With 3D printing’s growth, it’s easier than ever to turn creativity into a business. 3D printed items are in demand because they offer customers something unique, customizable, and often more affordable than traditional goods. But with so many options, it can be tricky to know what to print and sell profitably. In this guide, we’ll cover the top 20 most profitable 3D printed products to sell, from home decor to practical gadgets. Let’s dive into what makes these products profitable and popular, and how you can start building your 3D printing business.
Affiliate Disclosure
We participate in Amazon affiliate programs, earning fees from qualifying purchases via links at no extra cost to you. It’s how we keep this blog rolling and my 3D printers buzzing with fresh filament for reviews like this one!
Related: Selling Your 3D Printed Decor Online – Tips for selling decor specifically.
Understanding What Makes 3D Printed Products Profitable
The profitability of 3D printed products often comes down to a few factors: high demand, low production cost, ease of customization, and quality. Products that meet a unique need, add style to daily life, or simplify a task tend to sell well. In addition, items that are easily personalized can attract a broader audience willing to pay a premium.
Let’s go through the top categories and products that make for a profitable 3D printing business.
Related: Can I Become a Billionaire from 3D Printing? – Explore the business potential of 3D printing.
20 Profitable 3D Printed Products to Sell
Home Decor
1. Wall Art and Sculptures
Customizable and visually striking, wall art and sculptures are a big hit among home decor enthusiasts. With 3D printing, you can create everything from abstract designs to intricate geometric patterns. Since these items add character to any room, they tend to have a high perceived value.
2. Planters and Pots
Planters and pots are increasingly popular, especially for indoor gardening. They’re easy to produce, and with endless possibilities for patterns and designs, they make for perfect 3D printed products. Adding seasonal designs or custom engravings can further boost their appeal.
3. Lighting Fixtures
From stylish lampshades to light covers with unique patterns, 3D printed lighting fixtures add a contemporary touch to home decor. They’re functional, eye-catching, and ideal for customers looking for something different in their living spaces.
Organization and Storage Solutions
4. Cable Organizers
Simple yet highly practical, cable organizers are popular due to the convenience they offer in tidying up tech spaces. They’re affordable to produce, lightweight, and appeal to a wide audience of tech users, making them a solid choice for 3D printing businesses.
5. Drawer Organizers
Drawer organizers are another functional product that appeals to anyone looking to keep their belongings organized. With various compartments and sizes, they can be customized to fit different drawer types, making them a great option to sell.
6. Wall Hooks and Hangers
Wall hooks and hangers are useful, versatile, and perfect for 3D printing. From small decorative hooks to larger hangers that can hold bags or coats, they’re easy to produce and in demand by people wanting practical yet stylish organization solutions.
Lifestyle and Everyday Essentials
7. Phone Stands and Holders
A favorite for tech enthusiasts, phone stands and holders are practical items that can be tailored to various styles and preferences. Customers appreciate functional designs that look good on a desk or nightstand, making these a high-demand item.
8. Keychains
Keychains are a great, low-cost item that can be customized with fun shapes, initials, or logos. They’re easy to make and appeal to a broad audience, especially if you offer personalization options.
9. Jewelry and Accessories
3D printed jewelry, like earrings, rings, and necklaces, is unique and often eco-friendly. You can create beautiful, intricate designs that aren’t possible with traditional jewelry-making methods. This niche has high profit potential as customers are willing to pay a premium for one-of-a-kind accessories.
10. Reusable Coasters
Coasters are both decorative and functional, making them a great product to offer in unique designs or as a set. Reusable coasters can be personalized or feature creative patterns, appealing to customers looking for sustainable yet stylish home items.
Related: Custom 3D Printed Kitchen Organizers – Consider kitchen organizers as sellable items.
Office and Desk Accessories
11. Pen Holders
Pen holders are useful and customizable, perfect for keeping desks organized. They appeal to both office workers and students, especially if they come in modern or quirky designs.
12. Monitor Stands
Monitor stands are popular for ergonomic desk setups, as they help position monitors at eye level. Custom 3D printed monitor stands can be a big hit among remote workers and students, especially with a sleek or modular design.
13. Business Card Holders
Business card holders may be small, but they add a touch of professionalism to any desk. Offering various styles, from classic to modern, can attract professionals and small business owners.
Toys and Hobbies
14. Miniatures and Game Pieces
3D printed miniatures are a popular choice among hobbyists, especially for games like Dungeons & Dragons or other tabletop games. Since players love customized characters, this niche has high profit potential, especially with intricate, detailed designs.
15. Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys are fun for all ages and are an excellent product to showcase your creativity. They’re easy to customize, and their unique nature makes them appealing to a wide range of customers.
Kitchen and Dining Essentials
16. Cookie Cutters
Cookie cutters are a perfect 3D printed item, especially for seasonal designs or custom shapes. You can target holiday shoppers or offer custom cookie cutters for events like birthdays, which adds a personal touch that’s hard to find elsewhere.
17. Bottle Openers
Bottle openers are another everyday essential that you can make unique with 3D printing. Customers love themed or novelty designs, especially as fun gifts or conversation pieces.
18. Utensil Holders
Utensil holders are functional kitchen items that can also be visually appealing. Different styles, from modern to rustic, can attract customers looking to add organization and style to their kitchens.
Customizable Gadgets and Functional Tools
19. Customizable Tool Holders
Tool holders are useful for keeping garages or workshops organized. With customizable slots for different tool sizes, they’re a valuable product for customers who need an efficient way to store their tools.
20. Camera Mounts and Accessories
Camera mounts and accessories are popular among photographers and content creators who need sturdy, customizable solutions for their equipment. This niche can be profitable as it caters to a specific, dedicated audience willing to pay for quality and customization.
Emerging Niche Markets for 3D Printing
Tapping into underserved or growing niches can set your 3D printing business apart. Here are some emerging markets to consider:
- Cosplay and Fandom Communities: Products like modular cosplay prop kits or collectible desk pets inspired by popular franchises (e.g., anime, sci-fi) are in high demand among cosplayers and collectors. Offering DIY assembly kits allows customers to personalize their purchases, increasing engagement. Explore MyMiniFactory for cosplay design inspiration and community-driven models.
- Pet Owners: Create 3D printed pet accessories, such as custom pet tags, treat dispensers, or decorative trellises for pet-friendly plants. Pet owners are willing to pay for unique, functional items tailored to their furry friends. Check out Etsy’s pet product category for market trends and ideas.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Items like customizable earbud cases or magnetic wall tiles appeal to gadget lovers who value both aesthetics and utility. Targeting this tech-savvy audience with sleek, modern designs can drive sales. Visit Thingiverse for free tech accessory designs to spark ideas.
- Educational Tools: Develop interactive 3D printed models, such as kinetic puzzles or modular STEM kits, for schools or homeschooling parents. These products combine learning with creativity, appealing to educators and families. Learn more about educational 3D printing at Tinkercad’s education resources.
By focusing on these niches, you can cater to passionate communities and build a loyal customer base.
Interactive and Kinetic Design Trends
Interactive and kinetic 3D printed products are gaining traction for their ability to captivate customers. These designs incorporate movement or user interaction, making them highly marketable:
- Kinetic Art: Products like kinetic wind spinners or modular puzzle lamps combine functionality with visual appeal. Their dynamic motion draws attention, making them ideal for home decor or outdoor spaces. See examples of kinetic designs on Instructables.
- Fidget and Sensory Tools: Fidget widgets with intricate moving parts or satisfying tactile feedback are popular for stress relief and focus. Unique designs, like fractal-inspired spinners or steampunk sliders, stand out in a crowded market. Browse Printables for innovative fidget toy designs.
- Modular Designs: Offer products like articulated bookends or magnetic wall tiles that allow customers to reconfigure or personalize their setup. These interactive elements increase perceived value and encourage repeat purchases. Check out Cults3D for modular design ideas.
- Assembly-Based Products: Items like cosplay prop kits or modular desk pets engage customers by involving them in the creation process, fostering a sense of ownership and creativity. Learn about designing interactive models with Fusion 360 tutorials.
Incorporating movement and interactivity into your designs can make your products memorable and shareable, boosting their appeal on social media.
Collaborating with Communities for Custom Designs
Partnering with online communities and creators can inspire unique products and expand your reach:
- Crowdsourcing Ideas: Engage with 3D printing forums, Reddit communities (e.g., r/3Dprinting), or tabletop gaming groups to gather feedback on designs like custom guitar picks or game miniatures. Community input ensures your products meet specific needs.
- Collaborating with Artists: Work with local or online artists to create exclusive designs for products like kinetic wind spinners or articulated bookends. These collaborations can attract their followers and add authenticity to your brand. Platforms like ArtStation connect you with talented designers.
- Cosplay and Gaming Partnerships: Partner with cosplayers or gaming influencers to design bespoke prop kits or miniatures. Promoting these through their platforms can tap into dedicated fanbases. Explore Cosplay Central for networking opportunities.
- Customer Co-Creation: Offer a service where customers submit ideas for personalized products, such as custom earbud cases or pet-inspired trellises. This fosters loyalty and creates one-of-a-kind offerings. Use Shapeways’ custom design service for inspiration on managing custom orders.
Building relationships with communities not only sparks innovative product ideas but also creates organic marketing opportunities through word-of-mouth and social sharing.
Conclusion
Selling 3D printed products can be a fulfilling way to turn your creative ideas into profitable items. By focusing on high-demand products that are customizable and unique, you can create items that people love. Start by experimenting with a few of the ideas in this list, and don’t be afraid to find your unique style within these popular categories. As you build your product lineup, you’ll likely find that 3D printing is not only a fun creative outlet but also a profitable business venture.
Related: Best 3D Printed Gifts for Birthdays – Get gift ideas for marketable products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the most profitable 3D printed items to sell?
Highly profitable items often include home decor (like wall art and lighting fixtures), miniatures, custom jewelry, and office accessories due to their unique appeal and customization potential.
How much can you make selling 3D printed products?
Earnings vary greatly depending on factors like product type, pricing, and marketing. Some sellers earn a few hundred dollars monthly, while others, with strong branding and niche products, can make thousands.
Is it expensive to start a 3D printing business?
Starting costs vary, but for a basic setup, you can expect to spend around $300-$800 on a 3D printer. Additional costs for materials, design software, and marketing should also be considered.
Where can I sell 3D printed items online?
You can sell on platforms like Etsy, Amazon, or create a personal online store on Shopify. Social media platforms like Instagram can also help you reach a wider audience.
What 3D printing materials are best for these products?
PLA is popular due to its ease of use and eco-friendliness, while PETG is good for durability. Other materials like ABS and resin might be used for specialized or high-detail items.