Business Insights and Economics of 3D Printing

Sponsorships

Robert Feranec creates a customized keyboard: working with JLCPCB and JLC3DP

Robert Feranec is a well-known expert in hardware design. He founded FEDEVEL Academy, which helps engineers around the world learn circuit design and PCB production through online courses and teaching videos. As a content creator on YouTube, Robert shares tutorials, tips and tricks for hardware design, and has cultivated a large number of professionals and amateurs. In this video, Robert designs a customized keyboard for video editing. As one of the world's leading PCB manufacturers, JLCPCB is committ......

Nov 20, 2024

Cost & ROI

HP MJF Printer Price Breakdown: What You Actually Pay For

If you're staring at the upfront HP MJF printer price (specifically the quote for an HP 5200), you’re asking the wrong question. The sticker price is just the entry fee. The true cost of an HP MJF printer only makes sense when measured against its real-world production throughput. This efficiency isn't just about the print head; it's about the entire system—especially the cooling and material delivery. Here’s what the brochures don’t tell you: it’s all about the cooling and the cleaning roll. The HP 5......

Dec 05, 2025

Cost & ROI

What Determines Powder Bed Fusion Cost? A Clear Guide

Powder bed fusion costs don’t come from one place, they stack up from machine ownership, powder usage, utilities, and labor. And each of those scales a little differently depending on the LPBF system, material, and how many hours you’re actually keeping the machine productive. Once you understand these levers, it becomes much easier to benchmark any powder bed fusion 3D printer against the cost models most of the industry uses. And honestly, if you’d rather skip the spreadsheets, JLC3DP can just run t......

Nov 29, 2025

Cost & ROI

In-House vs Outsourcing 3D Printing: What's Right for You?

(source: Pixabay) Your product team has a great idea, the 3D model is ready, and it’s go-time, except now you’re wondering… do we print this ourselves or send it out? Welcome to one of the most common dilemmas in product development today. In-house printing promises speed and control. Outsourcing 3D printing offers expertise and scalability. But which is better for your project, and your budget? Let’s break it down with clarity, not clichés. The Case for In-House 3D Printing Control, Speed, and Flexib......

May 26, 2025

Cost & ROI

The Best 3D Printers for Kids in 2025: Safe, Fun, and Educational

3D printers are no longer just for engineers or professionals, they are also powerful tools for inspiring children's creativity and STEM learning. Kid-friendly 3D printers can turn abstract ideas into tangible toys and classroom projects. How to choose a safe, easy-to-use, and educational printer on the market? In this guide, we will recommend the best 3D printers for children, what features to prioritize, and ensure a fun and safe experience. Buying Guide for Kids' 3D Printers When choosing a 3D prin......

Mar 04, 2025

Cost & ROI

Top 5 3D Printer Tables of 2025: Boosting Your 3D Printing Experience

Choosing the right table for your 3D printer that enhances printing stability, reduces noise, and provides organized storage space is important for achieving high-quality prints and optimizing your workflow. In this guide, we'll look at what makes a good 3D printer table and recommend the best 3D printer tables on the market in 2025. What does a good 3D printer table need? Stability: 3D printers require a vibration-resistant surface to avoid layer misalignment. A sturdy table can minimize vibrations, ......

Feb 25, 2025

Business Ideas

How to Market and Sell 3D Printed Items

Cosplay helmets, phone stands, custom tools, even chess sets, people are paying real money for clever 3D prints every single day. The question isn’t can you sell your prints, it’s how you’ll stand out. Of course, it’s not just about owning a printer. The difference between a passion project and a profitable one often comes down to how strategically you approach it. In this guide, we’ll look at how to sell 3D prints effectively, the niches that actually make money, and the first steps you should take b......

Sep 09, 2025

Business Ideas

Best 3D Prints to Sell Right Now: Top Selling Items & Ideas

If you’ve got a 3D printer at home and you’ve been thinking, “Hmm… could I actually make money with this?”, the answer is yes. But here’s the thing: not every cool print idea is a good business idea. Some designs look amazing but take forever to print (and customers won’t pay enough to make it worth it). Others are quick to print but nobody wants to buy them. The sweet spot? Items that are useful, in-demand, quick to produce, and easy to ship. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most profitable 3......

Aug 25, 2025

Cost & ROI

Best 3D Printers for Beginners

Embarking on your journey into the world of 3D printing can be both exciting and daunting. With a plethora of options available, choosing the right 3D printer as a beginner is crucial for a smooth transition into additive manufacturing. To simplify your decision-making process, we've curated a list of the top 10 beginner-friendly 3D printers that offer a perfect balance of affordability, ease of use, and quality output. Creality Ender 3 V2 Neo Price: $379.00 Features: Full-metal integrated design, CR ......

Apr 16, 2024

Cost & ROI

How Much Does 3D Printing Cost? A Complete Breakdown

We get this question a lot at JLC3DP: “How much does 3D printing cost?” And here’s the truth: Some projects can be surprisingly cheap, while others cost more than you’d expect. There’s a myth floating around that 3D printing is basically free once you own a printer. (If only it were that simple, right?) The reality is, whether you’re printing at home or outsourcing to a service like ours, the cost depends on a handful of important factors, machine type, materials, design complexity, and even how much ......

Sep 08, 2025

Cost & ROI

Why Outsourcing Still Matters—Even If You Own a Desktop 3D Printer

As 3D printing has spread around the world, home prototyping and individuals owning 3D printers have become more common. Having a desktop 3D printer at home has its benefits, especially for prototyping small parts and making quick design changes. It’s perfect for educational purposes, hobby projects, and rapid prototyping at home if you don’t need a large object made from advanced materials. Read more and find out in what cases you can still benefit from Online 3D Printing Instant Quote - JLC3DP, even......

Jul 01, 2025

Cost & ROI

9 Reasons Why You Should NOT Buy a 3D Printer

(Freepik) So, you're thinking of buying a 3D printer. The internet’s hyped it up, your buddy won’t shut up about his Benchy prints, and you're wondering: “Is a 3D printer worth it?” Here’s the thing, ometimes, it’s not. Owning a 3D printer sounds futuristic until you’re knee-deep in filament spaghetti, failed layers, and firmware updates. If you’re hoping it’ll magically solve all your making needs, you’re in for a wake-up call. Before you spend a chunk of cash and desk space, here are 9 reasons you m......

Jun 20, 2025

Cost & ROI

Unlock better ROI and Sustainability with FDM printing

FDM 3D Printing Service Online - JLC3DP is one of the most cost-effective and widely used 3D printing technologies in industrial manufacturing. Known for its accessibility and material versatility, FDM printing can significantly reduce the production time and expenses of applications, like jigs and fixtures, end-of-arm tools, and other assembly aids. For years, manufacturers have turned to additive manufacturing to accelerate tool-making and reduce costs compared to traditional fabrication methods As ......

Jun 10, 2025

Cost & ROI

Find out the pros and cons of an open source 3D printer

(source: Freepik) Should You Buy an Open Source 3D Printer in 2025? As 3D printing becomes more mainstream, more people are wondering: Should I stick with a plug-and-play printer or go open source and unlock more creative freedom? The truth? Open source 3D printers have evolved from a tinkerer’s playground to a serious contender for professionals, educators, and hobbyists alike. But they aren’t for everyone. So before you start dreaming about hacking hardware and customizing firmware, let’s break down......

May 13, 2025

Cost & ROI

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a 3D Printer

3D printing is no longer a technology of the future; It is already altering industries today. It is a powerful tool that transforms how we conceive, construct, and make things. An increasing number of individuals from passionate enthusiasts to commercial scale producers, are purchasing 3D printers to bring their innovative designs and ideas to life. However, with so many options, selecting a 3D printer can be overwhelming given to the abundance of choices. If you are wondering how to choose a 3D print......

May 12, 2025

Business Ideas

How to Make More Money with a 3D Print Business Plan

You can have the best printer and still make zero profit. Most people dive in without a plan and end up with shelves full of unsold parts and a lot of frustration. Making real money with 3D printing isn't about working harder. It's about working smarter, choosing the right products, the right pricing, and setting up a system that doesn't rely on luck. In this guide, we'll show you the proven steps to turn your 3D printer from a hobby into a real business. Without burning out, without guessing, and wit......

Apr 28, 2025

Cost & ROI

Why Metal 3D Printers Are Still So Expensive – A Deep Dive into Costs and Technology

As industrial manufacturing transforms towards digitalization and efficiency, metal 3D printing has gradually become an important technology in the fields of aviation, automobiles, and medical treatment. However, if we pay attention to the current desktop printer market, we will find that most of them are FDM printers and SLA printers. The metal printing field is still a forbidden area for desktop printers, because compared with desktop plastic 3D printers, the price of metal 3D printers is very high,......

Apr 10, 2025

Cost & ROI

How to Reduce Cost of 3D Printing

3D printing is currently widely used in many fields such as prototype development, parts manufacturing, and artistic creation. Although 3D printing equipment and materials are easy to obtain, cost control is still a key issue for individuals and enterprises. This article will share a series of practical strategies to help you reduce 3D printing costs without affecting printing quality. 1. Optimize your 3D model for printing Optimizing 3D model design is the most direct and effective way to reduce cost......

Apr 08, 2025

Cost & ROI

3D Printing Cost Calculator: How to Estimate 3D Printing Cost?

With the popularity of 3D printing technology, more and more individual makers and enterprises have begun to use 3D printing to make parts, prototypes and customized products. However, the cost calculation of 3D printing involves many factors, such as materials, printing time, equipment depreciation, power consumption, etc. In order to help users estimate printing costs more conveniently and optimize production strategies. This article will introduce the factors that affect 3D printing costs and recom......

Mar 24, 2025

Business Ideas

How to make money by selling 3D printed products?

With the popularity of 3D printing technology, more and more creators are realizing their sideline business or even starting their own business full-time by selling personalized 3D printed products. However, market competition is becoming increasingly fierce. If you also want to enter this industry, formulating a reasonable business strategy will help your 3D printing business grow healthily. This article will discuss how to accurately find the niche market of 3D printing, formulate a reasonable prici......

Mar 10, 2025

Cost & ROI

Top 5 Best Metal 3D Printers in 2025

As of 2025, the metal 3D printing industry has seen significant advancements, with several companies leading the charge in innovation, precision, and reliability. Here are the top 5 metal 3D printers that have made a mark in 2025: 1. EOS M 400-4 ● Key Features: ○ Build Volume: 400 x 400 x 400 mm ○ Laser Power: 400W (4 lasers) ○ Materials: Titanium, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Inconel, and more ○ Layer Resolution: 20-100 microns ● Overview: The EOS M 400-4 continues to be a powerhouse in the metal 3D pr......

Feb 28, 2025

Business Ideas

3D Print Business Ideas to Help You Start Your 3D Printing Venture

In recent years, the 3D printing industry has developed rapidly, creating many job opportunities in the market. Whether you have extensive 3D printing experience or are just starting out, anyone who is willing to learn and try has great potential. If you are passionate about 3D printing and want to enter this industry, this article will introduce you to some promising 3D printing business ideas to help you find the right entry point and start your own 3D printing business. 1. Sell 3D printable designs......

Dec 26, 2024

Cost & ROI

Recommended and Purchase Guide for Small 3D Printers in 2024

In previous blog posts, we have introduced many excellent 3D printers on the market. If you are a beginner and want to enter the field of 3D printing, but don’t want to spend too much money or need a large workspace, a small 3D printer is a suitable purchase option. In this article, we will introduce the most recommended small 3D printers in 2024, focusing on their functions and technical features. If you are still in the watch-and-wait stage for 3D printer consumption, it is recommended to use JLC3DP......

Dec 14, 2024

Cost & ROI

Recommended large 3D printers in 2024: Printing large one-piece parts

When using a home desktop printer, if you want to print large parts, you can only cut the model file first, split it and print it, and then splice it together, but the printing effect is likely to be worse than that of one-piece parts. The build volume of large 3D printers is larger. The advantage of one-piece molding can not only improve the overall strength of the structure, but also reduce the time cost and error risk brought by the splicing process. It is the right tool to complete this job. With ......

Dec 09, 2024

Cost & ROI

Recommended Best Resin 3D Printers in 2024

In recent years, resin 3D printers have developed rapidly in the home 3D printer market. Compared with traditional FDM printing, resin printers can provide higher precision and more delicate printing details. The improvement of printing technology allows users to easily complete the production of high-precision models at home. This article will recommend several of the most competitive resin 3D printers in the 3D printing market in 2024 to help you choose the most suitable equipment and the factors to......

Nov 22, 2024

Cost & ROI

How Much is a 3D Printer？ A Comprehensive Guide for Every Budget

3D printing is becoming more and more popular, bringing countless creative and practical possibilities. So how much is a 3D printer? 3D printers have a very wide price range, depending on the printing process, materials, and complexity of the 3D printing solution. This article will analyze the cost of 3D printers based on their type and intended use, helping you find a model that fits your budget. Types of 3D Printers and Their Costs 1. Entry-level 3D Printers ($100 - $500) Entry-level 3D printers are......

Nov 12, 2024

Sponsorships

JLC3DP Collaborates with Retsetman: Exploring Innovative Mechanical Design with 3D Printing

3D printing technology is widely used in mechanical design, especially in the realization of unique mechanical designs. Through 3D printing, engineers can more flexibly create complex structures and achieve rapid prototyping of high-precision parts, thus accelerating design iterations. The cooperation between JLC3DP and mechanical design blogger retsetman is a typical case. In this cooperation, Retsetman designed two extremely creative projects: a high reduction ratio "nutation swing gear" and a uniqu......

Nov 08, 2024

Sponsorships

JLC3DP helps CPSdrone explore deepwater mines

During adventure to explore deepwater mines, YouTube blogger CPSdrone built a DIY submarine to try to go deep into flooded uranium mines and record the deepwater scenes with a camera. In this project, JLC3DP, as a key sponsor, provided the submarine with customized 3D printed nylon parts, which use advanced SLS technology to enhance the submarine's design durability and deepwater performance. In CPSdrone's previous waterproof tests on 3D printed objects, JLC3DP also provided bloggers with high-quality......

Oct 29, 2024

Sustainability

3D Printing Recycling: For Sustainability

With the rapid development of 3D printing technology, how to effectively recycle and reuse waste generated during the printing process has become an important issue that needs to be solved in the industry. Reducing printing waste can not only reduce costs, but also is a key step to achieve sustainable development. This article will explore how to reduce waste in 3D printing and introduce some practical 3d printing recycling application cases. Source: https://www.3dnatives.com/en/10-reasons-why-3d-prin......

Oct 22, 2024

Sponsorships

JLC3DP provides 3D printed parts to GodFinger for RX-78 Gundam model

3D printed spliced parts have shown unique advantages in the production of model figures such as Gundam. First of all, it can accurately restore complex details, especially in models with such complex structures and extremely demanding appearance, each part can achieve millimeter-level accuracy. Second, the spliced parts allow the model to be assembled in a modular manner for easy transport, display, and modification without the need for permanent gluing. In addition, 3D printed spliced parts can also......

Oct 09, 2024

Sponsorships

JLC3DP helps RC Girl build her customized Toyota 4Runner (RC car)

3D printed radio-controlled cars are customizable vehicle models made using 3D printing technology. Its main components, such as the body, chassis, and some connectors, are usually printed out using a 3D printer according to the model design, and then assembled with commercially available electronic components. This flexibility and low-cost production method has attracted many RC (radio-controlled) car fans, and 3D printing technology has brought new possibilities to the radio-controlled car community......

Sep 24, 2024

Sponsorships

KellyBlogs Partners with JLC3DP: Bringing Figurine Art to Life Through 3D Printing

KellyBlogs is a YouTuber from Colombia who focuses on combining 3D printing and artistic creation. Her blog mainly shares her unique 3D project designs. Kelly is passionate about creating anime character models, and through her channel, she shows her artistic process, design inspiration, and the stories behind her creations. KellyBlogs and JLC3DP have completed many collaborations. Kelly hand-painted the 3D printed resin parts provided by JLC3DP, and finally assembled and spliced them together. JLC3DP......

Sep 12, 2024

Business Ideas

What you need to consider before starting the 3D printing farm

As technology advances, equipment costs decrease, and the trend toward mass customization grows, the demand for 3D printing is rapidly expanding, and the size of 3D printing farms is also proliferating around the world. 3D printing farms operate much like traditional manufacturing factories, but with the benefits of flexibility and customization. Rather than producing a single product line, 3D printing farms cater to a wide range of industries and applications, providing customized solutions for speci......

Sep 09, 2024

Cost & ROI

The 5 most recommended full-color 3D printers in 2024

Traditional monochrome printing limits the presentation of objects, while full-color 3D printers provide users with morecreative freedom and can print realistic models and prototypes that are more in line with actual application needs. Full-color 3D printing technology has been widely used in many industries, including education, medical, architecture, and art. This article will introduce the five best full-color 3D printers on the market in 2024, covering a variety of different budgets and applicatio......

Sep 05, 2024

Sponsorships

Integza and JLC3DP Collaborate: 3D Printing Rocket Using Water as Fuel

Integza is a YouTuber known for making videos about science experiments, engineering projects, and DIY inventions. His channel focuses on creative engineering, physics, and mechanics, especially those involving rockets, engines, and fancy mechanical devices. Integza's videos are humorous and creative, and often show complex science and engineering concepts in a lighthearted and fun way, attracting a large number of technology enthusiasts and DIY enthusiasts. Source: integza.com This video shows how to......

Aug 30, 2024

Sponsorships

JLC3DP Collaborates with Hacksmith Industries to Explore the Strength of 3D-Printed Collarbone

Hacksmith Industries is a popular YouTube channel founded by former engineer James Hobson that has gained a large following by translating fictional ideas from movies, video games, and comics into real-life prototypes. With a team of skilled engineers and creators, Hacksmith Industries focuses on "making the impossible possible." More than just entertainment, the channel showcases the engineering process, explaining the science and technology behind each project. This approach has made Hacksmith Indus......

Aug 19, 2024

Sponsorships

JLC3DP Sponsors Korea National University of Transportation’s Challenger Automobile Club

The Challenger Automobile Club, from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Korea National University of Transportation, is a dynamic student-led team that is passionate about designing and building cars from scratch. The team consists of students interested in building their own cars, focusing on research activities such as vehicle design and dynamic analysis. This year, the club has been working hard to complete their latest project, the CEF-24 car, which will be entered into the prestigiou......

Aug 12, 2024

Sponsorships

ESTACA Space Odyssey and JLC3DP Partner to Enhance Rocket Recovery

ESTACA Space Odyssey, an aerospace and rocketry-themed association from the prestigious engineering school ESTACA, announces a partnership with JLC3DP. This collaboration aims to revolutionize the design and manufacturing of critical metal components for the ESTACA Space Launcher (ESL) program, a series of rockets designed to push the boundaries of hybrid rocket technology. ESTACA Space Launcher (ESL) Program The ESL program consists of three rockets, each designed to achieve progressively higher alti......

Aug 10, 2024

Cost & ROI

Top 5 Best 3D Printers for Miniatures

3D printing has revolutionized the way we create and customize miniatures for tabletop games, model building, and artistic projects. With a plethora of options available, choosing the right 3D printer can be daunting. In this article, we will explore the top five 3D printers that excel in producing high-quality miniatures, considering factors such as print quality, ease of use, and affordability. 1. Anycubic Photon Mono X （ Source: ANYCUBIC ） Price: $549 Overview : The Anycubic Photon Mono X is a resi......

Aug 05, 2024

Sustainability

The Impact of 3D Printing on Sustainability

Introduction In recent years, 3D printing has emerged as a revolutionary technology with the potential to transform various industries. Its impact on sustainability has been a topic of increasing interest and debate. In this article, we will explore the ways in which 3D printing influences sustainability and discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with this rapidly advancing technology. Reduced Waste Traditional manufacturing processes often result in significant material wastage. In ......

Cost & ROI

3D Printing Near Me vs. Sourcing Overseas

In the realm of manufacturing, 3D printing stands out as a transformative technology, offering unparalleled flexibility and efficiency. With the expansion of 3D printing services both locally and overseas, the choice between sourcing options has become a crucial consideration for businesses and individuals alike. This article aims to delve into the intricacies of local versus overseas 3D printing, providing a comprehensive comparative analysis to assist in making informed decisions. 3D Printing Near M......

Apr 17, 2024

Sustainability

Enhancing Sustainability And Waste Reduction In 3D Printing

Enhancing sustainability and waste reduction in 3D printing is crucial for minimizing environmental impact, conserving resources, reducing waste, achieving cost efficiency, stimulating innovation, meeting consumer demands, and complying with regulations. By optimizing material usage, implementing recycling practices, and promoting sustainable materials, 3D printing can contribute to a more environmentally responsible and economically viable manufacturing industry while attracting environmentally-consc......

Jan 02, 2024