analysis, and financial forecasts. These elements help you navigate the complexities of starting a business, from securing funding to scaling operations.

Setting Up a 3D Printing Workspace

To further optimize your workspace, consider implementing a layout that allows for smooth workflow, from design stations to printing areas and post-processing spaces. Investing in high-quality, adjustable furniture can also contribute to better ergonomics, reducing fatigue and increasing productivity.

Investing in Machines, Software, and Maintenance

Opening a Business Bank Account

Maintaining a clear distinction between personal and business finances is crucial for effective financial management. A separate business bank account aids in transparent record-keeping, simplifies tax-related processes, and enhances your business’s credibility.

Arranging Business Finances

Securing business insurance.

Understanding the types of risks associated with a 3D printing business is crucial for long-term success. Given the intricate nature of 3D printed products and the machinery involved, securing appropriate business insurance is not just advisable but essential.

Considering Intellectual Property

Ensuring quality and consistency with skills and training.

CAD software’s role in 3D printing cannot be overstated. Mastery of this technological tool is essential for ensuring high-quality outputs. Whether you are self-taught, have completed online courses, or have undergone formal training, continuous learning is crucial.

Marketing and Branding for Your 3D Printing Business

Customer service and after-sales support.

Post-purchase support can range from troubleshooting and maintenance guides to software updates and part replacements. Offering robust after-sales support not only enhances customer satisfaction but also encourages repeat business.

Sustainability and Ethical Considerations in 3D Printing

By embracing these sustainable practices, your business can not only reduce its environmental impact but also appeal to a growing segment of eco-conscious consumers, thereby gaining a competitive edge.

Diversifying Revenue Streams

Keeping up with technological advancements.

By proactively investing in ongoing education and training, you equip yourself and your team with the knowledge needed to adapt to new technologies.

FAQs: How to Start a 3D Printing Business

What is in high demand for 3d printing, how much does it cost to start a 3d printing business, which niche markets are the most profitable.

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How To Start a 3D Printing Business

If you can imagine it, you can probably 3D print it. Learn how to start a business making and selling 3D printed goods.

While it’s still the case that entrepreneurs enlist factories to handle the production process of their new products, it’s no longer a necessity. Thanks to the advent of 3D printing, some inventors and designers now manufacture consumer goods in their own homes or offices.

Some entrepreneurs have opted not to produce their own physical goods, but produce items for a roster of corporate clients. These small business owners function like boutique factories, as they turn customer designs into physical products. Here’s an overview of how to start a 3D printing business of your own.

What is 3D printing?

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects from a digital design by using different materials, including plastic, ceramic, and metal. Though 3D printing takes its name from traditional printers that set ink onto paper, 3D printers create three-dimensional objects by adding material layer by layer.

You can 3D print at home using a relatively small apparatus that melts and then reconstitutes plastic. Similar technology is also used in large industries such as health care, automotive, fashion, architecture, aerospace, and others that involve mass manufacturing.

What are the steps in 3D printing?

• Layer bonding
• Post-processing

The 3D printing process can speed up product development and involves five fundamental steps:

1. Designing

A designer creates a 3D model of the desired object using computer-aided design (CAD) software. Alternatively, they can copy the structure of an existing product by scanning it with a 3D scanner. This digital design serves as a blueprint for the 3D printer.

Special software “slices” the 3D model into thin horizontal layers that are stacked on top of each other. The model is then converted into a set of instructions that guide the 3D printer on how to create each layer.

3. Printing

The 3D printer begins making the physical product. It does this by depositing printing material such as plastic, metal, or ceramic in precise layers according to the instructions from the slicing software.

4. Layer Bonding

As each layer is added, the material fuses or bonds with the previous layer. This additive process continues until the entire object has been printed.

5. Post-Processing

Once the printing is complete, the object may undergo additional post-processing steps such as cleaning, curing, sanding, painting, and assembly to achieve its ultimate appearance and functionality.

How much does it cost to start a 3D printing business?

3d printers, printing materials, post-processing equipment, real estate and utilities, hired labor, insurance and legal fees, marketing expenses.

The startup costs associated with a 3D printing business may start at around $5,000 and quickly scale up from there. Some expenses, such as getting a business license and buying business insurance , are standard for any new business. Other costs are related specifically to additive manufacturing technology. New business owners can expect the following expenses:

A printer will be the hub of your 3D printing business. It may also be the most expensive item you purchase. 3D printers range from a few hundred dollars for entry-level desktop models to several hundred thousand dollars for industrial-grade machines. Consider budgeting around $2,000 to $10,000 for one or more mid-range 3D printers.

3D printing materials are comparable to the ink you put in a traditional paper printer. These printing materials take the form of filaments, resins, or powders. The cost of your initial batch will vary depending on what you make, but a spool of filament can range from around $20 for common PLA (polylactic acid) plastic to hundreds of dollars for a specialty filament.

Your 3D printer runs on 3D modeling and slicing software. Some software options—like Blender , FreeCAD , and OpenSCAD —are free. However, some free programs may not be able to handle complex designs. More expensive options include Autodesk Fusion 360 , which requires an annual license, and Simplify3D . These programs and others like them can cost anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to a couple thousand dollars.

Some 3D-printed items require additional equipment for post-processing before they can reach their final form. This equipment includes sanding and filing tools, curing chambers, and cleaning stations. This equipment may run from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on your industry.

Your 3D printing operation requires physical space. You might be able to work out of your own home if you run a small startup that only serves the local market. If you have bigger ambitions, you’ll likely need to rent a larger workspace or even a warehouse . You’ll also need to pay for utilities like electricity and internet. Real estate rates will vary depending on your location.

If you plan to hire employees or contract workers, you’ll need to budget for salaries, benefits, and training. The price of labor varies widely.

A small business owner can expect to pay for business insurance . Contact insurance brokers directly for rate quotes. Many will also pay for legal services for business registration , contracts, and licensing. Lawyers typically charge several hundred dollars per hour, but you can save money on some document preparation by using an online legal services company like LegalZoom or ZenBusiness.

You’ll need a marketing budget to promote your own business within your target market . This includes developing a business website and running paid ads , along with pursuing search engine optimization (SEO) , social media marketing , email marketing , and more. Some small business owners pay for this with their own sweat equity, creating most of the marketing materials themselves. Others hire a marketing specialist.

How to start a 3D printing business

• Conduct market research
• Develop a business plan
• Legally establish your business
• Obtain financing
• Research and choose a 3D printing technology
• Lease space and purchase equipment
• Choose a sales platform
• Hire staff, as needed
• Build an online presence
• Market your business

Starting a successful business requires careful planning and discipline, whether you’re in 3D printing or a different industry altogether. Here are the key steps to starting a 3D printing business of your own:

1. Conduct market research

Before you embark on a business venture, take stock of the current marketplace through market research . Study local demand and assess your competition. Identify potential niches and markets for your 3D printing business.

2. Develop a business plan

Create a comprehensive business plan outlining your business goals, target market, services offered, price points, financial projections, and marketing plan . Also, choose a legal business name (you can get help from a free name generator ). Your business plan should align with the findings of your market research because you want your service offerings to address the pain points and needs of your potential customers.

3. Legally establish your business

Legally organize your 3D printing operation under a formal business structure like an LLC , a corporation , or a sole proprietorship . You may also need a business license and business insurance to operate in your state or municipality. Shopify has guides for starting up that can help you learn the requirements for your specific region.

4. Obtain financing

Set up a business bank account and obtain financing . This could come from investor capital or bank loans, or by bootstrapping and using your own personal savings. You can call upon public resources like the Small Business Administration (SBA) or private resources like Shopify Capital to obtain the funding you need.

5. Research and choose a 3D printing technology

Decide on the type of 3D printing technology you want to operate. Research fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), and selective laser sintering (SLS), all of which create 3D printed objects layer by layer. Determine which materials you’ll work with and the specific services you’ll offer, including prototyping, production, custom items, and more.

6. Lease space and purchase equipment

If you’re just starting out, you can probably run your 3D printing business from your home. As your company grows, you may need a larger space. Regardless, create a dedicated workspace with proper ventilation, lighting, and electrical outlets. You’ll also need the appropriate 3D printers and raw materials for your chosen manufacturing niche. Research and compare different printer brands and models based on your budget and business plan.

7. Choose a sales platform

If you plan to sell your 3D printed goods directly to consumers , an ecommerce platform like Shopify can handle everything from financial transactions to customer relationship management (CRM) . If you plan to operate under a business-to-business (B2B) model, however, you may not need a front-facing sales platform. Accounting software is necessary to help you track revenue and expenses.

Market your business with Shopify’s customer marketing tools

Shopify has everything you need to capture more leads, send email campaigns, automate key marketing moments, segment your customers, and analyze your results. Plus, it’s all free for your first 10,000 emails sent per month.

8. Hire staff, as needed

If you choose to start your 3D printing ecommerce business as a solo operation, this step may come later. Or, you can have a team of workers on hand before you start accepting customer orders for fulfillment . For instance, you could hire a specialist who handles the actual 3D printing. You could also learn how to 3D print on your own, and instead hire a team to help you with administrative work like accounting and marketing.

9. Build an online presence

Many of your potential clients will find your business by searching the internet. This means you’ll need a business website and social media profiles for your company. Your online presence should highlight your specialties and the services you offer. If you choose an all-in-one ecommerce platform like Shopify , you can get a business website builder included in your subscription.

10. Market your business

You can market your 3D printing business through a mixture of web ads, SEO content writing , email campaigns , social media marketing , partnerships, and word-of-mouth campaigns . All of these outlets can bring new customers to your business and retain past customers.

How to start a 3D printing business FAQ

Can i 3d print anything and sell it.

You can 3D print anything that can be built using additive manufacturing technology—from simple toys to specialized mechanical parts. You can legally sell anything, provided that you’re in compliance with federal, state, and local laws. These laws may pertain to safety, consumer rights, intellectual property rights, and tax compliance, among other categories.

Do I need to have technical expertise in 3D printing to start a business?

It takes technical expertise to operate a 3D printer, but you can teach yourself these skills via manuals, online videos, and training courses. 3D printing is powered by advanced software, and much of the training process involves mastering this software. You can also start a business and hire a team to operate the printers.

What are the key factors to consider when pricing my 3D printing products?

When pricing your products, consider the cost of materials and equipment, market demand , and competitor prices.

How do I ensure the quality of my 3D-printed products?

You can ensure the quality of 3D printed products by using high-quality materials (plastics, metals, resins, etc.) and commercial-grade manufacturing equipment. It’s also important to make sure your employees and you have 3D printing expertise.

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How to Start a 3D Printing Business: 9 Factors and Tips

The 3D printing market value increased on average 25% per year over the last five years. Its increased market value generated a boom of interest in setting up a 3D printing business. The 3D printing industry offers different niches in which to develop a business.

While each type of 3D printing business will have specific requirements to start, there is general information that can make setting up any form of 3D printing business easier.

Decide Which Kind of 3D Printer You Want to Be

3D printing technology can be used in a variety of different ways. As such, there are many different niches for profitable 3D printing businesses. Some examples include 3D printing prototypes and manufacturing components, setting up a local 3D printing service, and 3D printing toys.

3D Printing of Prototypes and Models

Roughly 65% of the 3D printing demand comes from engineers developing industrial, electrical, or consumer goods. Also, industries such as architecture, engineering, technology, and medicine require models of devices, manufacturing parts, and chemical compounds.

These industries also typically have a section of their research and development process dedicated to testing out prototype designs or finding more efficient ways of creating a needed manufacturing part. 3D printed parts and components not only speeds up production time but also lowers cost. Therefore, dedicating a 3D printing business to helping other businesses with these needs can be quite profitable.

Raise 3D recently interviewed 2050.AT, a 3D printer farm to learn how 3D printing assists manufacturing. 2050.AT created 3D printed components and parts. 2050.AT explained that 3D printing is valuable for producing parts that are hard to find or expensive to produce. 3D printers make prototyping more efficient. To learn more about 2050.AT’s range of work with 3D printing, click here.

3D Printing Service

A more general idea is to establish a local 3D printing service. As we covered in the previous example, many businesses incorporate 3D printing into their production process. However, not all businesses can afford their 3D printers.

In this situation, a local 3D printing service is still more efficient for these businesses than traditional research and manufacturing methods. A 3D printing service also can produce work for individuals that require their own 3d printed products. For example, students may need a 3D printed model for a school project. Or an artist may need 3D printed models or devices for art projects.

3D Printed Toys and Models for Children or Collectors

A third option is to 3D print toys and models of characters or clothing of a character for children, collectors, and cosplayers. For example, a helmet of a well-known character from a tv show or movie will be appealing to all three demographics.

What Kind of 3D Printing Business Can You Set Up?

As with any new business, a 3D printing business will take time to get off the ground. Therefore, part of deciding to start a 3D printing business is knowing how much you can handle. This includes knowing your budget, knowing how much physical space you can dedicate to your business, knowing how many people will be working with you, and knowing how much time you can put into each of your projects.

Since not every kind of 3D printing business is the same, each niche will have its requirements. For example, 3D printing prototypes and manufacturing parts will require larger printers with more specialized capabilities.

How Much Does Starting a 3D Printing Business Cost?

The actual cost of starting a 3D printing business depends on the type of focus you choose. However, the cost of setting up a 3D printing business ranges from $1,000 to $10,000. This cost will be affected by the type of 3D printer that you choose, utilities, rent (if you choose to not work from home), software, and marketing. The cost of a 3D printer changes based on the size, capabilities, and quality that you wish to produce.

3D Printing Materials

A crucial aspect of establishing a 3D printing business is in understanding the capabilities, characteristics, and differences of each printing material. The two main types of 3d printing materials are filaments and resins. The most common filaments for 3D printing are plastics. Each plastic has its strengths which make it suitable for different projects and tasks.

Sometimes a 3D printed device has many parts to it, and each part may perform better with a different kind of plastic. For example, TPU/TPE filaments are flexible sometimes to the point of being like rubber. And PLA filament is durable and easy to print.

3D Printing Competitors

Each type of 3D printing business will have its market and competitors. For example, a 3D printing service will have a local market with local competitors. Meanwhile, 3d printed toys and models will rely heavily on online sales and social media. A general suggestion for all 3D printing businesses is to find an focus on making yourself visible on the platforms where other businesses like yours appear.

Making Your 3D Printing Business Stand Out

All forms of 3d printing businesses are competitive, and it can be hard to know how to stand out from competitors. One way of adding value is to know how to do model design. Model design is a necessary procedure to create a 3D printed product. Many businesses contract out the model design process to another business. However, you can learn how the process of turning an image into a digital model which will be used for 3D printing.

This will give you more control over your project and keep your work in-house. Another way to stand out from your competition is through post finish. Post finish means smoothing out the final 3D printed device and adding color. Deciding how far you want to go with post finish can also help you stand out from other 3D printing businesses.

3D printing offers a variety of niches to establish a profitable business. Knowing the exact details for setting up the foundations for each niche will require more specific research.

However, there are some common factors for establishing any kind of 3D printing business such as learning about filaments and knowing your competitors. Once these factors are known, a strong foundation can be built for a profitable 3D printing business.

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Have you had a great experience with Raise3D that you would like to share? Please contact us at  [email protected] . We look forward to hearing from you.

For more information about Raise3D industrial and professional printers and services, browse our website, or  schedule a demo  with one of our 3D printing experts.

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How To Start A 3D Printing Business

If you're wondering how to start a 3d printing business of your own, this guide on starting a 3d printing business is best for you..

3D printing is no longer a surprise in 2024. Even though it took time for it to be noticed after its start in the 1980s, the next five years should see an average growth of 23.5%.

In one study, 3D artists make an average of $53,000 a year , but these figures include those working for corporations rather than themselves.

The 3D printing industry continues to innovate and grow, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with numerous options to create designs on demand.

The use of 3D printing is known to be environmentally friendly, produces zero waste , and is a more cost-effective option than traditional manufacturing.

The increased market value led to a boom in interest in 3D printing businesses. 3D printing provides a wide variety of niches in which to develop a business.

Even though each type of 3D printing business has its own requirements to get started, there are some general things you can do to make the process of setting up a business easier.

1. Decide what kind of 3D printer you want to be

3D printing can be used in many different ways. Thus, there are many different niches for 3D printing businesses to profit from. Examples include 3D printing prototypes and manufacturing components, setting up a local 3D printing service, and 3D printing toys.

3D printing of prototypes and models

Nearly 65% of the 3D printing market is driven by engineers developing industrial, electrical, or consumer products. Also, industries such as architecture, engineering, technology, and medicine need models of devices, parts, and chemical compounds.

3D printed parts and components not only reduce production time but also lower costs. Therefore, a 3D printing business that assists other businesses with these needs can be quite profitable.

3D printing service

A local 3D printing service might also be a good idea. While several businesses utilize 3D printing in their production process, not every business can afford one. This makes a 3D printing service more efficient than traditional research and manufacturing methods for these businesses.

In addition, 3D printing services can produce work for individuals who need their own 3D printed products. As an example, students may need a 3D printed model for a school project. Artists may use 3D printed models for art projects.

Sell custom 3D printed products

The customization industry is huge. With 3D printing, you can customize anything. Who doesn’t like unique and different items?

Even one chooses a mobile cover based on his or her tastes. Considering your target audience will help you determine what you want to print.

Collectibles and figures of athletes, movie stars, singers, and movie avatars would be some of the best choices for kidswear businesses when it comes to 3D printing.

If you want to attract youths , 3D printing custom mobile cases, shoes, jewelry, and many other items are sure to work. You are only limited by your creativity.

If you wish to sell 3D printed customized parts to companies, you can start by selecting a niche.

2. Plan your 3D printing startup costs

Business formation fees.

• Creating an LLC or corporation $70 to $600  (required)
• Insurance for small businesses between $300 and $2,000  (recommended)
• Fees for permits and licenses $100 to $800 (optional)
• Lawyer Fees $0 to $1,000 (optional)

Expenses related to inventory

• The upfront costs for inventory range from $300 to $5,000

3. Create a legal entity

Find out how to form an llc yourself.

Learn about llc formation, including information on registered agents, naming rules, business licenses, and more.

Choose Your State to Learn How to Form an LLC There

• Alabama LLC
• Arizona LLC
• Arkansas LLC
• California LLC
• Colorado LLC
• Connecticut LLC
• Delaware LLC
• Florida LLC
• Georgia LLC
• Illinois LLC
• Indiana LLC
• Kentucky LLC
• Louisiana LLC
• Maryland LLC
• Massachusetts LLC
• Michigan LLC
• Minnesota LLC
• Mississippi LLC
• Missouri LLC
• Montana LLC
• Nebraska LLC
• New Hampshire LLC
• New Jersey LLC
• New Mexico LLC
• New York LLC
• North Carolina LLC
• North Dakota LLC
• Oklahoma LLC
• Pennsylvania LLC
• Rhode Island LLC
• South Carolina LLC
• South Dakota LLC
• Tennessee LLC
• Vermont LLC
• Virginia LLC
• Washington LLC
• West Virginia LLC
• Wisconsin LLC
• Wyoming LLC

Or Make your life easier with Wise Business Plans

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4. Tax registration

Before you can open for business, you will have to register for a variety of state and federal taxes. To register for taxes, you will need an EIN.

Your EIN can be obtained for free through the IRS website, via fax, or by mail. Read our article What is an EIN ? to learn more about EINs and how they can benefit your LLC.

5. Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Your 3d printing business must adhere to city, state, and federal regulations. To avoid legal snags, make sure you are familiar with the business laws in your area.

The failure to obtain necessary permits and licenses can result in heavy fines or even the closure of your business.

Operating a 3D printing design business may require state permits and licenses. In most states, businesses must collect sales tax on the goods or services they sell.

6. Copyright & Trademark Protection

When developing a unique product or concept, you should register for trademarks and copyrights to protect your rights.

7. Protect your business with insurance

In addition to licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate legally and safely. A business insurance plan protects your company’s financial health in case of a covered loss.

Insurance policies are available for a variety of businesses with a variety of risks. If you’re not sure what risks your business may face, begin by purchasing General Liability Insurance . 

It’s the most common coverage small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance is another policy many businesses require. If you plan to hire employees, it’s quite possible that your state will require that you carry workers’ compensation insurance.

8. Make your business website

Creating a website for your business is the next step after defining your brand and creating your logo. The following are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites. Getting your business online doesn’t matter what your business’s size or industry is.
• Facebook pages and LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website you own.
• Tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder make it extremely easy to create a basic website.

Recommended: If you want to improve your conversion rates, and maximize your revenue to help grow your business and achieve your goals. It is always best to hire professional web design services to develop your company’s website.

4 Key Success Factors Printing Businesses

Despite the challenges of the 3D printing and prototyping businesses, We have identified five factors that can help you boost profitability, efficiency, and ultimately success.

• Ability to adopt new technology quickly: 3D printing and rapid prototyping companies must adapt to technological advancements to attract more consumers.
• Close monitoring of the competition: Its low concentration encourages competition among smaller companies seeking to enter a new market. To remain competitive, industry companies must closely follow their competitors.
• Having a good understanding of the service: As this industry caters to a wide range of industries, companies must understand the appropriate processes associated with each industry.
• Contracts with key suppliers in place: It is necessary for companies to source several input materials for the printing process. It is important that companies maintain good relationships with suppliers of these materials.

These 4 factors are essential for the success of printing businesses , resulting ultimately in higher sales and brand awareness, but most importantly, higher profits.

Want to Get Top-Quality 3D Printing Business Plan?

Need help with your business plan? We are the largest and most reputable  business plan writing company  in the US. Providing high-quality, beautifully designed and highly detailed business plans at reasonable prices is our specialty.

Over 3,000 projects have been completed in almost every industry. Our business plans are used for strategic planning, internal planning, investor fundraising, and bank financing. 

In the past year, we have assisted 3,000+ companies across 150 industries obtain debt and equity funding totaling $1 billion.

The Highlights Of Our Recently Developed 3D Printing Business Plan

Market analysis summary: 3d printing business plan.

The Custom Screen Printing industry has declined over the five years to 2020. The industry generates most of its revenue from printing on apparel and other nonpaper materials, services it performs for both consumers and businesses.

Since 2015, decreasing corporate profit, despite improving disposable income levels, has weakened both consumer and commercial demand for the industry’s custom printing services. 

As a result, the Custom Screen Printing industry has decreased similarly to other printing segments.

Over the five years to 2020, industry revenue fell at an annualized 2.2% to $7.7 billion. In 2020, the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic and an economic slowdown are expected to reduce demand for industry products by reducing consumer spending drastically.

The industry is also affected by social distancing policies preventing large gatherings, such as family reunions, summer camps and fundraisers, which require custom T-shirts. As a result, industry revenue decreased by 18.0% in 2020 alone.

Product and Services

Screen printing on apparel items is the largest segment in the Custom Screen Printing industry, accounting for an estimated 49.4% of revenue in 2020. 

The process of screen printing on apparel items such as T-shirts and sweaters is a multistep process that can be performed by businesses and consumers alike.

While this segment experienced a lower level of demand in 2015 due to slow growth in consumer spending, its share of the industry has expanded significantly over the five years to 2020 as consumer spending has increased overall. 

The apparel printing product segment is expected to be greatly affected by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic due to social distancing policies.

Many large events, which have now been canceled, sell or require custom T-shirts such as a concert. The cancellation of these large events has negatively affected the product segment in 2020 .

3D Printing Business Plan FAQ's

For artists who have previously created physical works (i.e. statues and carvings), this business is ideal. Taking a good idea and using a combination of software and artistic skills to make it into a reality is the most important part of this job.

Start-up costs for 3D printing businesses depend on the type of focus you choose. However, the setup cost ranges from $5,00 to $20,000 for a 3D printing business. It depends on the type of 3D printer that you choose, utilities, rent (if you do not work from home), software, and marketing.

This is possible, but business consultants and writers are experts at this. Using a variety of valuation metrics, they understand what goals you should set for your custom screen printing business. Through them, you can set timelines for reaching those goals. You’ll benefit from their expertise in marketing tactics, financials, and customer acquisition strategies while saving time so you can focus on other aspects of your business.

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How to Start a 3D Printing Business

Home » Business ideas » Technology Industry » 3D Printing Business

Do you want to start a 3D printing business? If YES, here is a detailed guide on how to start a 3D printing business with no money and no experience plus a   sample 3D printing business plan template.

To make things simpler, 3D means three dimensional printing which means an additive technology in which objects are built up in a great many very thin layers. Even without experts saying it, we all know that 3D Printing is steadily becoming one of the most popular trends all over the world.

Let us all take a moment to envisage a future in which a device connected to a computer can print a solid object. A society in which we can have tangible goods as well as intangible services delivered to our desktops or high-street shops over the Internet.

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• 50 Best 3d Printing Business ideas You Can Start Today
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3D printing offers a wide range of business opportunities that can rain cash into your bank account now and even more in the future since it is a business that will get better with time. 3D printing is the next big thing in the printing industry.

17 Steps to Starting a 3D Printing Business

1. understand the industry.

The 3D printing market is expected to garner $8.6 billion by 2022, registering a CAGR of 21% from 2015 – 2022. 3D printing is also referred as additive printing technology that lets manufacturers to develop objects using a digital file and variety of printing materials.

The global market for 3D printing materials includes polymers, metals and ceramics. Also 3D printing offers a wide array of applications in various industries, namely consumer products, industrial products, defense & aerospace, automotive, healthcare, education & research and others.

From detailed analysis, we believe that the factors driving this market are reduction of errors, high degree of accuracy, efficient use of raw materials, ability to build customized products, simultaneous use of multiple materials for printing, efficient use of production time and finances, and competency over traditional techniques among others.

High production cost to individual users, expensive 3D printing software, lack of channel partner assistance, and scarcity of skilled labour are some of the factors mitigating the global 3D printing industry. Reports have it that the global market for 3D printing has been segmented based on component, application and geography. Based on component, the market is classified into technology, material and services.

Application wise, the market is categorized into consumer products, aerospace, defense, education and research, automotive, industrial, and others. We believe that the consumer products industry has been the highest revenue generating segment and it is expected to be the highest generating segment even during the forecasted period.

2. Conduct Market Research and Feasibility Studies

• Demographics and Psychographics

Without even stating it, it is very obvious that 3D printing is a growing area of technology, and many are interested in learning more about the opportunities their business could benefit from with the use of a 3D printer.

A lot of companies are already pioneering new advances by reducing labour and production costs and creating goods for their businesses to sell, although costs will need to come down even further to make 3D printing the everyday 21st century version of a trip to the hardware store.

But no matter how sweet and eager it may sound, you should make adequate market research before you start this business. Note that it is your duty to dictate and make sure you develop strategic pacts with corporate organizations, advertising, branding agencies, and religious organizations et al. Outlined below is the list of sectors that always need the services you are willing to provide;

• Banks, Insurance Companies and other related Financial Institutions
• Blue Chips Companies
• Corporate Organizations
• Manufacturers and Distributors
• Real Estate Owners, Developers and Contractors
• Research and Development Companies
• The Government (Public Sector)
• Schools (High Schools, Colleges and Universities)
• Celebrities, Politicians, Public Figures and Public Speakers
• Sport Organizations
• Religious Organizations
• Political Parties
• Television Stations
• Printing Press (Publishing Houses) and Authors
• Branding and Advertising agencies
• Aspiring celebrities
• Entrepreneurs and Start – Ups

3. Decide Which Niche to Concentrate On

Indeed the beauty of 3D printing is that it completely fades the lines between the traditional notion of ‘producers’ and ‘consumers,’ leading to an entirely new category: the ‘prosumer’. Not just by mere words but with facts, today’s entry-level 3D printers, for example, empower makers to produce novel, commercial-grade products easily and affordably in their very own homes.

There are several distinct trends in consumer goods manufacturing. Today’s buyers demand mass customization, local production, and sustainable materials—all of which 3D printing can provide. Which is why starting this business is the next best thing, but you need to focus on a particular niche if you wish to survive in this industry. These niches may include;

• Customized TV printing
• Jewelry and ornament production
• 3D product selling
• 3D Ultrasound
• Bio-printing
• Corporate printing service
• 3D modelling
• Apparel designing
• Pills production
• Firearms production
• 3D blogging
• 3D movie production
• 3D architecture
• 3D selfish studio
• 3D art printing etc.

The Level of Competition in the Industry

Simply put, businesses in the 3D Printing industry offer 3D printing and rapid prototyping services. A 3D printing service is the automatic construction of physical objects using additive manufacturing technology. Note that this include melting or softening material to produce layers, laying liquid material thermosets that are cured and cutting thin layers to shape that are then joined together.

This particular industry over time has experienced rapid growth and this is due to rapid technological advancements, falling costs and new uses for 3D printing technology. We believe that the demand for 3D printing and rapid prototyping service and of course the revenue generated is expected to increase rapidly as 3D printing and rapid prototyping explodes in popularity and accessibility, especially in consumer markets.

We also believe that this Industry is indeed a very large industry and pretty much active in all the parts of the world. Analysis has it that in the united states of America alone, there are about 151 registered and licensed 3D printing and rapid prototyping service companies responsible for employing about 3,814 and the industry rakes in a whooping sum of $492 million annually.

This shows that this industry is becoming very popular and rising, and with this comes competition and fight for industry shares.

4. Know Your Major Competitors in the Industry

• Hewlett Packard
• Materialise
• Autodesk, Inc.
• The ExOne Company
• Optomec, Inc.
• Ponoko Limited
• Voxeljet AG.

Economic Analysis

Indeed making money online is not easy as it seems from the outside; it needs lots of work and patience. If you see entrepreneurs who make millions of dollars online, keep in mind that they have worked hard and invested years in their business.

But unlike those money-making ways that need lots of effort and money to invest, the 3D printing is a unique business that you run online. In this industry, you can even create an attractive iPhone or iPad case, then create it in your printer and show it in action through a video tutorial. People will trust the product because they see it on your hands.

It is very obvious that the 3D Printer Profits come with lots of resources, and it will save you years of searching for profitable niches. Only the smartphone market is huge enough to accept thousands of 3D printing companies, that is why there is no real competition actually.

So, this is the market to invest your time from now on. One unique thing about this new business is that it will never stop working. Everything in this world can be printed in 3D and sold. The huge demon on 3D printer products and prototype is going crazy.

5. Decide Whether to Buy a Franchise or Start from Scratch

From our detailed research, we have been able to ascertain that the advantages of buying a 3D printing franchise instead of starting a new business venture are quite great and attractive. But it is very important to note that buying a franchise isn’t necessarily a bed of roses.

For you to get a franchise that suits your goals, you need to strictly evaluate the factors involved with buying a franchise, you need to do your research even before deciding to commit yourself. It is your right to make sure the business is the right fit for your personal and professional goals.

Buying a franchise indeed has its own issues and challenges, and with the speed at which this industry is growing, you will need to brace yourself with information and innovations.

For you to achieve your primary goal of building a unique business, note that you can become an industry franchisee instead of starting from the scratch. If you have decided to start a 3D printing business, we advise that you do the following;

• Try to research the history of the company
• Know what you want and if it is the best of you
• Hope for the Best But Plan for the Worst
• Negotiate for a Good Price

6. Know the Possible Threats and Challenges You Will Face

Have it in mind that 3D Printing is one of the key elements of the era of the factory of the future. 3D printing services is like that innovation machine that make it possible for any person or business with a 3D file to virtually run their own 3D printing factory, distantly, and go from a file to an object, easily, at a moderated cost, and without the need to invest in machines and in their running, maintenance and update. Possible challenges of starting this business may include;

• Combining software and hardware
• Analysing and repair of 3D files
• 3D Printing means permanent renewal
• The delicacies of 3D printing
• Meeting clients’ expectations, just with their 3D file
• Getting experienced 3D printing technicians

7. Choose the Most Suitable Legal Entity (LLC, C Corp, S Corp)

When deciding on the exact legal structure that will suit your business, you have two options- sole proprietorship and the LLC. Between the two structures mentioned, you need to choose based on the size and vision you have for your business.

Since your business is all about the income and interest of your clients, the LLC is the best legal entity for your business be is it small, medium or large. It is important to state that the advantage of creating an LLC typically outweigh any perceived disadvantages. The merits include;

• Few restrictions
• Limited compliance requirements
• Protected assets
• Flexible management structure

8. Choose a Catchy Business Name

• Access Print
• Brain Printing
• Breadbox Studio
• Future zone
• Manny printing
• Future mode
• Nivometric Technologies
• Quick Parts
• Rethink Robotics
• Sound Print
• Everyday print
• Solid Print
• Solid Prototype

9. Discuss with an Agent to Know the Best Insurance Policies for You

Indeed 3D printing is fast becoming a game-changer in the way we do business. But you should note that with new innovations come unexpected risks, which is why it is very important that you understand the potential risks before starting your 3D printing business.

When selling or manufacturing products, whether they are produced through traditional manufacturing or 3D printing, it is essential to work with an insurance broker who has experience in Product liability. Insurance you will need may include;

• General Liability Insurance
• property insurance
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance
• commercial auto insurance
• umbrella insurance
• Workers’ Compensation
• crime insurance

10. Protect your Intellectual Property With Trademark, Copyrights, Patents

In case you do not know, 3D printing has been around for decades within certain manufacturing industries where many legal regimes, including patents, industrial design rights, copyright, and trademark may apply. But there is not much jurisprudence to explain the way these laws will apply if 3D printers become mainstream and individuals and hobbyist communities begin manufacturing items for personal use, for non-profit distribution, or for sale.

We believe that any of the mentioned legal regimes may mitigate the distribution of the designs used in 3D printing, or the distribution or sale of the printed item. For one to be able to do these things where an active intellectual property is involved, a person would have to contact the owner and ask for a license, which may come with conditions and a price.

But we believe that many patents, designs and copyright laws contain a standard limitation or exception for ‘private’, ‘non-commercial’ use of inventions, designs or works of art protected under intellectual property (IP). Have it in mind that Patents cover inventions including processes, machines, manufactures, and compositions of matter and have a finite duration which varies between countries, but generally 20 years from the date of application.

That is why if a type of wheel is patented, printing, using, or selling such a wheel could be an infringement of the patent registered.

It is very important to state that Copyright covers an expression in a tangible, fixed medium and often lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years after his or her death. This means that if someone makes a statue, they may have copyright on the look of that statue, so if someone sees that statue, they cannot distribute designs or print an identical or similar statue during or after the person’s lifetime.

11. Get the Necessary Professional Certification

We believe that this industry certification has not been made popular or is not yet in limelight, but it still doesn’t mean that getting a few or some certifications won’t set you apart in the industry. No matter how light or beyond the light as they might be, there is a need for you to consider taking and getting them before venturing into the business. They are,

• 3D printer certification
• Professional Certificate of Competency in 3D Engineering Design and Printing for Rapid Prototyping
• Professional Certificate Program in Innovation and Technology
• 3DVinci creations certification

12. Get the Necessary Legal Documents You Need to Operate

• Articles of Organization
• LLC operating agreement
• Business license
• Business plan

13. Raise the Needed Startup Capital

Building a 3D printing business means having the money to buy all the items needed to start your business and more. If you have been working on a profitable business plan but you don’t have the financial means to get things started, you can still get funding as long as you don’t need a very huge amount. You can seek capital in a number of ways:

Crowdfunding websites

Note that these websites allows you to gain access to different types of investors. Be it the general public, philanthropists, or accredited investors, each one can all help you realize your dream.

Accelerators

We believe that these programs have a set time frame in which start-ups spend a few weeks working with a group of mentors. The goal is to build your business and learn how to avoid inevitable problems along the way. Companies are given a small seed investment, but there is a catch, they have to provide a small amount of equity in exchange.

Have it in mind when starting a 3D printing business that you might also want to read a bit more about incubators. A typical business incubator will provide you with office space and management training. More than half of these programs are mixed, meaning that they work with clients coming from different industries. Technology incubators make for 39 percent of the total of incubation programs.

Angel networks

Know that an angel investor not only invests in your dream, but they will also offer mentorship and provide access to their contacts.

14. Choose a Suitable Location for your Business

Just like starting any other business, you will need to carefully choose a business location. Take your time to look at other technology related businesses in your proposed location. They can be noticed easily because it is hard to come across a business area that does not have a technology inclined business.

Most technology related businesses choose their locations using population density, average adjusted gross income (AGI) in that surrounding area, and proximity to their target market. Since the 3D printing business is a technology business and one that will stand the test of time, we advise that you leverage on the same factors when choosing locations for your business. We also advice that you know the specific area you are considering very well.

15. Hire Employees for your Technical and Manpower Needs

Starting a 3D printing business is not as easy as walking in the park, especially since it still sounds a bit futuristic to most of us. Some few years back, this business was sounding like something intangible. But a lot has happened over the past few years, and now you can build a profitable business with a 3D printer. The 3D revolution is expected to surpass more traditional methods of manufacturing. Things you will need to start this business may include;

As a beginner, it is advisable that you buy an in-house printer and start your projects from there slowly. A lot 3D printing companies use a third-party 3D vendor, yet outsourcing is not always the quickest way to get the project done. It may lower your costs, but it doesn’t make up for the inevitable delays. Have it in mind that the type of 3D printer you are going to buy solely depends on the work you are going to be doing.

It is very essential to note that 3D printers don’t come with the materials needed to print the products; you will need to get them separately. Different types of products require different materials. We believe there are two materials used for 3D printing. You have the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and the Poly Lactic Acid (PLA).

The latter is excellent for beginners, but the models it creates may change under high heat. But the ABC indeed is a popular choice for businesses due to its strength and flexibility. But you should note that not all printers can work with both materials, this is why you need to choose both material and printer best suited for the type of products you are planning to manufacture.

We believe that there are lots of exceptional open-source software within the big and vast internet archive for you. But as your company grows, you can invest in a one-year license for a 3D modelling software if you wish.

It is very important that you take your time to invest in your business by taking 3D animation courses. Both you and your staff should be well-trained in the art of 3D printing. You can either take online classes or look for a tech school in your area.

The Service Delivery Process of the Business

There are different processes and methods in this business. The main differences between processes are in the way layers are deposited to create parts and in the materials that are used. We believe that each process has its own advantages and drawbacks, which is why some companies offer a choice of powder and polymer for the material used to build the object; while others sometimes use standard, off-the-shelf business paper as the build material to produce a durable prototype.

But the major considerations in choosing a machine are generally speed, cost of the 3D printer, the printed prototype, choice and cost of the materials, and colour capabilities. In this business, some processes melt or soften the material to produce the layers. In Fused filament fabrication, also known as Fused deposition modelling (FDM), the model or part is produced by throwing out small beads or streams of material which get strong immediately to form layers.

Note that a filament of thermoplastic, metal wire, or other material is fed into an extrusion nozzle head (3D printer extruder), where it heats the material and turns the flow on and off. We believe that FDM is somewhat restricted in the variation of shapes that may be fabricated.

Also another technique in 3D printing fuses parts of the layer and then moves upward in the working area, adding another layer of granules and repeating the process until the piece has built up. Have it in mind that this process uses the unfused media to support overhangs and thin walls in the part being produced, which shortens the need for temporary auxiliary supports for the piece.

Always note that the Laser sintering techniques is made up of selective laser sintering, with both metals and polymers, and direct metal laser sintering. This selective laser melting does not use sintering for the fusion of powder granules but has to completely melt the powder using a high-energy laser to create fully dense materials in a layer-wise method that has mechanical properties like those of conventional manufactured metals.

Though Electron beam melting is a similar type of additive manufacturing technology for metal parts (e.g. titanium alloys). But it manufactures parts by melting metal powder layer by layer with an electron beam in a high vacuum.

It is also important to note that another method consists of an inkjet 3D printing system, which builds the model one layer at a time by spreading a layer of powder (plaster, or resins) and printing a binder in the cross-section of the part using an inkjet-like process. Have it in mind that with laminated object manufacturing, thin layers are cut to shape and joined together.

This business surely has many more processes discovered and yet to be discovered, and they might depend on the kind of job you want to perform. Just be very careful to decide what you need and how best to get the very result you want. Running this business is very hard but with consistency and planning, you can sure be very successful.

16. Write a Marketing Plan Packed with ideas & Strategies

We cannot deny how important marketing is to the business world. In this particular case, you need to devise means to effectively claim market shares before the industry becomes saturated. There are many ways to do this and they include;

Having a website

When you have a good website, you can effectively explain your services and your rates, and give potential customers information about you and your professional background. Having a website will also give you the opportunity to share relevant information that individuals might find interesting and helpful.

Making use of marketing materials

Make use of inexpensive marketing materials such as business cards and postcards. We advise you drop these off with ventures and businesses around you.

Mouth to mouth advertising

One very crucial way of spreading information about your business is to get referrals from family and friends. We believe that they would create the initial buzz for your business and provide the bulk of the testimonials on your website.

Making use of customer’s testimonies

Making us of your customer’s testimonials will go a long way to prove to people that you know what you are doing. That way people who visit your site can see that your services work and are motivated to patronize you.

17. Develop Strategies to Boost Brand Awareness and Create a Corporate Identity

There are countless ways you can promote your business. Below are the best methods that require only small investment from your part:

Social media

It is important for you to know that starting a 3D printing business means making a name for yourself. You can start by identifying influencers and engage with them. Sooner or later, those individuals will create some buzz around your service. We also advice that you use social channels such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Google+ to keep them and your customers up to date of your accomplishments.

Have it in mind that online advertising is one of the top ways a starting business can expand its reach and find new customers. In this strategy, you have many options available such as pay-per-click, paid social media, display advertising, and in-app ads. Note that direct website advertising is also a good idea.

Embedded marketing

We believe that embedded marketing or product placement often involves ads placed within videos, shows, online stories, or other types of media. Be it links, written words, video, or visuals, the way you use it depends on your objectives and budget. But this marketing technique is beneficial for the viewers as well.

In this brand promotional strategy, a reseller will buy a batch of your products and sell them at a higher cost. But the advantage is that these partners often visit potential buyers in person and tell them about the product. But you will have to sell your models at a discount price to the reseller.

Promotional goods

Note that almost anything can be branded with your company’s name or logo, but you can also give away 3D printed products. Have it in mind that this industry you have decided to join does not have the same restrictions as others. So you can easily provide your possible customers with something else than just the standard branded t-shirt.

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How to Start a 3D Printing Business [Business Plan]

3D printing businesses are involved in 3D printing and rapid prototyping, and this is the automatic construction of physical objects using additive manufacturing technology. Techniques include melting or softening material to produce layers, laying liquid material thermosets that are cured, cutting thin layers to shape, and joining them together.

Basically, three-dimensional printing is a process that involves taking a raw material and melting it into microscopic layers until it creates a 3D object. Statistics have it that in the United States of America alone, there are about 450 licensed and registered three-dimensional (3D) printing companies, and the industry is responsible for directly employing about 6,161 employees.

The worldwide market for 3D printing was valued at 12.6 billion U.S. dollars. The industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 17 percent between 2022 and 2023.

Steps on How to Start a 3D Printing Business

Conduct market research.

The first step in the market research process for your 3D Printing business is to develop market-based research questions in line with your overall business goals and objective. In this regard, you should source information that will help you maximize your business, provide you reliable clues on what your potential market will be looking for from a 3D Printing company, and also help you operate your 3D Printing company with less stress.

a. Who is the Target Market for 3D Printing Business?

• Schools and players in the education and learning industry
• Prototyping and manufacturing companies
• Medical centers and hospitals
• Construction companies
• Art and Jewelry makers
• Interior décor
• Architects and designers
• Aerospace companies
• Automotive companies
• Hobbyists and DIYers
• Cultural heritage and museums
• Firearm industry
• Transportation industry
• Fashion industry
• Food industry

b. Is 3D Printing business a Profitable Business?

Yes, the 3D Printing business is profitable, and statistics show that the industry generates an average of $12.5 billion annually. As a matter of fact, analysts have predicted that the 3D printing industry will be worth 32.7 billion USD by 2023.

c. Are There Existing Niches in the Industry?

No, there are no existing niches when it comes to 3D printing because 3D printing is a niche in the printing industry.

d. Who are the Major Competitors?

• Proto Labs Inc.
• Materialise NV
• Shapeways Inc.
• Nano Dimension
• Stratasys Ltd.
• Relativity Space
• Desktop Metal

e. Are There County or State Regulations or Zoning Laws for 3D Printing Business?

Yes, there are county or state regulations and zoning laws for 3D Printing companies. These laws are strictly enforced because studies have found that little bits of plastic and some volatile organic compounds end up in the air when printing, and breathing these in isn’t a good idea. As a matter of fact, asthma and other breathing problems can be aggravated in this way, and some of the emissions are known to be bad for everyone.

f. Is There a Franchise for 3D Printing Business?

Yes, there are franchise opportunities for the 3D Printing business, and here are some of them;

• Twindom 3D Photography
• 3D Memories
• Minuteman Press
• PostNet International

g. What Do You Need to Start a 3D Printing Business?

• A Feasibility Report
• Business and Marketing Plans
• Business Licenses and Permits
• A Good Operational facility
• Computers, Laptops, and Servers
• EIN (Employer Identification Number)/Federal Tax ID Number.
• A Corporate Bank Account
• 3D Printing Equipment and Tools
• Startup Capital

Choose a Memorable Business Name

When looking to start a business, before you can begin to file the necessary documents with the constituted authorities or start your website, it is necessary that you come up with a name that you will be recognized with. It is essential that the name you come up with can easily be pronounced, is unique and easily memorable.

Some of the catchy business name ideas suitable for a 3D printing business are;

Catchy 3D Printing Business Name ideas

• Perfect Edges© 3D Printing Company, Inc.
• Top Cut® 3D Printing Company, LLC
• Cap End© 3D Printing Company, Inc.
• Printing Solutions® 3D Printing Company, Inc.
• Print Expats™ 3D Printing Company, Inc.
• Goodman™ 3D Printing Company, LLC.
• Daily Morgan© 3D Printing Company, LLC
• Tony Williams® 3D Printing Company, Inc.
• Print Pros© 3D Printing Company, Inc.
• Print Zone© 3D Printing Company, Inc.
• Print Pro® 3D Printing Company, Inc.
• White Lane® 3D Printing Company, LLC
• Wendy Thomas® 3D Printing Company, Inc.
• International Print Corporation, Inc.
• King George® 3D Printing Company USA LLC.
• Shannon Stev® 3D Printing Company, Inc.
• Denver Porto® 3D Printing Company USA LLC
• Print and More® 3D Printing Company, LLC
• Future Network® 3D Printing Company USA LLC
• South River® 3D Printing Company USA LLC.

Register Your Business

A. what type of business structure is best for 3d printing business.

Even though there are several options when it comes to the business structure of a 3D printing business, the one most players in this line of business consider is an LLC. It is common to consider LLC because providers want to protect themselves from lawsuits.

Please note that an LLC will need an EIN if it has employees or if it will be required to file any of the excise tax forms listed below.

b. Steps to Form an LLC

• Choose a Name for Your LLC.
• File Articles of Organization.
• Choose a registered agent.
• Decide on member vs. manager management.
• Create an LLC operating agreement.
• Comply with other tax and regulatory requirements.
• File annual reports.

c. What Type of License is Needed to Open a 3D Printing Business?

• General Business License
• Health and Safety Permit
• Zonal Permits (Applicable in some cities)
• Signage Permit
• Operational State Facility Inspections

d. What Type of Certification is Needed to Open a 3D Printing Business?

• Additive Manufacturing (AM) Certification
• 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Specialization.

e. What Documents are Needed to Open a 3D Printing Business?

• Business and liability insurance
• Federal Tax Payer’s ID
• State Permit and Building Approval
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Business License
• Business Plan
• Employment Agreement (offer letters)
• Operating Agreement for LLCs
• Insurance Policy
• Online Terms of Use
• Online Privacy Policy Document
• Contract Document
• Company Bylaws
• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

f. Do You Need a Trademark, Copyright, or Patent?

If you are considering starting a 3D Printing business, usually you will need to file for intellectual property protection or trademark. This is because 3D printing companies manufacture or customize a variety of products that may be unique to them.

Cost Analysis and Budgeting

A. how much does it cost to start a 3d printing business.

When it comes to starting a 3D printing business, the startup costs could range from $25,000 to over $250,000 depending on how much equipment the business owner decides to purchase and the size of the facility leased. Please note that this amount includes the salaries of all staff for the first month of operation.

b. What are the Cost Involved in Starting a 3D Printing Business

• The total fee for registering the business in the United States of America – $750.
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits as well as the accounting services (software, P.O.S machines, and other software) – $3,300.
• Marketing expenses for the grand opening of the 3D Printing company, in the amount of $3,500, and as well as flyer printing (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $3,580.
• The cost for hiring a business consultant – $2,500.
• Insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation, and property-casualty) coverage at a total premium – $2,400.
• The cost for payment of rent for 12 months at $1.76 per square foot in the total amount of $75,600.
• The cost for facility remodeling (construction of racks and shelves) – $10,000.
• Other start-up expenses including stationery ($500), phone and utility deposits ($2,500).
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $30,000
• The cost for start-up inventory (3D printing materials) – $50,000
• The cost for store equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $13,750
• Equipping the office (computers, 3D printing machines and equipment, servers and internet facility, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics) – $40,000
• The cost of launching a website: $600
• Miscellaneous: $5,000

c. What Factors Determine the Cost of Opening a 3D Printing Business?

• The size of the 3D Printing business
• The choice of location
• The required licenses and permits
• The type of facility
• The additional services offerings
• The cost of hiring and paying a business consultant and attorney
• The cost for branding, promotion, and marketing of the 3D printing company
• The cost for furnishing and equipping the 3D printing facility
• The cost for insurance policy covers
• The cost for registering the business
• Source of your supplies and ongoing expenses
• Cost of recruiting and training your staff
• The cost for the purchase and customizing of uniforms

d. Do You Need to Build a Facility? If YES, How Much Will It Cost?

Actually, it is not compulsory to build a new facility for your 3D Printing company, but if you have the required finance, it will pay you to build your facility. The truth is that building or reconstructing a facility will give you the opportunity to come up with a facility that will perfectly fit into your business goals and vision.

e. What are the Ongoing Expenses of a 3D Printing Business?

• Raw materials such as plastic, metal, graphite, nylon, ABS, resin, PLA (Polylactic Acid), gold and silver, stainless steel, titanium, and carbon fiber et al.
• Utility bills (internet subscriptions, phone bills, signage and software renewal fees et al)
• Machine and equipment maintenance
• Salaries of employees

f. What is the Average Salary of your Staff?

• Chief Executive Officer (President) – $65,000 Per Year
• Project Manager – $45,000 Per Year
• 3D Printing Engineer – $44,600 Per Year
• Model Maker – 3D Printing – $36,100 Per Year
• Sales and Marketing Executive – $30,000 Per Year
• Accountant – $32,000 Per Year
• Screen Printing Operator – $30,800 Per Year
• Client Service Executive (Help Desk Office) -$28,000 Per Year

g. How Do You Get Funding to Start a 3D Printing Business

• Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
• Raising money from investors and business partners
• Sell shares to interested investors
• Applying for a loan from your bank/banks
• Source for soft loans from your family members and your friends.

Write a Business Plan

A. executive summary.

Our 3D Printing company is a standard, licensed, and certified 3D Printing company that will be located in the heart of Westchester County, New York – United States of America.

We are in the 3D printing business to deliver excellent services to those who will patronize our services. We will also ensure that when carrying out our duty, we will comply with the laws and health regulations in New York and The United States of America. Our employees are well trained and qualified to handle the wide range of 3D printing machines and equipment.

b. Products and Service

• 3D printing
• Rapid prototyping
• 3D printing support services
• Selective laser sintering (SLS)
• Fused deposition modeling (FDM)
• Stereolithography (SLA)
• The sale of 3D printers and supplies.
• Screen printing consulting and advisory services
• Other related printing services

c. Mission Statement

Our mission is to establish a world-class 3D printing company that will be involved in the production of products and parts with the aim of helping our clients’ reduce costs, waste, time, get a competitive advantage, reduce errors, and increase confidentiality.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to become one of the leading brands in the 3D printing industry in New York and other key cities in the United States of America.

d. Goals and Objectives

The goals and objectives of the 3D Printing business are to produce complex shapes using less material than traditional manufacturing methods.

e. Organizational Structure

• Chief Executive Officer (President)
• Project Manager
• 3D Printing Engineer
• Model Maker
• Sales and Marketing Executive
• Screen Printing Operator
• Client Service Executive (Help Desk Office)

Marketing Plan

A. swot analysis.

The strength of the 3D Printing business is that we have well-experienced and certified 3D engineers and technicians under our payroll and our chief executive officer is one of them. So also, we operate in a location where we can easily collaborate with other key stakeholders in the printing industry.

As a new 3D Printing business, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance especially from top profile clients in the highly competitive 3D printing industry; that is perhaps our major weakness. Another weakness is that we don’t have the financial capacity to compete with multi-million dollar 3D Printing companies when it comes to working for high-paying clients.

Opportunities:

The opportunities for 3D printing are on the rise because the demand for 3D Printing and Rapid Prototyping Services is forecast to continue growing over the five years to 2026. New 3D printing applications for the consumer, medical, and manufacturing markets will continue to emerge, opening the industry to previously untapped markets.

A major threat confronting 3D printing is the fact that studies have found that little bits of plastic and some volatile organic compounds end up in the air when printing, and breathing these in isn’t a good idea. Asthma and other breathing problems can be aggravated, and some of the emissions are known to be bad for everyone. Another threat that may likely confront us is the arrival of a new 3D printing company in the same location where ours is located. So also, unfavorable government policies may also pose a threat to our business.

b. How Do 3D Printing Companies Make Money?

3D Printing companies make money by offering the following products;

c. Payment Options

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via credit cards
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via mobile money transfer
• Payment via bank draft

d. Sales & Advertising Strategies

• Introduce your 3D Printing business by sending introductory letters alongside your brochure to various industries and key stakeholders
• Advertise on the internet on blogs and forums, and also on social media like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn to get your message across
• Creating a basic website for your business so as to give your business an online presence
• Directly market your services.
• Advertise your business in community-based newspapers, local TV and radio stations
• List your business on yellow pages ads (local directories)
• Encourage the use of word-of-mouth marketing (referrals)

Financial Projection

A. how much should you charge for your product/service.

The amount to charge for your 3D Printing company products and services should depend on factors such size and technicality of the product to be printed. But on average, a 3d printing service can cost as little as $5 to several thousand dollars.

b. How Much Profit Do 3D Printing Business Owners Make a Year?

It depends, but available report shows that the national average salary for 3D Printing is $65,582 in the United States.

c. What Factors Determine the Amount of Profit to Be Made?

• The capacity of the 3D printing business
• The types of service and product offerings
• The location the 3D printing business is covering
• The management style of the 3D printing business
• The business approach of the 3D printing business
• The advertising and marketing strategies adopted by the 3D printing business.
• The number of years the 3D printing company is in business

d. What is the Profit Margin of a 3D Printing Business?

The profit margin of a 3D printing business could range from 15 to 45 percent depending on the nature of the design, materials, and time involved in the printing.

e. What is the Sales Forecast?

First Fiscal Year (FY1) – $250,000

Second Fiscal Year (FY2) – $400,000

Third Fiscal Year (FY3) – $750,000

Set Up your Shop 

A. how do you choose a perfect location for 3d printing business.

• The demography of the location especially as it relates to businesses that make use of 3D printing services
• The demand for services and products offered by 3D Printing companies in the location
• The purchasing power of businesses and residents of the location
• Accessibility of the location
• The number of 3D printing companies in the location
• The local laws and regulations in the community/state
• Traffic, parking and security et al

b. What State and City are Best to Open a 3D Printing Business?

• Brattleboro, Vermont
• Tucson, Arizona
• Silver Spring, Maryland
• Rowland Heights, California
• Portland, Oregon
• Richmond, Virginia
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
• Plano, Texas

c. What Equipment is Needed to Operate a 3D Printing Business?

A 3D printer, digital caliper, plastic filament reels, extra print beds, 3D print removal tool, pliers, tweezers, nozzle set, nozzle cleaning kit, carving tools, 3D scanner, and design software. You will also need computers and laptops, servers, storage, and internet facility, telephone, fax machine, and office furniture (chairs, tables, and shelves) amongst others, and all these can be gotten fairly used.

Hire Employees

When it comes to hiring employees for a standard 3D Printing business, you should make plans to hire a competent Chief Executive Officer (President), Project Manager, 3D Printing Engineer, Model Maker, Sales, and Marketing Executive, Accountant, Screen Printing Operator, and Client Service Executive (Help Desk Office).

Launch the Business Proper

You can open your 3D printing business with a party to officially launch the business. You can choose to do a soft opening if you are operating on a low budget or you can go for a grand opening party.

The bottom line is that with proper launching of the 3D printing business, you will be able to officially inform people in your city that your 3D printing is open for business.

a. What Makes a 3D Printing Business Successful?

• Choose a good location to launch the business
• Come up with unique concepts that will help you save time and materials
• Partner with government
• Hire only competent, hardworking, and trustworthy staff
• Be deliberate with your marketing sales approach
• Encourage the use of word of mouth to promote your 3D printing business
• Leverage on all available online and offline platforms to promote your 3D printing company

b. What Happens During a Typical Day at a 3D Printing Business?

• The office is open for the day’s work
• To-do list is reviewed
• Employees go straight to their job description (carrying out 3D printings for clients)
• Deliveries of finished jobs are made
• Reports are written and submitted to superior officers
• The business is closed for the day.

c. What Skills and Experience Do You Need to Build a 3D Printing Business?

• Excellent CAD skills
• Excellent computer and technical skills
• Good managerial and human development skills
• Visionary Leadership
• Team-building & Interpersonal Skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Organizational skills.
• Manual dexterity
• A strong understanding of material technology
• Attention to detail and the ability to concentrate for long periods
• Design skills and knowledge in order to copy shapes
• Good Supervisory skills
• Familiarity with all aspects of 3D printing technology
• Experience in crown and bridge metalwork
• Experience in managing people
• Experience in business administration
• Experience in handling software and hardware.

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