Possible business opportunity?

[Monty]

I don't know much about this aspect of our hobby but I wondered if there might be a market for what I'm going to propose.

3D printing seems to be the new path to obtaining cars and parts that were previously unattainable, but (speaking for myself) not all of us can afford the printers and some (me) seem to suck at technical things.

My question was whether I could buy a file and send it to someone to print out and ship to me for a fee.  I've seen a few YouTube videos of models that were 3D printed that no model company is ever going to tool up, but I can't swing the buy-in on the printer.

If what I'm proposing is already available, I'd appreciate any article you can provide that explains the process and maybe who to use. 

[stitchdup]

there are places that do this. most of the sites that sell files seem to a have printer they work with. i've done this for a few folk but i'm in scotland so shipping would be expensive. is there a wargaming shop near you? a lot highr percentage of them seem to have printers than traditional modellers so might be worth an ask (and some pretty good metal paint shades). are you in a club? if any members have a printer they might print for you or if not it might be worth a few of you grouping together to get one used.

[rattle can man]

It depends on what the seller of the file specify. Some people who sell files specify they are for personal use, not commercial. You could feasibly face a lawsuit if you sell items printed from files you purchase.

[stitchdup]

6 minutes ago, rattle can man said:

It depends on what the seller of the file specify. Some people who sell files specify they are for personal use, not commercial. You could feasibly face a lawsuit if you sell items printed from files you purchase.

printing for someone isn't commercial use if its print on demand. the first party bought the file from the second party and paid the third party to print it. it only becones a problem if the first or third party sell the prints. until then the first party can pay the third party to print as many as they want from the file. the third party isn't charging for the file, just the actual print. its how print on demand works or else nobody would print for other people

[rattle can man]

That is why I said could, not will. But the post was enquiring about a business opportunity and I interpreted it as they would be printing items to sell using someone else's file.

[Leo64]

I have a 3D resin printer and have printed parts for some modeling friends, and it is possible to be sent file(s) to print out, but the part you said about shipping it for free would be a sticking point.  Also, there would be the cost of printing the part(s).  There is the cost of the resin or the filament, depending on how they are printed, and the cost of shipping could add up depending on the size of the shipping method.  I've shipped small parts in padded envelopes and that can cost almost $5.00 depending on where it is shipped and that is just in the continental US.  If it is a complete kit with body, chassis, interior and engine shipping can cost about $8-$10.  The cost for material to print parts can get pricey also depending on the number of parts and the number of prints it would take.  A single print job of lets say a 1/25th scale engine could be a couple of dollars up to $10 depending on if the engine is multiple parts.  I have the files set up to print a 1/25th scale Uncertain-T kit and it takes 5 print jobs to produce 2 full kits, and the resin cost is around $40.

I know that some sites that sell files like Cults3D when you buy a file or files does list a couple of websites that you can contact to have them printed for you.  I have not looked into them, so I don't know what they charge for this service.

Steve A.

[1930fordpickup]

So I read the OP'S idea twice before I caught it was, print and ship out for a FEE  not free. 

There are more than a couple of people that 3D print for a living. Not sure how many will just print what I sent you.  They just dont need the bad PR if the file is not good. 

I guess you would just have to ask on here and other model forums if anyone offeres thay service before you jump in head first.

[stitchdup]

32 minutes ago, 1930fordpickup said:

So I read the OP'S idea twice before I caught it was, print and ship out for a FEE  not free. 

There are more than a couple of people that 3D print for a living. Not sure how many will just print what I sent you.  They just dont need the bad PR if the file is not good. 

I guess you would just have to ask on here and other model forums if anyone offeres thay service before you jump in head first.

i dont print for a living but if i'm not using my printers i'm happy to rent out time on them to help folk out. i find most folk that are paying to get stuff printed buy ready to use files from cults or similar. folk that draw their own files tend to have their own printers but i have a couple of friends that get me to do their final prints as my machine is better than theirs. i just cant ship to america now as theres a thief in the chicago usps custom/arrivals centre. 3 out of 5 parcels have gone missing there and i just cant afford the losses again.

[bobss396]

Look at local libraries. My son's girlfriend works at one that will do 3D printing for a very reasonable fee. 

She gives classes on 3D CAD as well. The one she uses is Tinker CAD. I may take up her offer on taking classes.

[1930fordpickup]

How long is the shelf life on the resin once it is opened? 

I ask because if it goes bad wouldn't it be better to print things out to trade or sell rather than have the resin go bad? 

[1930fordpickup]

Les 3 or of 5 is ridiculous .

[Leo64]

On 12/17/2024 at 3:42 AM, 1930fordpickup said:

So I read the OP'S idea twice before I caught it was, print and ship out for a FEE  not free. 

There are more than a couple of people that 3D print for a living. Not sure how many will just print what I sent you.  They just dont need the bad PR if the file is not good. 

I guess you would just have to ask on here and other model forums if anyone offeres thay service before you jump in head first.

I read the original post twice myself, and I thought it said free also.

Steve A.

[rattle can man]

After re-reading the post, I realize I misunderstood what was being asked. I thought the question was about selling prints of purchased files. As stated, for access to printers, some file sales sites do have options for getting prints made. Libraries can be a valid option, but my local one has a time limit of no more than 3 hours for a print. And their printer isn't big enough for bodies.  I'd also bet there are maker-labs where you can get access to a printer (for a fee plus materials) out there in larger cities.  Most of the local 3D printers here are geared toward large numbers of one part.