3DPrinting

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3DPrinting is a place where makers of all skill levels and walks of life can learn about and discuss 3D printing and development of 3D printed parts and devices.

The r/functionalprint community is now located at: or !functionalprint@fedia.io

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founded 2 years ago

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Has anyone sold or otherwise handed off their 3d printing business? (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 week ago by mortalic@lemmy.world to c/3dprinting@lemmy.world

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I think I'm done, hit my mental energy limit. I have a very small 3d design company, where I started by taking small projects, making the design and then selling it on either Etsy or Artisans coop. I'd also attend local craft fairs, or makers markets.

I've had a lot of fun and satisfaction doing this, solved some cool problems for people and made a small amount of money. (Mostly just paid for the printers)

But, the last three craft fairs I've attended I sold literally nothing at one, and only a few dollars at the others, Etsy sales have dried up and Artisans coop never got off the ground for me. I know I need to market, but I've been doing it without Meta/deadbird etc which is so tough.

So I think I'm done and just want a way out.

If anyone either has advice on how to sell this company (its an LLC) or if you are even interested in buying it, maybe DM me. I've got tons if filament, a pair of nice printers, probably a few dozen 3d designs plus a bunch of replacement parts for the printers. PrusaXL2T and Vivedino Troodon300 heavily modded.

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[–] Rolive@discuss.tchncs.de 3 points 1 week ago

Have you considered lasercutting or CNC milling as well? And what about lithophanes?

3D printers are highly accessible to people, even people with no technical knowledge can just buy one, download models and have it print successfully. Selling 3D printed parts pretty much only works if you do design as well and not many people request something like that. I don't think you can make a feasible business out of 3D printing alone.

And there is mechanical design and aesthetic design, which both are completely different practices. I mean things like making a TV mount or a tube holder vs making a detailed Warhammer 40K model. You need different software and skills for both of them and it consumes a lot of time to do well.

CNC milling and lasercutting is not as wide spread as 3D printing is so you could still end up finding people interested in objects made this way.