The global 3D printer market will reach $22.4 billion by 2020

The machines transform the virtual into the real and allow companies to create customized pieces.

3D printers that print in three dimensions are gaining their space in the technology market. Just like smartphones or tablets, they are the new trend of the moment for those who love investing in IT. In a very promising market, machines capable of printing an incredible variety of everyday objects are starting to become a profitable business. These printers give «life» to the most varied objects, such as, for example, cell phone protectors, camera supports, models, prosthetics, lamps, decorative objects and even personalized products, such as dolls of movie or cartoon characters. With all these resources, it is estimated that by 2020, 3D printers in the global market will reach the US$22.4 mark.

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It is a booming market and if you know how to exploit the opportunities, companies or even new entrepreneurs can succeed in that new area. You can bet on personalized and exclusive pieces, since it is possible to print the object and take it home or use it on a daily basis. And with the reduction of production costs in that area, things are changing. In the 1990s, there was only one 3D printer abroad that cost up to a million dollars. Now these machines can cost a thousand dollars (more or less R$ 3,500.00), a figure within the reach of small entrepreneurs.

But in addition to investing in these machines, we must also invest in the development of projects. There are various resources offered on the Internet, some sites have files for downloading 3D projects for free, but for those who love to propose something new, it is worth focusing on specialization courses, combining creativity and offering exclusive projects to customers. And for those who think that 3D printing is only used for decoration or in the healthcare sector, it goes much further; today the market also serves sectors such as engineering, architecture, healthcare, product development and hobbies in general.

Invest in 3D printers and make money

Many entrepreneurs have already realized that 3D printers are good alternatives for profit, and since these machines are more accessible, they are already investing, since it is possible to use a variety of materials, such as nylon, resistant thermoplastics, bronze, stainless steel, silver, ceramic, among others, which allows you to print a wide range of products, in many customized cases.

With 3D printing it is possible to produce many different items, so several startups are emerging on the market that have this type of printer as an essential work tool. New entrepreneurs are betting on various items, such as Blizzident, which produces custom-made toothbrushes, with 400 bristles and promises complete brushing in just 6 seconds. The entire process begins in the dentist’s office, who makes a cast of the patient’s mouth and sends it to the company. In three months the toothbrush reaches the patient. According to the manufacturer, the product lasts for one year.

Have you ever thought you could pay for your bus fare with a ring? Two students from MIT in the United States founded the company Sesame Ring and created a 3D printed ring that can replace a single bus ticket in Boston. The ring is waterproof, loaded with money and simply holds it close to the reader for the ticket to be validated.

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Designer Janne Kyttanen, however, created a collection of shoes produced by a 3D printer. There are four models and the customer can purchase the shoe already printed or just the digital file. The London-based company Makie Lab prints dolls designed by customers themselves. In this way the customer will be able to choose what the hair, eyes and clothes will look like, as well as defining the doll’s physiognomy.

Bikinis and glasses can also be printed

Continuum Fashion, based in New York, has developed the first 3D printed nylon12 bikini and Protos Eyeswear, based in San Francisco, has already created customized glasses based on two photos sent by the customer, one from the front and one from the side. Another company betting on the exclusivity offered by 3D printing is Materialize, which sells 3D printed fashion accessories such as jewelry, shoes and skirts, all inspired by birds. From design objects, to furnishing accessories, to lighting, to bags, to jewellery, they are made by Freedom Of Creation, a company specialized in design with 3D printing technology.

As you can see, there is a vast market that can be explored through 3D printing, but before starting a project in this segment, you need to plan and check which 3D printer model meets your expectations, since you need to make the right investment for a good return, focus on the market you want to reach, professionalize and specialize in the sector. With the Internet, the world is the limit of sales.

Sources:

http://blog.geoactivegroup.com/2016/05/worldwide-3d-printer-market-will-reach.html

http://g1.globo.com/economia/pme/noticia/2016/03/pegn-mostra-novidades-do-mercado-de-impressoras-3d.html

http://www.distrivisa.com.br/blog/modelos-de-negocio-com-foco-em-impressao-3d/

http://revistapegn.globo.com/Noticias/noticia/2013/10/10-negocios-que-usam-impressoras-3d-para-faturar.html