How to make money with 3D printing

Download: https://www.dropbox.com/s/c4hri88b31hmspn/Whitepaper.pdf


Managerial summary:

Is it feasible for you?

        -  The amount of material that is required and the size affect the prize. If you need a lot of standardized, big objects that require a lot of material, 3D printing is not suited for you. Injection molding is the way to go then.

         - If you buy a printer yourself it can take some time before you can implement the printer in your production process.

         - Check it yourself: upload your design to i.materialise or shapeways and get an instant quote.

What are the advantages?

       -   Worldwide distribution: it is possible to print your model everywhere

        -  Low cost prototyping: test your ideas very fast

        -  Showing something to your client: clients can visualize and understand what you mean

        -  Niche markets: health care, architecture, prototyping, small batches, …

        -  Production: possible if the size is limited (< tennis ball) and for small batches.

        -  Quick response to additional demand.

        -  Scanning: you don’t like an  object? Scan it, adjust it, print it.

        -  Customization: make every product unique

        -  No production: if your customers have their own low-cost 3D printer, they can print it themselves

What is possible and what not?

        -  Lots of materials: ranging from metal over plaster to plastic. However certain materials are harder and more expensive to print than others.

        -  Not all materials are available for printing. Electronics have to be added afterwards.

         - Especially the size remains a hurdle.

         - Multi-colour solutions are available

         - Flexible materials are available.

         - Trade off between speed and precision. It can take several hours before a print is finished.

What do you need to start?

          - Free software. More advanced software (e.g. autodesk) can get quite expensive.

          - A design(er): free ones can be found on Thingiverse and GrabCAD

          - Upload your design to services like i.materialise or shapeways to get an instant quote of the price.

         - Low cost printers start at $500


Want to learn more? Click on ‘Donate’ (upper right corner) to download a pdf file with practical tips.  Give as much as you want.

contact: nele.vandenbrande@gmail.com