Home 3D printing service for hobbyists and makers

Hobbyists, model makers, cosplayers, inventors, students, and small businesses needing one-off parts or prototypes.

Quote per job based on material used, print time and finishing, with a minimum charge per order. Extras such as design fixes, painting and rush jobs lift the average sale.

• Comfortable with technology and troubleshooting printers
• Basic 3D modelling or file repair
• Patience and attention to detail
• Clear customer communication

• Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a home-based business, including noise and fumes
• Resin printing involves chemicals, so check ventilation, safe handling and disposal
• Printers running unattended are a fire risk, so check your home insurance and consider a smoke alarm and a safe setup
• Do not print designs you have no right to, as copyright and licence terms of customer files can be a problem
• Check whether you need public liability and product liability insurance, especially for functional parts
• You need an ABN, and GST registration is required once turnover reaches the threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $800 to $3,500, depending on how many printers you buy, whether you add resin printing, and your materials. Check whether you need public liability and product liability insurance, especially for functional parts.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $300 to $2,500, depending on how many jobs you take and how many printers you run. Printing takes time, so the hours you have available will shape what you can earn.

Check with your council whether home-based business approval is needed, including for noise and fumes. Also check resin ventilation, handling and disposal, fire risks and home insurance, copyright on customer files, and ABN and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold.