From the 3D-printing of industrial designs to 3D-printed prosthetics for amputees, the innovation happening in the 3D sector is staggering. Entrepreneurs are building companies in markets like ecommerce, on-demand services, and even consumer electronics. Utilizing 3D-printing technology to create products can often significantly lower costs when compared to manufacturing with traditional materials. When you don’t have to manufacture several parts separately and can instead just print out an entire product, the cost savings can be substantial. To understand the innovation within this sector, take a peek at some of the unique ways entrepreneurs are using 3D-printing technology to build quirky startups serving the needs of consumers:
Mixee Labs
Mixee Labs offers on-demand 3D printing. Design your own products with Mixee Labs’ software and they’ll print and ship your creations to you. Whether you want to create your own 3D-printed jewelry to sell at craft fairs or design customized smartphone cases for your coworkers, you can do so thanks to this innovative startup. Just imagine the reaction in your local community when you start building a reputation as the 3D guru of custom products.
Optopus
Optopus offers a cool platform that lets you design and print your own 3D sunglasses. You can combine multiple colors to create custom frames and then even select what color of lenses you want in your sunglasses. Optopus will print your design for you and ship it to your door. Whether you design sunglass for yourself or to sell, chances are pretty good others in your area won’t be sporting 3D-printed eyewear.
Presspin
Presspin offers a 3D-printing marketplace. You can create your own design and upload it to Presspin and then receive bids from makers willing to print your design for you. If you don’t have design skills, Presspin lets you connect with Thingiverse to download free designs.
Thanks to innovative startups like those listed above, 3D printing is now available to mainstream consumers. Whether you’re printing products for yourself or crafting custom pieces to sell, the creation process is now easier than ever. Will you be exploring your creative options with any of these cool 3D printing startups?
