Home 3D printing service for custom parts

Product designers, engineers, small manufacturers, architecture students, hobbyists and people needing a replacement part.

Price per part based on material, print time and finishing, plus setup fees for small jobs and a small charge for fixing or preparing files.

• Comfortable with 3D printers and slicing software
• Basic 3D file checking and repair
• Patience for troubleshooting failed prints
• Clear quoting and customer communication

• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and whether zoning allows it
• Printers can give off fumes and fine particles, so plan good ventilation and a fire-safe setup, and check your home insurer is happy with it
• Get commercial general liability insurance, especially if parts are used in products
• Avoid printing items covered by someone else's copyright or design rights, and check rules on printing items such as weapons parts
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold

Estimates suggest startup typically costs around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many desktop printers you buy (one to four in this setup) and the materials and tools you need.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $2,500, depending on how many printers you run, the jobs you take and how many customers you find. Expect to spend at least around 8 hours a week.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and allows it under zoning. Also check ventilation, fire safety, your home insurer, liability insurance, copyright and design rights, rules on items such as weapons parts, and GST/HST registration.