3D Printing Playbook

Everything you need to be successful in this exciting and rapidly changing industry. No matter whether you are just starting out or you want to take your 3D printing business to the next level, this essential book is filled with simple but solid strategies. This is a valuable compilation of 'insider information’ that looks at both the opportunities and challenges, valuable information for everybody, from complete beginners to seasoned pros. Before you invest in a 3D printer, read this book. It provides a detailed breakdown of strategies, suppliers, competitors and a blueprint for success in the 3D printing industry. Unlike so many books in this category, which are little more than overly-simplified introductions to the technology, this book is a true deep-dive into the practical aspects of 3D printing as a business. Discover, step-by-step, how real-life home 3D printers succeed by selling their output on e-commerce sites. This is not information that you can find with a few simple internet searches. Instead, this is a detailed investigation of the categories which are currently most profitable for home 3D printers. It provides real-world examples of active sellers and identifies their most successful products and techniques, using them as valuable case studies. It dissects the most popular markets down to microscopic levels of detail, looking at the most promising sub-niches and pointing out important market openings. Expert advice from experienced sellers with sound business advice on every page. How to choose a plan of attack, so you know exactly what products to print. How to create product listings that convert into cash. How to position your prints head-and-shoulders over the crowd of competitors. Methods for using SEO to draw in shoppers looking for 3D printed products. How to price your prints online to earn top dollar. Pro tips for selling online in order to get the best bang for your buck. Essential advice for anyone considering 3D printing as a business. Table of Contents Introduction 3D Printer Types FDM Printing Resin Printing LDM Printing Consumables Print Farms 3D Modelling 3D Printing Business Strategies Identifying Profitable Products Tabletop Gaming Industry Introduction Pricing Pressures Merchant Opportunities The Rise of Patreon Digital Downloading Your Own Website Genres and Products Science Fiction Star Wars Star Trek Gaslands Warhammer 40K Games Workshop Fantasy Role-Playing Historical Wargaming Out Of Print Games Digital Customisers Miscellaneous Accessories Upcycling Collectibles Bookmarks Auto Model Accessories Memorabilia Sculpture Trophy Heads Animals Busts Codename Colossus Pin Ups One Sixth Scale Dolls' Houses Cosplay Functional Prints Crafting Upcycling Opportunities Compliant Mechanisms 3D Printing in Education Five Advanced Projects Selling On and Off-line Careers in 3D Printing Looking to the Future About the Author