Hello everyone. I have been interested in 3D printing for the last few months and I am trying to figure out all the in’s and out’s of 3D printing & how to generate a little cash on the side. I am well versed in 3D software and have work in sheet metal fabrication shops and Architectural firms for over 15 years. I see 3D printing is a great way to release the inner creator with-in, & inspire my kids to get more involved in the sciences and technology. What I really want to know is how often do you all get requests for printing something? Realistically, can i expect to make any money from advertising 3D design & print services on the 3Dhub.com website?
I would appreciate all the input you can provide.
3 Likes
MB3D
2
Hi steve !
You can make money via 3dHubs, but first of all assume, that your main goal is to refinanciate the 3d printer you buy. To get a good quality printer you have to spend 2000-3000€, there are printers for less, but they don’t have the quality you’d need to get regulary printjobs. Maybe you find printers that need assembly and are therefore cheaper.
There are many factors that influence how much orders you get via 3dHubs. For example are there already a lot of Hubs in your area or is there any feature (like CAD designing or high quality printing, …) that makes your hub unique and therefore you’d get the orders over other hubs. Also even if you have no other hubs around you this might not only be a good thing. This could mean, that 3d printing is not really popular in your area so not many people close to you will take a look at 3dHubs when they want prints. Basically the smartest would be, to have a hub with some speciality and beside that you should try to advert your printing service to your friends and family. It’s likely, that they will be in need of any print, that they didn’t even thought about.
Just give it a try if you have the capital, for me the investment in a 3d printer was worth it, even if there wouldn’t be any way of refinanciating the printer.
-Marius
Im pretty new here and have had two jobs so far. From those two jobs I’ll make about enough to buy a roll of abs filament, so its not something to replace the day job yet. It is fun though and I have no complaints.
