The world of 3D printing is an exciting one that is expanding exponentially. Experts predict that the market will evolve rapidly, and the potential for growth is almost astronomical. If you have ever dreamed about owning your own 3D printing business, now is the time to jump in. All you need is a printer, software, and the knowledge and skills to effectively use both.

It used to be that 3D printing was an extremely specialized niche market that only printed items in plastic. Now, because of advances in the industry, items can be printed in a multitude of media, from plastic to wax to metal. Need a replacement screw? Print one. How about a new pair of shoes or a sweater? Print them. From coffee mugs to drones to auto parts to jewelry, the creative possibilities are limitless.

Of course, in business one key to success is to specialize. You can’t be everything to everybody. Pick an area of 3D printing that interests you and concentrate on that niche. Some ideas include printing prosthetics for doctors, creating models for engineers or architects, scanning and reverse engineering objects (like ancient tools or weapons), or making items to sell directly to customers. Just be aware of copyright laws and don’t sell someone else’s design without their permission.

Another key to a successful business is marketing. You need to advertise your skills so customers will know you’re out there. Where and how you advertise depends upon what you want to print. If you want to specialize in printing jewelry, for example, advertise in a bead magazine. If you want to print models of buildings, get in touch with local architects. Social media is vital to marketing efforts, and don’t forget to print up some business cards. If you aren’t confident in your own marketing skills, you can hire a firm to take it on for you. Either way, it must be done if you want your business to succeed. Don’t skip this step.

Finally, there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Most people in the 3D printing industry are happy to make suggestions to help you. They know that business is booming and there is more than enough work to go around. So, don’t be afraid to jump in – you’ll love your new career as a 3D printer.

If you’re not ready to purchase your own printer, you can utilize a 3d printing service to help you scale and establish yourself without incurring typical start-up or overhead costs. In fact, some companies continue to use these services at scale due to some of the benefits that come along with it. You can read our take on buying your own 3d printer vs using a 3d printing service here or get an instant quote online now. Enjoy!