I am looking to start a 3d printing business/hub and am considering using 3D Hubs to gauge interest and establish a customer base as well as hopefully get the money to continue/expand to multiple machines. Before I get ahead of myself let me say that I have used the Makerbot 2x with decent results and that I currently do not own a 3d printer.
I am in what you could call the research phase. I am hoping that you can provide some insight into profitability and average earning per print. I am also looking to get advise on what printer to purchase. the Prusa I3 is one that I see recommended but I am unfamiliar with that model and wasn’t sure if it would be a good starter printer. I do not mind getting my hands dirty with calibration, set up, building from a parts list or kit etc…
I am also wondering what the most common print category would be. To clarify that question I am wondering if you see a lot of game pieces, industrial manufacturing prototypes, replacement parts, model kits… whatever, what sort of categories would you say you print the most of?
All in all is this something that is worth the investment?I understand that my mileage may vary but what has your experience been?
I appreciate any advice that you can provide me.
I am new to 3d printing myself, but I found the Prusa i3 acrilic to be pretty reliable. What you will find is that it is a steep learning curve to actual consistant production. I started this with a financial future in mind, however, I did see that 8 months of “learning the ropes” is what it will take. I am at 3 of those 8 months and just starting to get the hang of the software involved. The printer is another matter. Small changes to the height, speed, position and heat can really mess things up. Being patient is about all I can say of this. The more I learn, the more I realize I am just scratching the surface. Makiing money from this on a consistant basis is going to take a lot of studying, practice, screwups, failures and a few successes, all without loosing hope of success. Good luck in your endevours.
