Get started before this new wave becomes the norm so your ahead of the game.
Overall the basic plan is making 3d models in software and then print them or have a company print them for you to give as gifts or to sell.
There is open source software available to create 3d models that also have free tutorials for you to learn on your own.
There are websites available to you to sell your merchandise.
You can make some money while having fun.
Here are some quick Q & A.
What is 3d printing?
Its a form of additive manufacturing technology where three dimensional objects are created by adding layers of material onto each other.
What do I need to start?
A 3d modeling program.
Access to a 3d printer.
Here's a list of 3d modeling programs
Not free
- Maya
- 3d studio Max
- Cinima 4d
- Houdini
- Zbrush
- Blender
- K-3d
- Art of Illusion
- Softimage|Xsi mod tool
- Sculptris
Access to Printers
Websites that print for you.
http://www.shapeways.com
http://www.ponoko.com/
http://www.thingiverse.com/
http://www.moddler.com/
http://www.fabathome.org/
personal
http://www.makerbot.com/
http://pp3dp.com/
http://www.dimensionprinting.com/ http://uprint.dimensionprinting.com/
http://fabbaloo.com/blog/2009/2/2/personal-3d-printer-released.html
http://printin3d.com/
How do I make 3d models?
There are tons of free tutorials online to start modeling what ever you want here are just a few great websites.
http://www.tutorialized.com/
http://www.tutorials3d.com/eng/default.asp
http://www.cgarena.com/freestuff/tutorials/tutorials.html
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Blender_3D:_Noob_to_Pro
http://www.tutorialsphere.com/
I made a model now what?
Talk to the companies and read up on their guidelines on how to set up your model so you can get it printed. Also review a company for their prices and find the best one for you.
How do I make make money?
There are plenty of websites out there to sell your products (your 3d models and 3d prints).
3dmodels:
http://www.turbosquid.com/
http://www.3dexport.com/
http://www.exchange3d.com/
http://www.buy3dmodels.com/
http://www.renderosity.com/
3dprints:
http://www.shapeways.com
http://www.etsy.com/
http://www.craftmall.com/
http://www.1000markets.com/
http://www.artfire.com/
Have fun.
