Editor’s Note
This article provides a concise overview of 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, explaining its core process and materials. It highlights its role alongside other key technologies in modernizing business operations and improving efficiency.
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing technology, is the process of creating physical objects layer by layer from digital designs. Instead of cutting or molding materials, 3D printers build objects from the ground up using plastic, resin, metal, or even food-grade materials.
Alongside technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and mixed reality, 3D printing helps businesses modernize operations, reduce waste, and optimize production efficiency.
3D printing is also a key part of Industry 4.0: the fourth industrial revolution in manufacturing.
Here are 13 3D printing business models that are making money today—and why they work.
Startups, industrial designers, and inventors constantly need physical prototypes to test ideas before manufacturing. With 3D printing, you can offer quick-turnaround and low-cost prototypes. Think phone accessories, hardware components, or packaging solutions.
Position yourself as a fast, local partner for early-stage R&D, and you’ll land repeat clients who come back with every new version.
Even product-based businesses are tapping into this approach. Take Bulat Kitchen, for example. On an episode of the Shopify Masters podcast, founder Alex Commons shared how 3D printing helped his team prototype their premium knives before going into full-scale manufacturing.
You can design and print personalized rings, nameplate necklaces, cufflinks, or even custom watch straps using metals, resins, or bioplastics—without the overhead of traditional jewelry manufacturing.
The 3D-printed jewelry market is projected to hit $3.3 billion by 2030, driven by growing demand for custom, made-to-order pieces that feel personal.
Architects, developers, and real estate marketers still rely on physical models to help clients visualize space. 3D printing makes it faster, cheaper, and more precise than traditional model-making methods.
In December 2024, in Volterra, Italy—one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities—researchers used 3D scanning and printing to preserve ancient Roman architecture. They created detailed 3D models of centuries-old structures, which were then used for restoration, education, and even physical replicas.
There’s also a passionate hobby market here: Collectors, diorama builders, and model train enthusiasts are always hunting for custom pieces they can’t find in stores. That’s two very different (and potentially very profitable) buyer segments.
The 3D printer begins making the physical product by depositing printing material such as plastic, metal, or ceramic in precise layers according to the design instructions from the slicing software.
Filament, resin, powders; varies by material quality and use case
Filament and resin costs depend on what you’re printing and at what volume.
Resins:
You’ll need secure, dust-free storage for materials like PLA spools or resin bottles, plus drawers for tools, nozzles, and replacement parts.
This is especially important for ABS, nylon, and resin printing, which release more harmful particles than PLA.
There are several materials you can use when 3D printing: plastic, metal, resin, and even ceramic. But there is no “best” material—certain 3D items lend themselves to different substances.
Focus on packaging and presentation:
matters. Especially for custom items or gifts, thoughtful packaging can turn a one-time buyer into a repeat customer. Consider recyclable or branded packaging, care instructions or origin story cards, and surprise-and-delight elements (e.g., small extras like
Know exactly what each print costs you—per unit and per batch. Your pricing should factor in: material cost, machine depreciation, labor (setup, post-processing, packaging), shipping, and software
Monitor filament, resin, and parts like real inventory:
Even if you print on demand, materials like filament, resin, nozzles, and build plates are inventory—and they can bottleneck your operation. Use Shopify’s built-in inventory management to:
You can ensure the quality of 3D printed products by using high-quality materials (plastics, metals, resins, etc.) and commercial-grade manufacturing equipment. It’s also important to make sure both you and your employees have 3D printing expertise.