Course Content
Module 1: Introduction to 3D Printing
This section gives an overview of what 3D Printing is and is origins.
0/4
What is 3D Printing?
00:05
3D Printing’s origin…History and Evolution of Additive Manufacturing
Types of 3D Printing Technologies (FDM, SLA, SLS, etc.)
Part 1 Quiz
00:10:00
Module 2: 3D Printers & Materials
This section gives an overview of the various 3D Printer components, 3D Printer types and materials.
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Components of a 3D Printer
Filament Types and Resin Basics
Choosing the Right Printer and Materials!
Module 2 Quiz: Materials and Printer Components
00:05:00
Module 3: 3D Printing File Types
This lesson provides a comprehensive understanding of the myriads of file extensions in the 3D Printing.
0/6
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
SLA (Stereolithography)
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)
FAM (Fluid Additive Manufacturing)
00:00
Other Technologies.
Module 3: 3D Printing File Types
00:05:00
Module 4: Introduction to 3D Modeling
Start designing your own printable objects with easy-to-use modeling tools. This module introduces you to beginner-friendly 3D modeling software and teaches you how to create objects that are optimized for the printing process.
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Basic Design Concepts
Beginner-Friendly Software (Tinkercad, Fusion 360, FreeCAD)
Getting Started with FreeCAD!
Designing for Printability
Module 5: Slicing and G-Code
Before printing, models need to be sliced into printable layers. Learn how slicing software works, how to adjust print settings like layer height and infill, and how the slicer generates the G-code that your printer uses to build the object.
0/3
Introduction to Slicer Software (Cura, OrcaSlicer and more)!
03:52
Layer Height, Supports, Infill, and Print Settings
Generating and Reading G-code
Module 6: The Print Process
Now it’s time to bring your models to life. Learn how to set up your printer, load materials, calibrate settings, and start your first print. This module also covers how to identify and fix common printing issues like warping or layer shifting.
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Printer Setup and Calibration
Starting Your First Print
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Module 7: Post-Processing
After printing, your model might need some finishing work. Discover how to remove supports, sand rough edges, paint your models, and combine printed parts into assemblies. These techniques can take your prints from good to great.
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Removing Supports
Sanding and Surface Finishing
Painting and Assembly
Module 8: Introduction to 3D Scanning
Learn how physical objects can be digitized using 3D scanning technology. This module introduces different scanning methods, software for cleaning and editing scan data, and how scanning is used in design, repair, and reverse engineering.
0/3
Types of 3D Scanners
Mesh Cleanup
Retopology Applications in Reverse Engineering
Module 9: Real-World Applications
Explore how 3D printing is transforming industries like healthcare, automotive, education, and aerospace. See case studies and examples of how professionals use 3D printing to solve real problems and prototype new ideas.
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3D Printing in Industry, Medicine, and Education
3D Printing in Construction & Housing
3D Printing in Fashion and Art
3D Printing in Defense and Military Applications
Module 10: The Business of 3D Printing
In this module, students explore how 3D printing extends beyond the workshop and into the world of business, sustainability, and emerging markets. From eco-conscious manufacturing to digital entrepreneurship, learners discover how additive manufacturing is reshaping supply chains, product development, and global commerce. The module begins by examining sustainability trends, showing how 3D printing reduces waste, supports local production, and enables environmentally friendly materials. Students then move into the future of additive technologies, including bioprinting, AI-driven design, and off-planet construction. The module also highlights how 3D printing enables new business models—from custom product startups and digital part libraries to contract printing services and hybrid manufacturing workflows. Students gain insight into market opportunities, value propositions, and the strategic use of 3D printing to create value across industries. Whether learners aim to start a business, join an innovative company, or simply understand the economics behind additive manufacturing, this module equips them with the tools and trends that define the future of 3D printing as a business.
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Sustainability and Future Trends
Building a Portfolio or Business in 3D Printing
Complete a Print-to-Finish Project
Submit for Feedback and Certification
Receive Your Certificate and Bonus Gift
Private: 3D Printing Fundamentals.

🎯 Lesson: Building a Portfolio or Business in 3D Printing

💡 Focus: Learn how to turn your 3D printing skills into a viable freelance portfolio, service offering, or full-scale business—from hobbyist to professional.

✅ Lesson Summary

Whether you’re a designer, maker, or engineer, 3D printing can be more than a creative outlet—it can be a career path or scalable business. This lesson covers how to build a strong portfolio, define your niche, price your services, and market your skills effectively.

🎓 Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

  1. Identify the essential elements of a 3D printing business or freelance portfolio

  2. Explore different business models in the 3D printing industry

  3. Understand pricing strategies and value-based service offerings

  4. Develop a roadmap for marketing and scaling a 3D printing business

📘 Lesson Content

🟦 1. Building a 3D Printing Portfolio

A strong portfolio demonstrates your skills, style, and problem-solving abilities. Include:

  • Photos of finished prints (clean, well-lit, varied angles)

  • Digital renderings (Fusion 360, Blender, FreeCAD, etc.)

  • Design-to-print process breakdowns

  • Before/after examples (e.g., repairs, upgrades, prototypes)

  • Specialty focus: FDM parts, resin miniatures, functional tools, etc.

  • Include failed prints and lessons learned for authenticity

Tip: Host your portfolio on:

  • A personal website

  • Behance, GitHub, or Printables

  • Instagram/YouTube for tutorials and time-lapse prints

🟨 2. Business Models in 3D Printing

There are several proven models to launch a business:

Model Description Example Use-Case
Print-on-Demand Offer custom prints via Etsy, eBay, or own site Phone stands, cosplay props, tool parts
Freelance 3D Design Offer design services for others’ print projects CAD work for engineers or inventors
Prototyping Services Partner with startups or engineers for rapid protos Early product iterations, mockups
Local Repair/Mod Shops Print discontinued parts, fix items Broken clips, car trim, appliance parts
Niche Products Create specialty brands (miniatures, jewelry, etc.) D&D minis, wedding cake toppers
Print Farm/Contract Work Run multiple printers to fulfill B2B orders Promotional items, corporate giveaways
Education & Training Teach others to 3D model, use slicers, or print Workshops, online courses, tutorials

🟩 3. Essential Business Setup

To transition from portfolio to business:

  1. Define Your Niche

    • Industrial parts, cosplay, home decor, tools, art, education, etc.

  2. Business Registration

    • Name, website, LLC registration (varies by region)

  3. Equipment

    • FDM printer(s), resin printer(s), slicers, post-processing tools

    • Optional: 3D scanner, laser cutter, print farm tools (OctoPrint, Klipper)

  4. Software Stack

    • Design (Fusion 360, Blender, Tinkercad)

    • Slicing (Orca, Cura, Chitubox)

    • File storage (Cloud, GitHub, Dropbox)

  5. Online Presence

    • Website or landing page

    • E-commerce store or Printables profile

    • Instagram, TikTok, YouTube for exposure

💰 4. Pricing Strategies

Price based on time, materials, and value:

Cost Component Notes
Filament/Resin Charge per gram/ml + margin
Print Time Charge per hour of print + wear/tear
Design Time Hourly or flat rate depending on scope
Post-Processing Include sanding, priming, painting costs
Delivery/Shipping Factor into total or charge separately

Tip: Research competitor pricing on sites like Etsy or Treatstock.

📣 5. Marketing Your 3D Printing Services

Online Channels

  • Etsy, eBay, Printables, MyMiniFactory

  • Reddit, Discord communities, local Facebook groups

  • Instagram Reels or TikTok showing time-lapse prints

Offline Channels

  • Local makerspaces, schools, libraries

  • Flyers or demo prints in local businesses

  • Craft fairs and expos

Trust Builders

  • Customer reviews

  • Time-lapse videos or tutorials

  • Detailed project breakdowns with honest challenges

🔧 6. Business Growth Opportunities

  • Scale to a print farm (multiple printers)

  • License or sell digital STL designs

  • Offer B2B services (branding, parts manufacturing)

  • Expand into training, workshops, or kits

  • Collaborate with artists, designers, or local educators

  • Integrate 3D scanning for customized or repair work

🧠 Summary

A 3D printing portfolio isn’t just a gallery—it’s the foundation for a brand or business. By choosing a focus, pricing your work fairly, and building your reputation, you can turn your passion into income, a side hustle, or even a scalable company.

📂 Optional Activity

Assignment
Create a draft outline for your 3D printing business or freelance service.

Include:

  • Your niche focus (e.g., miniatures, tooling, cosplay props)

  • The type of services you’ll offer

  • Your pricing approach

  • A 3-sentence elevator pitch

  • 1–3 platforms where you’ll host your portfolio or products

📎 Additional Resources

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