Manufacture of goods using 3d printing. The material and technical side of the issue

What are these devices? Recently appeared on domestic markets. Without going into deep technical details, we can say that this is a device that creates physical objects based on the developed 3D. Today, the variety of 3D printers is amazing - there are modifications that print with metal, wood fibers and even food concentrates. Imagine - you wanted to eat pizza and, voila - the finished product lies on the platform of your printer in 15 minutes. Of course, this kind of models is still very far from widespread, but we are interested in simpler units that create small objects from the material familiar to everyone - plastic.

To begin with, let's figure out what plastic printing technologies are available today:

1) SLA. The print media is in a liquid state. A special platform is lowered into the liquid body. The laser heats the liquid layer by layer in certain places, from which it solidifies. Gradually lowering, a solid object is formed on the platform, which, after printing is completed, is removed from the printing chamber.

2) SLS. The principle of this method is similar to the previous one, and the main difference is the powder used instead of the liquid.

3) FDM. The consumable is a thread of plastic wound on a special coil. This thread is fed into a special extruder, where it is heated to the required temperature and extruded onto the platform, forming the desired object.

The first two technologies, although they allow you to create objects with the highest precision that do not require refinement, are not of interest to us today, due to the high cost of the units themselves (starting from $ 5,000). Accordingly, further we will talk exclusively about models using inkjet FDM technology.

If we talk about the successful implementation of this kind of business, first of all it is worth mentioning Spuni - baby spoons. The fact is that its creator began his production using several three-dimensional printers. To date, startup Spuni known all over the world, and its founders earn tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars.

So we got directly to the description of the necessary minimum for opening our business. The first thing we need is, of course, the printer itself. American would be the best. MakerBot Replicator 2X, however, its cost (about $ 3,000) is far from affordable for everyone. Accordingly, it makes sense to pay attention to manufacturers from the Middle Kingdom, namely, firms Malyan and Won Wall(and how to buy in China correctly and how to make money on it, we have already told. - Editor's note). Their models are almost exact copies MakerBot, respectively, the quality and speed of printing is at the proper level. If we talk about specific models, then we can advise Malyan Desktop METAL or WonWall Migce Cuble 2 HD. Both of them have two extruders, a metal body and quite decent software. The price tag for each of these printers does not exceed $2000.

In addition to the printer itself, we will need several spools of plastic in different colors (depending on what we are printing). There are several types of this material, then you will understand which one is best for you, but for starters, I recommend taking PLA. Also, not superfluous will be: adhesive tape for pasting the platform, glue for printing, a set for post-processing of printed models and a spray for polishing them.

In total, it turns out:

1. Printer 2000 $;
2. Two kilogram skeins of plastic 35 + 35 = $ 70;
3. Roll of special tape $60
4. Printing glue $5;
5. Set for processing models $70;
6. Polishing spray $4.

In total, it turns out 2209$ . This amount is slightly higher than the average cost of starting a business in KHOBIZ. RU, however, for people who are fond of new technologies, this business will be very, very interesting. In addition to money, you will need to familiarize yourself with 3D modeling programs to some extent, as well as answer the most important question - what to print?

What to print on a 3D printer for profit?

Perhaps you already have an idea of ​​​​what can be printed on such a printer and will sell well. If not, I recommend starting with the simplest, namely, with the production of covers for mobile phones. On the Internet you can download great amount models for any phones, and absolutely free. Next, you only need to load the model into your printer and wait for the print to finish. On average, your device will form one case for about 40 minutes, so you can print about a dozen objects per day. The average cost for which such a product will be bought is $ 10. Based on the fact that its weight is about 30 grams, and the cost of a kilogram plastic coil is $ 35, it turns out that the material will be spent on 35/1000 * 30 = $ 1.05. Profit from one case is $10 - $1.05 = $8.95. Of course, depreciation and the cost of other consumables are not taken into account here, but, as we see, there will definitely be benefits from such production.

Now a little about the sale. Many online stores of accessories for phones take goods for sale, so I recommend contacting them. Points in trade and entertainment centers. Of course, they will take their percentage, but you need to understand that it will be quite difficult to sell 10 covers every day on your own. If you establish a production and marketing scheme, the printer can pay off in one and a half to two months, after which you will receive a net profit that can be spent on buying another model, thereby doubling the production volume.

In addition to household items, you can print custom-made plastic parts. The complexity of the part is limited only by the capabilities of the printer, and the demand for such a service is consistently high, since all the equipment around us consists of plastic, therefore, small elements of old equipment, car accessories, handles for household appliances and much more. After all, the equipment breaks not entirely, but in small elements, and because of a broken handle, you don’t want to part with what can still work. Such little things are impossible to find in stores and the Internet, so you will always have orders.

Approaching this business with enthusiasm and a share of creativity, do not hesitate - you will succeed!

What is the article about:

Real business with a 3D printer

In general, a 3D printer is a very interesting thing and quite expensive.

Recently, this device has gathered a lot of fans, and this is not surprising: a 3D printer allows you to "print" both small souvenirs and large, huge objects that are used in industry.

In view of this, a variety of the most unexpected ideas have appeared on how to start a business with a 3D printer. To some extent, the technology of creating objects in a 3D printer resembles the principle of operation of conventional printers:

- a picture is created using scanning or a computer program;

- the image is output to the printer;

- Printing in progress.

What is the main difference between a 3d printer

The main difference between a 3D printer is that it creates a three-dimensional image by scanning an object. The picture goes either to the computer or directly to the printer.

At the command of the operator, the 3D printing process is started, and now a three-dimensional object is being created. The question may arise as to what kind of material is used in the creation.

Usually it is plastic or other consumable material that the printer is refilled with.

It was this unique ability of the printer to create new things that gave birth to the new ideas that made the 3D printer business possible. Let's take a closer look at them. A little bit later.

Consumable

Creative business, 3D printer. Where to begin? Start with accessories.

The material that is taken as a basis is determined by the future object.

ABS plastic. This material is very elastic, has a high degree of strength. The plastic itself is available in powder form or as filaments.

During printing, it enters the printer's extruder, where it is melted and then sent to a compartment ready for printing 3D parts.

Its main disadvantage is that it can quickly collapse under the influence of sunlight.

Polycaprlactone is a material with a low melting point. Able to harden quickly.

Low density polyethylene is a very versatile and at the same time inexpensive material.

Entrepreneurs + 3D printer = 19th century business

Guess what material is used for printing in such printers? The most common foods. Increasingly, they are talking about cases where… human organs are created using a 3D printer! Human or animal stem cells are taken as a “paint”.

Expensive software is the backbone of a 3D printer.

It is it that allows you to control the process of creating a three-dimensional image of an object.

To perform printout control for simple 3D printer models, you can use the Google CketchUp program. This program is free.

Entrepreneurs quickly realized the full potential of this technology. One of the first opportunities to realize a business with a 3D printer was the production of toys.

How did this become possible? Today it is not a secret: a scanned image was made, which was taken as the basis for "printing out" small copies of pets.

A similar business with the help of a 3D printer opens up just space for creativity and unlimited income.

A curious application of 3D printing has been found in the tourism industry: tourists were offered their own (!) 3D images, made against the backdrop of various world attractions. Quite to yourself real business with a 3D printer!

The most daring entrepreneurs have introduced 3D printing into the production of small household and sanitary items.

There are known cases of 3D printing in the field of dentistry.

And why did they need it? Very simple - the creation of dentures that fit almost perfectly into the patient's oral cavity.

The boy was raised a brush

Some time ago, a case was widely reported in the media when a hand was created for a schoolboy so that he could work with both hands. It is noteworthy that the price of such a prosthesis using classical technologies was tens of thousands of US dollars!

These and many other examples have opened up a huge potential in the use of a 3D printer, especially in entrepreneurial activities.

Principle of operation

There is diversity among most 3D printers, although the very principle of operation remains common: the material is layered, and as a result, a finished copy of the scanned object. In general, almost any object can be recreated on a 3D printer. Purely theoretical. The endless opportunities for doing business in this super-promising area are obvious.

What parameters should be considered when choosing a home 3D printer? Indeed, when buying a smartphone or laptop, we often know what to look for when choosing. But when buying a 3D printer, few people know such selection criteria. This part of the article will help you become competent in this matter.

Selection Criteria #1: Price

On the World Wide Web, you can find ads with a price of about 300 US dollars. On the territory of the CIS, the situation is somewhat different - here you need to be ready to "fork out" for an amount equal, for example, to the cost of 2-3 heaped smartphones.

According to a representative of the Russian research and production group, the cost of a 3D printer in our country is at least 45,000 rubles.

According to him, at a lower cost of the printer, problems can be expected, because the price is clearly reduced to the detriment of the operation of some printer components.

The expert warns that so far in Russia there are only a few foreign companies have their own offices. Therefore, service or technical support should not be expected.

There are pleasant exceptions, for example, 3dphome, which is the official representative of the UP brand. The most budget option that they are ready to offer costs 40 thousand rubles.

In addition, the cost of consumables should also be taken into account. Spools with plastic thread will cost 2000 rubles for a cartridge weighing one kilogram.

Selection criterion No. 2: type of plastic

ABS plastic is used to print household items. This material is of petroleum origin. Alternatively, PLA plastic is used, which can be based on sugar cane or corn.

It is worth noting that plastic cups are made from PLA plastic, from which we drink water on a hot day. In addition, this material is very environmentally friendly. i.e.

a toy made from it will not pose a threat to the baby: he can sleep with her in an embrace and even lick her if he wants.

It should be added that ABS plastic also does not pose a threat to human health. Moreover, it is more durable than PLA plastic. Of course, when choosing a 3D printer, it is advisable to choose a model that supports both plastic technologies.

Selection criterion No. 3: multicolor

Inexpensive home models are not able to create an object that shimmers with multi-colored paints. And the problem lies precisely in the fact that it is impossible to tint plastic during the printing process.

The maximum that can be done is to combine colors. How is the combination achieved? If you equip the device with several print heads.

This is very reminiscent of the "Soviet" colored ballpoint pen, where there were several rods with their own color.

In general, multi-color 3D printers are very complex. The speed of their work is noticeably slow, printing is expensive. Therefore, while it is better to choose printers that print in one color. You can color it later, using a colored spray can.

Selection Criteria #4: Print Resolution

Print resolution remains the most important parameter. This criterion is characterized by the minimum possible thickness of the plastic layer, which is involved in the formation of the object.

As already noted, the printer creates an object on the principle of layering. The layers are very thin and therefore remain invisible to the eye.

In view of this, the resulting items look very convincing!

3D printers for home use create layers that are 50 microns thick (the cheapest models are 250 microns), although it has been observed that even 100 microns is enough to create an object in good resolution. The diameter of the printing nozzle is very important: smaller means printing will be more accurate.

But if you need something like a bowl for a dog and another item of utensils, then thick layers are enough here. In addition, then you will also save time, because the printing time will be less.

And the material will also need less.

Selection Criteria #5: Print Surface

Size is important here: if you want to “print” a small object, then a surface of 12 cm long will be enough.

For "larger" items, of course, a printer with a larger area is required.

Although we should not forget that even from small individual parts you can eventually assemble a big thing - there would be a desire and good glue for plastic.

3D Printer Business Ideas: 2 Curious Niches

As noted earlier, the most nimble entrepreneurs are already exploiting the possibilities of an outlandish device with might and main. Let's look at two niches where we managed to launch a business with a 3D printer.

Niche number 1. A service to create an exact 3D mini-copy of a client. That's the doll!

This example considers a 3D printer and scanner business. The client is scanned by a special scanner, and the resulting model is sent to a 3D printer. You can make something like a plastic man-fighter, with the difference that it will very much resemble a scanned client.

This print takes a few minutes. Of course, the client is in a pleasant shock. In Japan, by the way, there are already similar 3D photobooks, where such client fighters are made.

Before printing, the model can be edited - using, for example, Photoshop, you can dress it in any historical clothing!

Niche number 2. Businessmen in the US are 3D printing popular video game superheroes. Business is interesting. The resulting model is sold for $100 at a cost of $50. Profit! Alternatively, you can "print" the heroes of famous films.

http://.ru/article/194382/realnyiy-biznes-s-d-printerom

Business ideas with a 3D printer

Business Relevance

A few years ago, it would never have occurred to anyone that such a thing could be possible at all: to print various objects at home according to their description. Now it has become a reality.

And every person who knows a little about computer technology, can open his own business with a 3d printer (3d printing).

According to forecasts, the global 3D printing market will reach $6 billion by 2020 and $11 billion by 2021.

Peculiarities

Using a 3D printer, small batches of high-quality plastic goods are created.

Benefits of a quality 3d printer:

• high printing precision, with good resolution;
• cheap raw materials;
• can work with two types of plastic.

Flaws:

• Low performance;
• The dimensions of the parts are not more than 30 cm.

What can a 3d printer create? Business ideas:

3D copy of a person as a business:

• Real figurines-copies of people. A promising and little-competitive niche. To implement it, you will need an expensive 3D printer and a 3D scanner (scans a person in full height).
• Accessories (smartphone cases, key rings, jewelry boxes).
• Souvenirs, copies of buildings and people made from photographs (3d scanner required).
• Bijouterie (buttons, hairpins, hoops).
• Shoes.
• Toys, including constructors.
• Various figures for board games.
• Tableware.
• Furniture fittings, decorative elements (frames), children's furniture.
• Spare parts (gears, bushings), including those for the printer.
• Educational stands and tools for laboratory work, models for students of architectural universities.
• Various prostheses and other orthopedic products.
• Elements of outdoor advertising.

Confectionery food 3D printer:

An example of creating expensive figurines for board game Warhammer

Creating a cookie mold:

You can sell files of finished three-dimensional images (models) for a 3d printer. But for this you need to learn how to create them using shapeways.com, 3dprintus.ru programs.

The models you have developed can be printed on someone else's printer and sold.

For those who develop new models of shoes, dishes, and other products, it is much easier to improve them by first printing a sample.

The use of 3D printers in construction is just beginning. But building 3d printers have already been developed and are being sold. The maximum length of its building surface is 11 m.

The material used is specialized concrete mix. The price of such a printer (manufactured by ZAO Setsavia) is 2.5 million rubles.

It allows you to print parts for the construction of houses with a volume of 280 m3.

Stages of building a business

• Registration of legal status: individual entrepreneurship.
• Search for premises;
• Buying a printer;
• Purchase of raw materials.

Concept development

Decide which products to produce. Most often, small printers are used.

It will be easier to create an online store. Having received the order, they fulfill it and wait for the next ones. In this case, all products are sold.

You can sell products in the traditional way, or rent them to shops.

Bioprinter (bioprinting):

Manufacturing technology

A 3d printer prints three-dimensional (volumetric) objects. The raw material can be plastic, wax, metal.

The figure is formed as a result of building up a large number of layers.

Several technologies are used.

Inkjet:

• Material cooling.
• The UV lamp hardens the plastic.
• The powder sticks together into a shape.
• Use of dense ceramic mixes.

Laser printing:

• Under the influence of a laser, plastic or metal powder is fused.
• In the process of lamination, a certain number of layers are glued together.
• Stereolithography (liquid polymer is illuminated until solidified).

Requirements for the premises

The room for printing small products needs 15 m2.

It must comply with fire regulations.

Equipment, inventory

Computer - 25 thousand rubles, 3d printer - 75 thousand rubles. When buying it, you need to consider the possibility of purchasing spare parts.

Bobbins with plastic thread 10 pcs. - from 16 thousand rubles. They come from petroleum products (ABS plastic) or from corn and sugar cane (PLA plastic). It is better to choose a printer that uses both types.

Total 116 thousand rubles.

Media Diameter:

• 250 microns - cheap printer that prints fast;
• 100 microns - suitable for home use;
• 50 microns is a very high quality print, invisible to the human eye.

Product sizes:

• Up to 12 cm3 - a cheap printer;
• Up to 30 cm3 - printer from 3 thousand dollars. Weight up to 5 kg.

Separate small parts can be glued into one large one.

Print color depends on the number of heads. The more of them, the more varied the colors of the part. But often the color of the product does not affect its quality. Therefore, it is not necessary to choose the most expensive models. Details can be dyed or made from threads of different colors.

Advertising

Financial part

Registration - 10 thousand rubles

Equipment 100 thousand rubles.

Website development - 10 thousand rubles.

Services of a modeling specialist - 10 thousand rubles.

Total: 130 thousand rubles.

Monthly:

• Rent of premises 15 thousand rubles.
• Raw materials - 16 thousand rubles.
• Advertising - 6 thousand rubles.

Total: 167 thousand rubles.

Price:

• 1 g of raw materials - 1.6 rubles.
• 1 g of the product - 40 rubles.

Profit for 1 year - 38.4 rubles.

In 10 minutes, the printer prints 1 g of form. For an hour - 6 g. For a day - 144 g.

Profit for 25 days will be 144 x 25 x 38.4 = 138,240 rubles.

Necessary start-up capital: from 300 thousand rubles.

Monthly profit: from 138 thousand rubles.

Payback period: from 3 months.

Features, risks, cons

Modern printers generally print slowly and are limited in product sizes.

Commercial offers

Save the article to your bookmarks. Useful ;)

Follow the updates on Facebook:

Keep for updates:

How to start a business using 3D printing

Due to the growing popularity of entrepreneurship as an alternative to the main job with more high income everything arises more ideas to organize your own business.

In order to make a choice, it is necessary to focus not only on your own preferences and level of profitability, but also on the number of direct and indirect competitors in the chosen area.

At the moment, 3D printing in our country is just beginning to develop and, therefore, is a fairly promising area that can generate a stable income.

Advantages and disadvantages of this area

3D printing can be thought of as producing various objects by adding material. Using this method, in theory, you can produce almost any object that can be used in various areas of industry, trade and services.

From the point of view of the business of a company carrying out such activities, it is necessary to register and purchase the appropriate equipment and materials. After that, the necessary model is made on the printer and sold.

At the same time, the business has a large number of advantages, among which are:

• A wide variety of those materials that can be used in the manufacture of items.
• Wide circle potential consumers– from medical professionals to artists and designers.
• Sufficiently low labor intensity and, as a result, lower labor costs.
• Relative universality of technology.
• Not too high level of investment at opening and an acceptable payback period (almost directly dependent on the cost of the purchased equipment).
• Technology flexibility.
• Ease and availability of use.
• Profitability.
• Enough high speed creating products.

However, as in every field, there are a number of disadvantages:

• First of all, they are connected with the limitations of the technology: all objects are created in layers, there is a transition between the layers. Accordingly, the strength of the object will be slightly lower than when using standard production methods.
• In addition, in some cases it seems difficult to manufacture the product of the required shape: in particular, in the case of overhanging elements, it is necessary to print additional support structures, which are then extremely difficult to remove (in the case of production from the same material as the main product).
• Finally, the third rather significant limitation is the size of the produced objects - for example, it is impossible to print both very small parts (smaller than the size of the nozzle) and very large ones. But this problem is gradually being solved in connection with the development of this industry.

Prospects for the business in question

Despite the presence of unresolved problems, the business is promising, since this type of production is practically waste-free, provided that it is possible to create very complex structures that are difficult to do in one step under normal conditions.

In addition, as 3D printing develops, it can be used in almost every field(including in medicine and the food industry).

In fact, this industry is seen as an alternative to conventional production, provided that there is one constraint - the absence of compositions that would be close in their properties to strong cement and metal that can withstand very heavy loads.

It can be assumed that the development of the sphere will lead to some changes in economic system: from negative - for example, reducing jobs in production, to positive - achieving the possibility of producing any thing.

Earning options

The first option is production of small copies of a human who made the order.

This souvenir does not leave indifferent the majority of customers, so if the company is located in big city with a constant flow of tourists, this idea is cost-effective and profitable.

Developing in the same direction, you can print the figures of the heroes of popular TV shows, films, games, etc.

Second, a 3D printer can art printing. it promising industry if there is a certain audience of potential buyers. At the same time, there are two ways to develop in this direction:

1. Organize the printing of products for artists, sculptors, etc.
2. Organize the printing of famous paintings and other art objects for ordinary users.

The printer can also be successfully applied in the fields of dentistry and manufacturing jewelry . The equipment allows you to create unique prostheses that suit a particular client and develop new models of jewelry.

Finally, if there is high-quality technology and a desire to develop in a more useful area for society, an entrepreneur can start manufacture prostheses, corsets and similar orthopedic devices. Alternatively, it is possible to produce various kinds teaching aids, in which schoolchildren and students study in subjects of the natural science cycle (for example, it can be a DNA model).

You can see business development opportunities in this area in the following video:

Necessary space for the organization of work

In order to start working, any company must have a room. For a 3D printing company, a small footprint will suffice. The main criterion is transport accessibility, as well as the cost of rent.

It is desirable that the entrepreneur has the opportunity to expand the area of ​​the leased premises in the event of business development and the purchase of additional printers. The average size of the premises for organizing a studio working in this area is from 18 to 33 square meters.

Since the office will be a kind of reflection of the company, it is important to make high-quality repairs and think over the design.

This is necessary for the reason that the sphere is quite new, and potential clients, once in the office of the company, must be imbued with confidence in it.

In this case, they will place an order and, in the case of high-quality services, will recommend the company to their friends, which will guarantee an increase in the number of customers.

Equipment selection

There are a large number of printers in the 3D printing market. All of them differ in 2 main criteria - cost and functionality. So, the cheapest models cost about 1.5 thousand dollars, and the price of the most expensive reaches the mark of 100-150 thousand dollars.

It is advisable not to save on the purchase of equipment, since the high cost of the model guarantees great opportunities production (in terms of product forms and materials used).

Therefore, the best option would be to purchase a printer for 10-20 thousand dollars in case of desire to provide services only to private buyers and focus on the manufacture of souvenirs and other similar products. If you want to work in other areas, you should lay from 50 to 70 thousand dollars for the purchase of equipment.

At the moment, a fairly large number of both foreign and Russian companies offering to purchase a 3D printer. In order to competently approach the choice, it is necessary to compare them according to the criteria of cost, functionality, necessity self setting.

In addition to the printer, the entrepreneur will need to purchase a powerful computer with the appropriate software for 3D object modeling.

In addition, you will need to purchase consumables: the most popular is plastic, the cost of which is about 1600-2000 rubles per 1 kilogram.

Finding clients and advertising

The main problem for any small company is attracting customers, so advertising will become a fairly serious cost item.

• First of all, you need to start your own website, which will not only contain examples of work and basic information, but will also publish useful and interesting articles about 3D printing available to the average user.
• The second way is to use existing Internet sites that specialize in trading 3D models. In this case, it is enough for the entrepreneur to lay out his models and take orders from customers. The disadvantage of this method is that from each transaction you will have to pay the service a certain commission, usually a fixed percentage of the order amount.
• The third condition for attracting customers is not directly related to marketing and advertising. It is to provide services High Quality. Further, word of mouth will play its role.

In order to find clients, it is necessary to have specialists in the team with design skills and extensive experience in relevant 3D modeling programs. This is important because most clients are not ready to draw the prototype of the model themselves, which will subsequently be made.

Organization costs and profit calculation

In terms of costs and organization, this business is relatively simple. So, in order to start the activity, you need to do the following:

1. Register a company (both registration of an individual entrepreneur and an LLC is possible) - costs vary from 2,000 to 15,000 rubles.
2. Purchase equipment: at least one printer and a powerful computer with software - from 12 thousand dollars.
3. Purchase consumables - the cost will be about 20 thousand rubles for the manufacture of the first batch of goods.
4. Rent office space - from 20 thousand rubles per month.
5. Refurbishment of office premises - from 50 thousand rubles.
6. Hire a modeling and design specialist - from 30 thousand rubles per month, depending on the work schedule.
7. Create your own website - from 15 thousand rubles (subject to design and design through the studio).
8. Advertise services - from 10 thousand rubles per month.

At the same time, profit from one printer (provided that it produces about 200-250 grams finished product per day) is from 150 to 200 thousand rubles per month.

The average profit in the first months of work will be about 90-100 thousand rubles.

Accordingly, the payback period of the initial investment will be 8 to 15 months.

Business ideas with a 3D printer. Business using a 3D printer

Many businesses get their chance to succeed because they are new or different, because people really love everything new. That is why business ideas with a 3D printer are now gaining popularity.

What is the price?

The cost of a 3D printer depends on many factors, such as the speed and quality of printing, its compactness, and so on. The simplest can be purchased from 30 tr.

Slightly better - for 50 thousand, innovative and super-compact, placed directly on the desktop, cost from 100 thousand rubles.

Often such printers are ordered in China.

Printing gift figurines

What figures will be most in demand? When promoting 3D printer business ideas, it is best to specialize in something specific and focus all your advertising efforts on that.

For example, you can print 3D figurines of famous artists or athletes, architectural monuments (and then sell to souvenir retailers). In addition, it is possible to offer printing of figurines to order as gifts or just souvenirs.

Figurines of newlyweds for weddings are very popular. Children can be offered to print their favorite cartoon characters.

This is the most common way to start a 3D printer business. And yet quite simple. It is enough to transfer the three-dimensional image to the printer, which will give you an exact copy of the image.

Tutorials

Learning aids tend to be expensive, so you and your 3D printer can offer a good alternative. You can print anything from a DNA model to the most complex structures that will be useful to students of mechanics.

The medicine

This business idea with a 3D printer requires a much more serious approach, but it is very competitive. Simple 3D-printed prostheses are sometimes hundreds of times cheaper than those offered by large medical companies.

And there are already examples of such stories. Therefore, it makes sense to think about opening your own business in this area.

It also speaks in your favor that printing on a printer will allow you to make a prosthesis, corset or any other orthopedic device exactly according to the size of the client.

Accessories

Originality and exclusivity are our everything, and therefore, by printing unique jewelry, you will definitely find customers for yourself.

Moreover, it can be both accessories made according to your own sketches, and printed according to the client's drawing.

After all, finding something that was born in the imagination is sometimes not easy, and a 3D printer easily solves such a problem.

In addition to jewelry, you can also print cases or cases for mobile phones, interesting key rings, cufflinks, rivets, any little things that only human imagination is capable of. Doing such a business with a 3D printer is not only profitable, but also insanely interesting.

house models

There are several options for making money on such things. Firstly, such an idea is in demand among architecture students, who will be able to vividly present their project with the help of such a model.

And not only them need such models. Developers love to attract attention potential clients, organizing entire stands with neighborhoods under construction.

And then what? That's right, a lot of models of future houses! And this is your chance to find a "wholesale" buyer.

3D pen

In addition to business ideas with a 3D printer, you should also pay attention to a 3D pen. It is much cheaper than a printer (1500-4000 rubles), but even with its help you can earn money.

It allows you to create small layouts, interesting accessories, make a three-dimensional “painting” of something. You can build a business on the resale of this new product.

With a margin of 20-40%, you can recoup the costs of opening a company and creating an Internet site in just a month.

Start-up costs and profits

You will need about 60-80 thousand rubles to register a business and purchase the printer itself. Don't forget your printing supplies. To begin with, you will need approximately 10 kg of plastic in various colors (about 50 thousand rubles more).

Of course, for each business idea with a 3D printer, it will be different, but you can still get the big picture.

The cost of one gram of the finished product is 40-50 rubles, and the printer can print an average of 150-200 grams per day. Given the volatility of orders and weekends, the monthly profit will be from 60 thousand rubles, and in the future - up to 150 thousand.

It is also important that business ideas with a 3D printer are updated very often, and therefore it will always be possible to start providing new services or purchase another printer to expand your business!

The miracle of technology is 3D printers. :

Business ideas with a 3D printer

The first appearance of 3D printers on the world market caused an ambiguous reaction: the declared capabilities made it possible to translate any ideas into reality, however, the technical imperfection of the first models significantly limited their functionality.

In the case of modern 3D printers, this problem is excluded. Large build platforms now exist, print speeds are significantly faster than previous models, and the quality of the resulting product is exactly as expected.

Thanks to this, the use of such printers for commercial purposes becomes available.

At the moment, technological progress allows the use of 3D printing in almost all areas: from the manufacture of automotive components to medical applications.

In Russia, 3D printers are no longer a novelty on the market, but their use by small businesses for commercial purposes is underdeveloped (now they are used mainly by large companies and research institutions in the manufacture of prototypes and mock-ups). This gives an opportunity for an aspiring entrepreneur to find his niche in the field of 3D printing.

What it is

A 3D printer is a device that is capable of manufacturing physical objects through a layer-by-layer method based on 3D digital models. To put it simply, the product is gradually “building up”.

There are several printing technologies used (stereolithography, laser sintering, fusing, etc.).

), thanks to which both printing with several materials at the same time and color printing are possible.

However, if we take into account the main methods of printing with a 3D printer, then they include laser and inkjet three-dimensional printing.

Laser printing involves the use of a special laser that works with both liquid polymers and powdered material. The materials are fused, and later, during lamination, they are glued together in the required number of layers. Further, the polymers only need to be exposed to solidification.

Inkjet printing heats up a liquid polymer. Subsequent gradual cooling allows you to acquire the desired shape.

The printer requires software to operate. Since three-dimensional printing involves the production of three-dimensional objects, and not simple pictures, it is necessary not only to purchase, but also to learn how to use various 3D graphic editors.

Possibilities of use

Before talking about the potential of using a 3D printer for printing, the following main limitations should be noted: firstly, the relatively low printing speed eliminates the possibility series production many monotonous products, and secondly, a small platform for building causes the production of small-sized goods.

Thus, a novice entrepreneur can make various souvenirs, accessories, toys, jewelry, etc. The main criterion here will be the demand for the product and its uniqueness / originality.

Possible directions in 3D printing can be:

1) Exclusive covers for mobile phones.

Now every smartphone owner uses various covers not only to protect the device from external influences, but also for aesthetic satisfaction.

They, as a rule, have a low cost, however, the mass market offers a huge number of monotonous models, and custom-made designs are not always available and can cost a large amount.

Thus, the owner of a 3D printer can provide services for the manufacture of cases for smartphones to order.

Such covers are relatively inexpensive, about 1-2 thousand rubles, and at the same time, in the case of using a sketch of our own production, manufacturing process takes several minutes. Along with working with orders, you can sell covers through an online store.

2) Special shapes.

The owner of a 3D printer can make various molds for baking, making soap, candles, figurines, ice, etc. both to order and for sale through retail chains.

On the one hand, the apparent diversity in this niche on the market excludes the profitability of this direction, however, the mass market, just like in the case of phone cases, is littered with monotonous products.

Due to the original approach and unique forms, you can find regular customers and sell small batches of products.

3) Reduced copies of people.

This direction of 3D printing is quite difficult for a beginner, as it requires, first of all, skills and experience with graphic editors. The production of miniature figurines of popular personalities, as well as specific customers, can create a real sensation in the local market.

4) Embossed mugs.

Here, it will be sufficient just to recall the hype about mugs with photographs that took place in our country just a few years ago.

Now such photo printing is already losing its relevance, but the production of mugs with relief (according to your own design or a sketch of the customer) is becoming increasingly popular.

5) Food industry.

Why not print food on a printer? It would seem an absurd idea, but even it is now doable. To do this, you just need to fill the 3D printer with hydrocolloids or hydrogel, in which food coloring is added.

Real apples, of course, cannot be printed in this way, but it is quite possible to make special edible molds and baskets that can later be filled with food and sold.

And no chef will be able to carve such complex and multifaceted products from food products that a printer can do.

Starting a business

Before you rush to print everything on a 3D printer and sell it, you need to take care of the legal side of the business. Any business activity must be officially registered.

BUT this case it is best to issue an IP: it is simple, fast, cheap, in the future it is easy to draw up reports and withdraw money for personal use.

In addition, for individual entrepreneurs preferential tax terms are available.

With the choice of premises, everything is much simpler - you can even place production in your apartment. A 3D printer takes up little space, so renting a special room is pointless for a small manufacturer.

The most expensive purchase will be the printer itself. It is worth buying models not cheaper than 100,000 rubles. Such printers have wide platforms for building, they can use different raw materials in the manufacture.

The raw material is special plastic, the cost of which is about 2 rubles per 1 g. Thus, the cost of products will depend entirely on their mass.

Given their low weight (up to 50 grams, as a rule), the cost will be about 100 rubles. But the selling price of the same covers for smartphones will be about 1 thousand rubles.

The main extra charge is working with sketches and design, which leads to a relatively high cost of products.

Thus, if you make a custom-made case for a smartphone at least once a day, then the project will pay off in about 4-5 months.

The production capacity of the printer assumes the printing of 15 g of material per hour.

With a cost margin of 600% (including design work), for 24 hours of work with a full printer load, the revenue can be about 4 thousand rubles.

Accordingly, the monthly revenue will exceed 100 thousand rubles. But this is subject to constant orders and a full load of the printer.

✅ Coronavirus. Opportunity time! What can you earn while sitting at home? Watch the video of my friend Olga Arinina, she has been earning at home without investment for more than 5 years. This is not a freebie, it is necessary to work, but if you are ready to devote 1-2 hours a day to this, you will already earn:

Liked the video? Are you tired of complicated ways to earn money too? If yes, then follow the link to take the course. 🔥 Rich Copy Paster.

Businessman, investor.
For communication:

A 3D printer can print products for various consumer areas. The 3D printer is simply made for small businesses. He gave people accessible new opportunity making a decent living doing what you love. What salable items can be 3D printed to start a home business? The consumer 3D printer has been assigned modest characteristics so far, but if you analyze them in detail, you can see a wide range of consumer satisfaction with exclusive small-scale production products. From toys to printed shoes.

You can organize your own online store of exclusive goods and, as orders, print products for sale. In this way, manage the trade in the store without any leftovers in the warehouse. Also, 3D printing technology will give many people the opportunity to realize their innovative ideas. Useful inventions can now be tested and perfected at home without much effort. cash costs. Below we will analyze in more detail all areas of application of a household 3D printer in a small or home business.

A wide range of products can be printed on a 3D printer

Consider everything that can be printed on a 3D printer for organizing a successful small business at home. First we define general characteristics manufactured products. To do this, let's pay attention to the industrial features of the device for 3D crafts:

Benefits of home production organized with a $3,000 3D printer:

• high accuracy;
• good resolution printing
• low price of raw materials;
• support for both types of plastic.

Flaws:

• low productivity;
• the sizes of products are limited (within 30 cm).

Given these features of production, it is possible to characterize the main category of products with confidence. These will be exclusive high-quality goods made of small-scale plastics. Well, and some other products outside this category. The following products can be printed on a 3D printer:

Exclusive accessories:

• cases with a modern design for smartphones and tablets;
• original key chains (with emblems, with animals, with feng shui elements, etc.);
• business card holders in corporate style;
• souvenir boxes.

Souvenir products:

• miniatures of outstanding architectural buildings;
• figurines of sculptures and engineering structures;
• mini-copies of people created from their photographs;
• bijouterie (beautiful rings, bracelets).

Tools for fashion designers:

Exclusive toys for children:

• characters of cartoons and computer games;
• bases for flocking and decoration of toy animals;
• details of complex structures and mechanisms for addition into one big toy;
• constructors for modeling.

Housing:

• exclusive tableware with various design forms;
• decorative elements for interior design;
• unique furniture fittings;
• original prefabricated children's furniture.

Copies of broken or worn parts. There are all kinds of options here: plastic gears, bushings, caps, seals, buttons, latches, etc.

Educational stands. For example: car device, molecular structures, DNA layout, human device, etc. As well as tools and tools for laboratory work.

Some 3D printer craftsmen print parts for certain models of 3D printers. Thus, you can even think about the production of your own 3D printers of simple models. This automatically leads to the idea of ​​not only copying, but also scaling these amazing robotic computing devices.

Trade in 3D images for printing on 3D printers

The 3D printer is a revolutionary device for the home business. Now the implementation of good industrial ideas has become available to small businesses. More creative people will be able to self-realize and develop, earning a living and doing what they love at the same time.

The predicted increase in competition should be taken into account. But fair competition is more good than bad. In the near future, the 3D printer will become a household device. This means that a new important change in the modern world will pass. The number of consumers of 3D models created in programs for three-dimensional modeling will increase. This fact will impact the first opportunity to capitalize on the popularity of consumer 3D printers. Not a single printer! Today, there are already several stocks for the sale of three-dimensional images (3D models). And in a year, demand will soar, which will raise the price of the work of 3D designers and engineers. After all, it is easy to imagine how people congratulate each other on e-mail or in in social networks, but as a gift they will send not electronic "cool" postcards, but files of finished 3D models. The birthday boy will be able to print them on his household 3D printer and receive his useful gift. It is important to note that one file can be sold a huge number of times.

To the list of ideas on the topic: "What can be printed on a 3D printer?" an item should be added: “trade in files for three-dimensional printers”. Thanks to a 3D printer, you can earn even before you have it. Trade in 3D images is the first and residual (passive) income from the sale of 3D printing files made of plastic. You need to start learning 3D design today in order to be one of the first sellers tomorrow.

3D printers create innovative inventions

A great example of how you can 3D print your idea and bring it to life, giving the world a new useful invention.

Top 3D Shop

Doug Gonterman and Jessica Linebury use a 3D printer to bring their innovative product to life. They invented a spoon that helps children learn to eat on their own faster, without dirtying themselves and everything around.

From safe plastic, home inventors printed two types of their inventions. Spoon with a through hole unusual shape- for thick porridge. And a spoon with special recesses for liquid food. But in order to achieve the best result, it was necessary to pass a number of tests. And those spoons that turned out with the best effect differ significantly from the test versions. 3D printing technology allowed us to do inventive work, repeated testing, and honing products to achieve the best result. And how many more ideas are kept in the minds of small and home entrepreneurs that people will admire many times over.

Choosing a 3D printer for a small business

What you need to know when choosing a 3D printer for small and home businesses:

1. Price. You can find various offers on the Internet. But if you buy a printer for the manufacture of unique and high-quality products for sale, then less than $ 1000 is not worth looking at. You should also consider the cost of consumables. Bobbins with plastic thread are in the price range, from $35 to $55 per 1kg. (depending on the color and quality of the plastic). When buying, you should take into account the manufacturer of the device, since today there are still very few official representatives and there may be problems with the supply of spare parts.
2. Support for plastic types. Plastic for household 3D printers is made from petroleum products - ABS plastic or from renewable resources (from corn or sugar cane) - PLA plastic. From the second they produce plastic utensils and plastic toys for small children. ABS plastic is more heat resistant and durable. But when choosing a 3D printer, it is better when there is support for two types of plastic filaments.
3. Print nozzle diameter. The maximum print resolution is an important characteristic for each type of printer. Already today, there are household 3D printers on sale that can print a strip invisible to the human eye (50 microns). And the finished products are smooth. 250 microns is a cheap printer. 100 microns is enough for home production. On the other hand, lower quality printing takes less time.
4. Limiting the size of the finished product. Cheap 3D printers print parts up to 12 cubic centimeters in size. The $3,000 printer can print parts up to 30cc. and weighing up to 5kg. Consideration should be given to the possibility of manufactured products to be folded or glued from several parts. This fact significantly affects the ability not to be limited by the maximum dimensions of printed parts by a three-dimensional printer.
5. Multicolor printing of models. Only the most expensive printer models can make multi-color volumetric 3D printing. They have several printheads that are combined in the process. This item does not play a major role in home production, so it is better to save money here, and products can be tinted by hand. Or produce one product with several separate parts, changing the color of the thread for each of them.

Considering the above tips for analyzing characteristics when choosing a device, you can take as an example the price-quality ratio of the Cubify 3D Printer model.

3D printers are progressively improved for small businesses

3D printing technology is actively gaining popularity and is constantly developing and improving. Although now there are a number of disadvantages of 3D printing technology ( low speed, size limitation) as your needs grow and your business expands, you can print with more than one 3D printer. In addition, progress does not stand still.

HP (Hewlett-Packard) announced the release of a new model of a 3D printer specifically targeted at small businesses. The most important competitive advantage new device is:

1. Faster 3D printing speed due to an innovative working principle that will be different from the usual extrusion.
2. Relatively low price - $ 15,000.

Given this price, it is clear that the intentions of the company are aimed at industrial small businesses and the provision of 3D printing services. For domestic purposes, it will be difficult to find a buyer. Volumetric printing of 3D models is, of course, promising direction for small business. You should start learning modeling technology in 3D graphics right now. Time goes by for new opportunities. Expensive industrial 3D printers today print two-story houses in 24 hours. The time will come, their price will become affordable for small businesses.

Three-dimensional printing for business is a very promising area. This is one of the main trends in the modern world market. A properly organized and established 3D business allows you to earn decent money and realize your creative potential. Moreover, the possibilities of three-dimensional technologies are just beginning to unfold and we are waiting for many new discoveries in this area.

So, you have decided to make a 3D printer the foundation of your business. Drawing on the experience of successful 3D printing entrepreneurs, let me give you some helpful tips. They will help you quickly and successfully start in 3D business.

What can be offered to clients?

3D printers can print different products:

• 3D souvenirs
• building layouts;
• toys;
• accessories (for example, covers for gadgets);
• bijouterie;
• 3D copies of people;
• key chains;
• footwear with original design;
• beautiful and useful things for the home (dishes, furniture fittings, decor items, etc.).
• various parts and spare parts for a wide variety of mechanisms and vehicles

You can sign printed products under the order. They will cost more than regular ones. But these things still sell well. The reason is simple - because of their exclusivity. So there is no room for platitudes here. Look for fresh ideas, be different, offer something original, and there will be no problems with sales.

Where to begin?

We offer step by step plan work on opening a 3D printing studio.

1. We draw up a business plan (competent planning is the key to success in any business).
2. Submit an application for state registration.
3. Choosing and purchasing a 3D printer.
4. We buy consumables and additional equipment.
5. Explore 3D printing technology.
6. We select staff (if necessary). For starters, you can use the services of a remote designer.
7. We rent and equip office space.
8. We order a site.
9. We organize an advertising campaign.
10. We form a client base.

Required budget

State registration

Let's start with state registration. When choosing between an individual entrepreneur and an LLC, you should start from the scale and characteristics of your business.

What can be printed and made on a 3d printer at home and for commercial purposes?

If you do not need loans, it is better to choose an individual entrepreneur. In this case, the registration, liquidation and reporting procedures will be easier. Yes, and with taxes the situation is more pleasant. The cost of opening an IP - from 2 to 10 thousand rubles. (including payment for services to intermediaries).

Printer

3D printing is not a cheap technology. And first of all, you will have to spend money on good equipment. Many aspiring entrepreneurs immediately try to save money on it. And this is a big mistake, which will lead to the loss of customers and low demand for products. For example, having bought an inexpensive printer for 20-30 thousand, you can print products of only one color on it. This technique is intended more for home use. BUT profitable business you can't build on it.

The choice of 3D printers on the market is rich. In addition, there are about a dozen printing technologies from different materials. You need to start by choosing a technology, because each of them has its own printer. To please your customers with original 3D souvenirs, a medium-quality printing device will be enough. It will cost 80-120 thousand rubles.

Consumables and accessories

We immediately purchase the appropriate consumables for the printer. Some dealers give it as a gift with the purchase of a printer. But this is just for testing. To start the studio will need from 8 to 10 kg of plastic. They will cost about 25 thousand rubles. Also, you can not do without a computer. We set aside 30,000 rubles for it.

Expenses for renting a room

The cost of rented premises depends on the region. It will cost you 20 - 80 thousand rubles. The average room size for a studio is 20–30 m².

Representation on the Internet

About 30 thousand rubles will be needed to create, promote and maintain the site.

Modeling services. 3D printing requires virtual 3D models. They can be periodically ordered from designers remotely. Freelancer services - from 10 thousand rubles.

rub. Plus, you'll need a 3D print operator to get started. His wage- 20 thousand rubles.

The budget depends on the scale. In any case, it is necessary to postpone 15-20 thousand rubles.

As a result, the amount of starting capital for opening a 3D printing studio is 250-300 thousand rubles.

A little about taxes

The most acceptable taxation option for a novice entrepreneur is the simplified system (STS). This is a special (facilitated) tax regime for small and medium-sized businesses with simpler accounting and tax accounting. For those who choose "simplified", the tax rate is 6 or 15%. The rate here depends on the object of taxation. 6% - corporate income tax. 15% - respectively, a tax on income from which the expenses of the enterprise are deducted, that is, on profit. It is necessary to determine the object of taxation immediately before the IP is registered. It is not possible to change rates at your own discretion.

If you do not plan to hire more than 15 employees, you can use patent system taxation. It is intended exclusively for individual entrepreneurs and gives the right to obtain a patent for a certain period (1-12 months). The acquisition of a patent exempts from part of the taxes. Its value is calculated based on the amount of potential income.

In general, with the simplified tax system it will be more convenient, faster and more profitable for you to pay taxes. So instead of a whole list, one tax will have to be paid. So to the experts tax reporting You don't have to ask for help or advice.

How to promote a business

To successfully sell products and find more customers, do not neglect the opportunities that the Internet provides. Having opened a 3D printing studio offline, get your own website and online. Don't skimp on contextual advertising and site promotion - and your profit will increase several times. Set aside $100 per month for advertising, and it will pay off over time. Or, in parallel with the studio in a particular city, you can open an online store of 3D goods.

In addition, take advantage of other opportunities to promote your business:

• Outdoor advertising;
• Advertising in local media;
• Distribution of flyers;
• Promotions and discounts for first customers;
• Information on bulletin boards;
• Articles advertising the studio on the Internet;
• Social media pages, etc.

Forecasts and prospects

The cost of one 3D model primarily depends on how much it weighs. Added to the plastic consumption are other production costs, time spent on printing, and, of course, more profit. The price of a 3D product is an average of 50 rubles. for 1 gram. The average print rate for a printer is 200 grams per day.

The 3D business itself pays off in 4-8 months. With the development and popularization of 3D printing in the coming years, the payback period for this business will decrease.

In general, 3D printing is a wide field for the implementation of creative ideas and business. Now only a small part of its capabilities has been revealed. If this technology is only gaining momentum in our country, then Europeans will no longer be surprised by exclusive clothes and shoes printed on a printer. However, there are already 3D printing studios in many Russian cities. And who knows, maybe you will find a new and unique use for 3D printing devices.

What can be printed on a 3D printer to start a small or home business

Cool 3d scanning technology - very impressive, like in the Matrix! The striking resemblance of a mini-copy to a man! I recommend!

I am very pleased with the result. The coolest surprise I've ever had. The process was very impressive, and the result even more so. Everything is done qualitatively and at a high level. Thank you! We wish you success in your unique studio!

We made copies of the whole family as a keepsake - what will it be like for children to hold their little ones in the hands of some sort in 10 years ...) They gave "themselves" to grandparents to be always there .. This is a great idea for a family 3D photo album as a keepsake, and as a gift is very cool, now we give gift certificates from belokop.beget to close friends!

Today's best company in Europe on the topic of replicas of people. Only they met with the opportunity to create an exact copy of a person in full growth with monolithic 3D printing - now you can print yourself a great person or wife and put it in the office opposite the desktop for motivation))

Amazing 3D scanning system - takes a fraction of a second. Were with small children and easily scanned them. Made on a scale of 23 cm - the quality is excellent, even the buttons on the jacket are visible. Thanks and good luck!

Thank you for the convenient scanning service - just 1 second, and the excellent quality of mini twins. I confirm the similarity is one to one. A great alternative to photo albums, a cool idea for a personalized gift for dear people!

I made a 3d figurine from them, they did everything chic. I gave it to a girl on March 8, she was so happy, I said the spitting image. In general, their accuracy seems to be high. At first I was surprised by the price, and then I realized that you give it once and for a lifetime, so everything is OK!

We print

you can order.

Well done guys! Cool figurine, respect to you Thanks a lot It was a pleasure to cooperate with you. I ordered a 3D figure of a wife and son from a photo for the 5th wedding anniversary, the deadlines were tight - it doesn’t matter, they got into position, the wife was in seventh heaven. Now we plan to order a Certificate for the wedding of friends!

The result is absolutely amazing! An exact copy of me with my beloved;) Thank you very much, we will advise you to our friends!

The use of 3D printing in small business. Choosing the optimal 3D printer and organizing work. Directions for the use of 3D printing in small businesses.

Printing on a 3D printer belongs to new areas of human activity. 3D printing has gone from pure scientific developments to mass production. To date, it is quite widely used in various areas of small business.

How a 3D printer works

3D A printer is a machine tool with a numerical program management, which uses the layering method of the part. To print an object on a 3D printer, you need to create its virtual volumetric model. Then a program for the sequential production of this object is entered into the printing device. According to this program, with the help of special wax, plastic or metal powder, thin layers of material are applied step by step on top of each other. As a result, a three-dimensional physical object comes out of the apparatus.

A very valuable property of 3D printing is that its process absolutely excludes any interference in the form of human factor, since a completely exact physical copy of the programmed virtual model is created.

Depending on the design of the 3D printer and the material used, there are different principles for creating a physical three-dimensional body. Small businesses mainly use 3D printers that work with plastic. In such devices, the molten plastic mass is “squeezed out” from the print head in the form of successive layers solidifying on the receiving table. Adjustment of the supply of plastic mass is carried out by a file containing necessary information about the virtual model. This file, depending on the type of 3D printer, is entered directly into the printing machine or transferred to it via a connected PC.

3D printing is performed by step-by-step application of the thinnest layers of material, in this case gypsum mass

Creating an object using metal powder consists in performing the following successive steps:

1. The print head applies a special adhesive to the programmed areas of the surface.
2. The finest metallic powder is sprayed over the entire surface.
3. In places where the adhesive is applied, this metal powder becomes hard.
4. Excess powder is blown off.

Then the process is repeated again and again. The result is a rather fragile part. For greater strength, it is covered with special bronze powder and subjected to heat treatment.

3D printers in small business

Devices that can be used for 3D printing can be divided into three large groups:

• 3D printers for home use;
• professional 3D printers;
• complexes based on 3D printers used in large-scale industries.

There are no clear lines between these groups, especially between home and professional 3D printers.

Types of 3D technologies

For small business purposes, mainly home 3D printers, which are also called consumer, are used. They mostly work with plastic mass or, as it is also called, plastic thread. The principle of operation of plastic 3D printers is based on the method of layer-by-layer deposition of a plastic mixture. In English, this method of manufacturing objects is called FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling). Printers using the FDM method are budget devices. Their cost ranges from 28 to 140 thousand rubles.

FDM is the most widespread 3D printing technology in the world

With the help of devices using the FDM method, it is possible to successfully produce Jewelry, souvenirs, toys, inscriptions. The fidelity of home 3D printers is just as good as professional devices, but they are significantly inferior to the latter in terms of performance and the possibility of long-term operation without adjustment. Also, products obtained on home 3D printers, as a rule, need further refinement.

There are other 3D printing technologies that differentiate different types of 3D printers:

• Laser sintering (SLS and DMLS). Here, a material in the form of a powder is sprayed onto the surface of the table and irradiated with a laser with intensity-programmed areas. The powder is made of both plastic and metal. Devices using the SLS method are among the most expensive home 3D printers in terms of price (from 3.5 million rubles).

  In selective laser sintering (SLS), the powder is sintered under the influence of a laser

• Laser stereolithography (SLA). In this method, only liquid photopolymer is used as the starting material. Just like with SLS, it is irradiated with a laser and hardens. The price of devices operating on this principle is from 420 thousand rubles.

  The SLA model is created by exposing a liquid photopolymer to a laser

• Multi-Jet Modeling (MJM). Here the modeling material is also injected from the nozzles of the printheads. The method is characterized high precision details. The cost of printers based on this method is from 3.5 million rubles.

  Multi Jet Modeling is considered to be one of the best prototyping methods.

• Layer bonding (LOM). Distinctive feature method is to use plain paper as the starting material. Accordingly, the fragility of the material leads to known limitations in the use of products. With the relative cheapness of the paper used, the cost of the equipment is quite high (from 3.2 million rubles).

  When creating objects by layer-by-layer gluing, plain paper is usually used as the starting material.

• 3D Printing (3DP). Here the starting material is gypsum. The main idea of ​​the method is to apply gypsum powder to the surface of the platform, followed by spraying an adhesive mass with a coloring pigment onto it. The cost of the devices used with this method ranges from 700 thousand to 2.5 million rubles.

  The 3D Printing process takes place by applying gypsum powder and then spraying glue on it.

3D printers using the FDM method

Printers that print using the FDM method belong to the budget segment. Their undoubted advantage is the relatively low cost of consumables. In turn, the ever-expanding demand for FDM printers contributes to a further reduction in the prices of equipment and consumables.

In addition to affordable prices, FDM technology also has the following positive qualities:

• a wide range of consumables;
• variety of tasks to be solved;
• good value for money.

The presence of all these factors explains the popularity of FDM-based 3D printers in small businesses. The Russian market is saturated with various models of 3D printers based on the layer-by-layer deposition method.

All these printers can be divided into two classes:

• devices operating in a rectangular coordinate system;
• mechanisms operating in a cylindrical coordinate system.

Leading manufacturers of 3D printers on Russian market are the companies:

• KLEMA;
• MZTO;
• BIQU;
• Cyberon;
• CreatBoat;
• Leapfrog;
• Raise 3D;
• Stratasys Ltd

Table: Key Features of Popular FDM Printers

Model name/ Characteristic	Mojo Stratasys Ltd	KLEMA 180
Dimensions, cm	63×45×53	35×33×49.5	20×20×20	22×25	27.4x21x35.5
Weight, kg	27	18	1,7	4	8,6
Number of print heads	1	1	1	1	1
Print area, mm	127×127×127	220×180×180	110 x 110 x 110	100×100	202×182×150
Layer thickness, mm	0,178	0,04	0,1–0,3	0,1–0,4	0,04
Soft	Print Wizard	Cura	Windows	Cura	Cura
Print file format	.stl, .slc	.stl, .obj, .gcode, .amf			.stl, .obj
Consumable type	Plastic	Plastic	Plastic	Plastic	Plastic
Printed material	ABS Plus	ABS, PLA, PVA, HIPS, TPU, Nylon, Carbon, PETG, PET, POM, PP	PLA	PLA,	ABS, PLA, HIPS, Nylon, FLEX, Rubber
Print speed, mm/s	10–50	150	50	80	150
Price, thousand rubles	40	65	23	12	78

Photo gallery: popular models of FDM printers

BIQU MAGICIAN is able to print parts with a layer thickness of 0.1-0.4mm and a speed of 80-120mm/s
Cyberon CyberMICRO is so compact that it can easily fit not only on any desktop, but even in a backpack or suitcase
Stratasys Mojo is the youngest model in a line of professional FDM 3D printers
Unlike many competitors, the MZ3D-360 does not require expensive maintenance

Organizational business issues on a 3D printer

Entrepreneurial activity within small businesses based on the use of a 3D printer is now becoming more widespread. Every year there are new directions.

Business benefits and risks

The main advantages of providing services using 3D printing are:

• No need to rent a large space. At the first steps of the business, it is possible to get by with a small office space or even your own apartment.
• Small amount of required start-up capital. Its main part will go to the purchase of a 3D printer and consumables.
• Fast payback. With the cost of equipment and consumables up to 100 thousand rubles, the very first good order can recoup the entire amount.
• Relatively little competition. If 3D printing has been successfully developing in large businesses for a relatively long time, then in small businesses it is just beginning to gain momentum.

The main threats to 3D printing business are the following factors:

• increased competition and reduced market value of services;
• insufficient level of qualification of employees.

Step by step process of organizing a case

The opening of a 3D printing workshop can be represented as the following successive steps:

1. Market research and selection of the optimal business niche.
2. Registration of entrepreneurial activity.
3. Room selection.
4. Site organization.
5. Acquisition of a 3D printer and consumables.
6. Carrying out promotional activities and creating an initial client base.
7. Fulfillment of the first orders.

To register a case, it is enough to register an IP. If already at first we are talking about the prospect of building an extensive business with several workshops or outlets, then it is better to register an LLC immediately.

Registration licenses are not required. Therefore, the total cost of accounting in tax office will cost from 800 rubles for individual entrepreneurs and 4 thousand rubles for LLC (state duty for tax registration). When registering, it is better to immediately select the USN.

When registering in the application, it is necessary to indicate the code of activity. So far, the provision of services or the manufacture of parts using 3D printing is not included in the OKVED classification. Therefore, the following codes are indicated:

• 22.2 Manufacture of plastic products;
• 22.21 Manufacture of plastic plates, strips, pipes, profiles;
• 22.29 Manufacture of other plastic products;
• 74.81 Photography activities;
• 22.25 Other printing activities.

Financial calculations

The most important step is to buy a 3D printer. There is a wide range of devices on the Russian market. Here it is important to dwell on the model that is most suitable for the chosen direction. For most of them, small-sized 3D printers based on FDM technology are the best option. Their cost ranges from 12 to 100 thousand rubles.

Consumables for 3D printers using this technology are mostly ABS and PLA plastics. The cost of a plastic coil weighing 1 kg is 500 rubles. With an average consumption of 40 kg of plastic per month for 3D printing, the cost will be about 20 thousand rubles.

Plastic for a 3D printer is sold in spools weighing 1 kg

The average initial costs for individual entrepreneurs are as follows (thousand rubles):

• printer - 60;
• PC - 35;
• consumables - 20;
• registration - 5;
• site creation - 2;
• advertising - 5;
• rent of premises - 20;
• utilities - 10.

Thus, you will need a starting capital of 160 thousand rubles.

The market value of parts obtained on a 3D printer is about 50 rubles per gram. With continuous operation during the day, 150–300 g of products can be produced. Under these conditions, about 10 thousand rubles of income comes out per day, and 250 thousand rubles per month.

From this amount, you must subtract the following basic monthly expenses (in thousands of rubles):

• materials - 20;
• salary (including for the creation of a 3D model) - 50;
• rent of premises - 20;
• taxes (6%) - 15;
• utility bills - 10.

Total: 115 thousand rubles.

Thus, the monthly net profit in the ideal case will be: 250 - 115 = 135 (thousand rubles).

With such income, the start-up capital will pay off in a period of up to two months.

A quick payback is achieved only if you use a budget 3D printer costing up to 100 thousand rubles. However, for some lines of business, such a printer is not suitable. For example, only a multi-color 3D printer worth up to 3.5 million rubles is suitable for making souvenirs. In this case, the payback period can stretch up to two years.

Business ideas for working with a 3D printer

The scope of use of a 3D printer in small businesses is constantly expanding due to the emergence of new and the development of already traditional areas of application.

Among the modern areas of use of 3D printing, it is necessary, first of all, to note such as manufacturing:

• toys;
• souvenirs;
• figurines;
• spare parts;
• phone cases;
• molds for soap making and baking.

3D printing is developing quite multifaceted in medicine for the manufacture of parts for prostheses, implants, instruments, and even living organs.

3D printing of toys and souvenirs

There are two ways to implement this idea:

• production of souvenirs and toys according to existing patterns;
• production of unique copies under the individual order.

In the first option, you will need a spacious room and an expensive multi-color 3D printer costing from 2.5 million rubles, which provides work with plastic, ceramics and plaster. You also need an online store to work with customers.

The design of toys made using 3D printing is usually distinguished by its originality.

If subsequent painting of products is envisaged, then ventilation must be provided for the room. The area of ​​the working premises (without office) must be at least 30 sq. m.

An experienced designer is needed to create models. You can use the services of a freelancer. In addition to the designer, a permanent worker is needed to perform the painting.

It is necessary to carefully consider the range of products. Ordinary toys are not suitable even for small-scale production, since the cost of toys made on a 3D printer is quite high. More suitable here:

Thematic figurines

AT recent times Volumetric figures of people and animals are very popular. Of particular interest are exact copies of relatives, acquaintances, friends, beloved pets.

To print such figures, it is enough to buy a 3D printer costing from 200 thousand rubles. For example, a Picaso Designer X Pro 3D printer worth 300 thousand rubles or a Flashforge Hunter photopolymer 3D printer worth 305 thousand rubles is suitable. To reduce the cost of production, experts advise making the figures hollow.

Making molds for soap making and baking

The 3D printer can print original design silicone molds for soaps and candles. Also increasingly popular are baking molds, chocolate products and food ice. With the help of 3D printing, you can create absolutely unique models. True, there are template forms, but problems may arise with their implementation due to fierce competition. Another thing is the creation of unique forms. They can be sold on your website.

The manufacture of chocolate molds according to the sketch of the client has become widespread.

With the help of 3D printing, you can make not only shapes, but also the sweets themselves. Consumables in this case are sugar, chocolate, starch and others. food products. Price initial purchase raw materials is 5-10 thousand rubles. Before starting the production of sweets, it is necessary to agree on their sale in restaurants and cafes, to coordinate the assortment and prices.

3D printer allows you to make unusual sweets

To implement a business idea, you will need start-up capital in the amount of 60 to 150 thousand rubles.

Spare parts for cars

The production of auto parts using 3D printing is growing in proportion to the increase in the number of cars. Now it is not only a prerogative large companies. Making auto parts on a 3D printer is quite affordable for small businesses. It's mostly about the small details. Inexpensive printers using the Fused Deposition Method (FDM) are suitable for this. Larger parts are produced using laser stereolithography based on refractory metal powder.

In the manufacture of auto parts Special attention it is necessary to pay attention to the physical characteristics of the source material. Here, impact-resistant and heat-resistant photopolymers and ABS plastics are mainly used, as well as polyamides, steel and aluminum.

3D printer can print car parts

At the start of a 3D printing business, it is better to start with the manufacture of such relatively simple and small parts as plugs, nozzles, latches, and various fasteners. For this, a budget 3D printer working with ABS plastic, costing from 20 thousand rubles, is suitable. In the future, you can buy a more expensive printer worth up to 100 thousand rubles.

The rent of the premises will be about 15 thousand rubles. Also, the main expenses should include the cost of consumables (20 thousand rubles per month), as well as the salary of a designer (30 thousand rubles) and a skilled worker (20 thousand rubles). You can meet the starting capital of up to 150-200 thousand rubles.

Not every detail can be made on a cheap printer. To further expand the business, you will need a professional 3D printer worth at least 2.5 million rubles.

Phone cases

Recently, it has become fashionable to order unique cases for expensive phones. Such products can be made using 3D printing.

The cost of original covers ranges from 600 to 4 thousand rubles. They can be made according to your own templates, in accordance with the wishes of the customer, or completely based on client sketches. The best solution would be to offer covers through an online store.

Original phone cases can be offered for sale through the online store

The use of 3D printing in medicine

3D printing in medicine has many areas: from the manufacture of parts for prostheses to the creation of bioprototypes and medical models based on analyzes. In small businesses, 3D printing is concentrated mostly in the field of prosthetics. So, an interesting business idea is 3D printing of exoskeletons for prosthetics of broken limbs. To bring this idea to life, it is possible, under an agreement with medical institution to perform individual skeletal prostheses on the basis of the received X-ray and other images. These supportive plaster exoskeleton models make life easier for injured patients and speed up recovery.

3D-printed prostheses help a person recover faster from injuries

3D printing is especially widely used in dentistry. With its help, the process of fitting dentures is significantly accelerated, and an accuracy impossible for standard technology is achieved. There are 3D printers specially designed for use in dentistry, for example, Solidscape 3Z LAB worth 2 million rubles.

3D printed dentures are of high quality

Other Small Business 3D Printing Business Ideas

It is simply impossible to list all the directions in which a small business can be organized.

Among them are such exotic areas as the manufacture of custom-designed guitars. The cost of such guitars, which are, in fact, works of art, reaches 3-6 thousand dollars.

Musical instrument, made by 3D printing technique, is a real work of art

Relatively new areas include the manufacture of interior details: vases, coasters, original sculptures, cutlery (knives, forks, spoons).

Already a traditional area of ​​application is the manufacture of molds for jewelry and bijouterie. For use in the jewelry industry, specialized 3D printers such as Solidscare, Prefactory Heed, ProjetСRX 3000 and others are used.