Disrupting Print on Demand: 5 Unique 3D Printing Business Ideas!

Hey there, 3D printing enthusiasts! Are you ready to shake up the print-on-demand space? Forget the days of competing over bland t-shirts and mugs; with 3D printing, you can unleash your creativity and offer fully original, one-of-a-kind products that stand out! Here are five fantastic print-on-demand business ideas using 3D printing that can set your store apart from the crowd. Let’s dive in!

1. Cookie Cutters

Who doesn’t love cookies? Start a cookie cutter business that caters to niche markets—think ninjas, pets, or party themes! You can easily create custom cookie cutter designs using CookieCad. Not an artist? No problem! Use AI tools to generate unique shapes. Once your designs are ready, upload them to a plugin like the Slant 3D Etsy or Shopify plugin. Every time an order comes in, your cookie cutters will be printed and shipped directly to your customers. Sweet success!

2. Night Lights

Light up your customers’ lives with custom night lights! While setting up might require a bit more effort since Slant 3D doesn’t support third-party components, the results are worth it. Use LithophaneMaker.com to turn your images into stunning night lights. You can create various covers that customers can switch out for different seasons—think Halloween or Christmas themes! Sell the light modules separately or drop ship them from a manufacturer, allowing customers to mix and match their designs. Talk about versatility!

3. Phone Stands

In our tech-driven world, a unique phone stand can be a game-changer. Start with a basic phone stand design, then customize it with cool graphics or logos that resonate with specific fan bases. Check out platforms like Thingiverse or Cults for commercial license-approved models. Modify the designs in programs like 3D Builder, or hire a designer on Fiverr to create something truly unique. Once you upload these to Slant, you’ll have a steady stream of customized phone stands flying off the shelves!

4. Topographical Maps

For the outdoor enthusiasts, why not offer topographical maps of favorite hiking trails or stunning landscapes? Use Terrain to STL to create 3D models of any location on Earth, from the majestic mountains to serene lakes. Experiment with different printing orientations to enhance the details. You can even get creative by adding features like keyholes for easy mounting. Advertise your maps based on local hiking trends, and you’ll be connecting with nature lovers in no time!

5. Organizers

Everyone loves a little organization! Dive into the world of customizable organizer sets. Download models from platforms like Thingiverse or create your own using CAD software. Think sewing thread bobbins, fishing tackle, or jewelry organizers—design them to solve specific problems for niche audiences. With a bit of creativity and CAD know-how, you can offer a wide range of organizers, each 3D printed and shipped directly to customers. It’s a great way to showcase your design skills and cater to specific needs!

These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg in the exciting world of 3D printing! Many successful stores on Etsy and Shopify are making waves with these concepts, generating tens of thousands of dollars in sales. And the best part? You don’t even need a massive print farm to get started; just your creativity and some great designs!

If you’re eager to learn more about print-on-demand businesses using 3D printing, subscribe below! We share new videos every week packed with tips and tricks to help you leverage this innovative technology. Let’s create something amazing together!