3D Printing Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

3D Printing Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your 3D Printing business plan.

We have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their 3D Printing companies.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your 3D Printing business plan.

Executive Summary

Business Overview

OKC 3D Printing is a new 3D printing company located in the heart of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. We offer world-class 3D printing services to businesses, educational institutes, and other organizations located around the city. The company uses the latest manufacturing technologies to build functional parts and prototypes in both metals and plastics. Some of the services provided include selective laser sintering, fused deposition modeling, stereolithography, and multi-jet fusion. No matter what models or ideas our customers bring to us, we can easily make them a reality.

OKC 3D Printing is founded and owned by Alex Walker, who is a veteran of the additive manufacturing and printing industry. He is well-versed in all of the most popular forms of 3D printing and has an in-depth knowledge of the operations and management aspects of running a 3D printing company. His experience and local connections will prove invaluable to the business.

 

Product Offering

OKC 3D Printing will provide a wide variety of 3D printing services to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Some of these services include:

  • Rapid prototyping
  • Multi-jet fusion (MJF)
  • Selective laser sintering (SLS)
  • Fused deposition modeling (FDM)
  • Stereolithography (SLA)
  • Direct metal printing
  • Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS)

 

Customer Focus

OKC 3D Printing will serve the community of Oklahoma City. The company will primarily offer its products and services to businesses, educational institutions, and other organizations:

 

Management Team

OKC 3D Printing is led by Alex Walker, who has been in the additive manufacturing and printing industry for 25 years. While Alex has never run a 3D printing company himself, he was the Director of Operations at one of the leading 3D printing and rapid prototyping services companies in the area. During this time, he helped the company reach its full potential as it expanded its services and outreach to over a dozen local industries. As such, Alex has an in-depth knowledge of the 3D printing business, including the operations side (e.g., running day-to-day operations) and the business management side (e.g., staffing, marketing, etc.). He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Printing Technology and an MBA.

 

Success Factors

OKC 3D Printing will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

  • Management: The management team has 25 years of working experience in a 3D printing company that allows them to serve customers in a more sophisticated manner than the competitors.
  • Relationships: Having lived in the community for 30 years, Alex Walker knows all of the local leaders, media, and other influencers. Furthermore, he will be able to draw from his existing personal and professional relationships to develop an initial client base.
  • Great service at an affordable price: The complete array of 3D printing services offered by OKC 3D Printing nearly equals the most premium-positioned competitors but at a much more affordable price.
  • Location: OKC 3D Printing’s location is near the business center of town, giving the company access to educational institutions and private and public sector organizations that need 3D printing services.


Financial Highlights

OKC 3D Printing is currently seeking $600,000 to launch its 3D printing press. Specifically, these funds will be used as follows:

  • Design and build-out: $100,000
  • Equipment and supplies: $100,000
  • Six months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $250,000
  • Marketing costs: $50,000
  • Working capital: $100,000

 

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for OKC 3D Printing.

 

Company Overview

Who is OKC 3D Printing?

OKC 3D Printing is a new 3D printing company located in the heart of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. We offer world-class 3D printing services to businesses, educational institutes, and other organizations located around the city. The company uses the latest manufacturing technologies to build functional parts and prototypes in both metals and plastics. Some of the services provided include selective laser sintering, fused deposition modeling, stereolithography, and multi-jet fusion. No matter what models or ideas our customers bring to us, we can easily make them a reality.


OKC 3D Printing is founded and owned by Alex Walker, who is a veteran of the additive manufacturing and printing industry. He is well-versed in all of the most popular forms of 3D printing and has an in-depth knowledge of the operations and management aspects of running a 3D printing company. His experience and local connections will prove invaluable to the business.

 

OKC 3D Printing History

Alex Walker is an entrepreneur with a passion for new 3D printing techniques. He has been in the additive manufacturing and printing industry for the last 25 years but has been eager to branch out on his own. It was last year that Alex decided to start his own company dedicated to offering a complete 3D printing and design service experience for the residents and businesses of Oklahoma City.

Upon surveying the local customer base and finding a potential location, Alex Walker incorporated OKC 3D Printing as an S-Corporation on October 10th, 202X.

Alex is currently undergoing due diligence on several properties to assess which one might be the most desirable location for the 3D printing press.

Since incorporation, the company has achieved the following milestones:

  • Found several properties that can serve as the location for the 3D printing press
  • Developed the company’s name, logo, and website
  • Determined equipment and inventory requirements
  • Began recruiting key employees with experience in the industry

 

OKC 3D Printing Services

OKC 3D Printing will provide a wide variety of 3D printing services to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Some of these services include:

  • Rapid prototyping
  • Multi-jet fusion (MJF)
  • Selective laser sintering (SLS)
  • Fused deposition modeling (FDM)
  • Stereolithography (SLA)
  • Direct metal printing
  • Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS)

 

Industry Analysis

Though 3D printing has been around for decades, the industry has rapidly expanded in just the past 15 years. This is expected to continue as both businesses and individuals have an increasing need for 3D printing technology. Numerous industries are benefiting from 3D printing and are expanding this technology’s applications. With 3D printing becoming more common in sectors such as the healthcare, automotive, and defense industries, the 3D printing services industry will only continue to expand and increase in demand.

According to Grand View Research, the industry was valued at USD 16.75 billion in 2022, and about 2.2 million 3D printers were shipped. However, the industry is expected to grow at an enormous compound annual growth rate of 20.8% from now until 2030. In 2030, it is expected that the industry will be valued at USD 76.17 billion, and about 21.5 million printers will be shipped. This is aggressive growth that shows just how much this technology is in demand. This growth will only continue as more applications for 3D printing are discovered.


Customer Analysis

Demographic Profile of Target Market

OKC 3D Printing will serve businesses, government organizations, and educational institutions that are located in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City is a large city filled with numerous businesses and organizations that can benefit from 3D printing.

The precise demographics for Oklahoma City are:

 

Customer Segmentation

OKC 3D Printing will primarily target the following three customer segments:

  • Small businesses
  • Government organizations
  • High schools, colleges, and universities


Competitive Analysis

Direct and Indirect Competitors

OKC 3D Printing will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Prototype One

Prototype One is one of the most renowned 3D printing companies and has been in business for 30 years. Prototype One offers a wide array of 3D printing services to allow product developers, designers, and engineers an easier path to move from prototyping to low-volume production. Their suite of services and capabilities is the most comprehensive of any other competitor.

3D Printing Solutions

3D Printing Solutions provides its customers with thousands of 3D services for the architecture, engineering, and construction sectors. The company’s products include coordinate measuring machines, laser trackers and projectors, mappers, scanners, and software. Customers are able to browse through their vast database of designs from one central location. 3D Printing Solutions categorizes designs to make it easy to find what its customers are looking for.

XO 3D Printing

XO 3D Printing was established in 2008 and caters to a high-end clientele as it provides platforms to facilitate the development of 3D printing applications in industries such as healthcare, automotive, aerospace, and art and design. With more than 120 3D printers, they have an unmatched capacity that reliably delivers parts within days.


Competitive Advantage

OKC 3D Printing enjoys several advantages over its competitors. These advantages include:

  • Management: The management team has 25 years of working experience in a 3D printing company which allows them to serve customers in a more sophisticated manner than the competitors.
  • Relationships: Having lived in the community for 30 years, Alex Walker knows all of the local leaders, media, and other influencers. Furthermore, he will be able to draw from his existing personal and professional relationships to develop an initial client base.
  • Great service at an affordable price: The complete array of 3D printing services offered by OKC 3D Printing nearly equals the most premium-positioned competitors but at a much more affordable price.
  • Location: OKC 3D Printing’s location is near the business center of town, giving the company access to educational institutions and private and public sector organizations that need 3D printing services.

 

Marketing Plan

Brand & Value Proposition

OKC 3D Printing seeks to position itself as an upper-middle-market competitor in the 3D printing industry. Customers can expect to receive professionally printed objects from skilled printing operators at a moderate price point.

The OKC 3D Printing brand will focus on the company’s unique value proposition:

  • Offering a wide variety of customized 3D printing services and capabilities
  • Convenient location
  • Customer-focused service
  • Moderate price point

 

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for OKC 3D Printing is as follows:

Pre-Opening Events

Before opening, OKC 3D Printing will organize pre-opening events designed for prospective customers, local merchants, and press contacts. These events will create buzz and awareness for the company in the area.

Advertisement

Advertisements in print publications like newspapers, magazines, etc., are an excellent way for businesses to connect with their audience. The company will advertise its products in popular magazines and news dailies. Obtaining relevant placements in industry magazines and journals will also help in increasing brand visibility.

Public Relations

OKC 3D Printing will hire an experienced PR agency/professional(s) to formulate a compelling PR campaign to boost its brand visibility among the target audience. It will look to garner stories about the company and its offerings in various media outlets like newspapers, podcasts, television stations, radio shows, etc.

Social Media Marketing

One of the most cost-effective and practical marketing tools for increasing company visibility is social media. The company will use social media to develop engaging content in terms of different 3D designs and customer reviews that will increase audience awareness and loyalty. Engaging with prospective clients and business partners on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn will also help understand changing customer needs.

 

Pricing

OKC 3D Printing’s pricing will be moderate, so customers feel they receive great value when availing of the 3D printing services. Customers can expect to receive high-quality modeling and printing services at a more affordable price than what they pay at an ultra-premium printing company.


Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for OKC 3D Printing.

Operation Functions:

  • Alex Walker will be the President of the company. He will be in charge of the overall operations as well as some of the initial marketing and networking efforts to gain new customers.
  • Alex will be assisted by Noah Brown, who will serve as the Manager. He will help with customer service, operating the 3D printers, and managing the other technicians.
  • Alex is also assisted by Rhonda Williams, who will work as an Administrative Assistant. She will be in charge of all the general administrative tasks for the company.
  • Alex will hire several other employees to assist with marketing, sales, and customer service as the company continues to expand.
  • Alex will also hire several technicians to operate the 3D printers and provide customer service.


Milestones:

The following are a series of steps that lead to our vision of long-term success. OKC 3D Printing expects to achieve the following milestones in the following six months:

2/202X            Finalize lease agreement on retail location

3/202X            Design and build out OKC 3D Printing

4/202X            Hire and train initial staff

5/202X            Kickoff of promotional campaign

6/202X            Launch OKC 3D Printing

7/202X            Reach break-even

 

Management Team

OKC 3D Printing is led by Alex Walker, who has been in the additive manufacturing and printing industry for 25 years. While Alex has never run a 3D printing company himself, he was the Director of Operations at one of the leading 3D printing and rapid prototyping services companies in the area. During this time, he helped the company reach its full potential as it expanded its services and outreach to over a dozen local industries. As such, Alex has an in-depth knowledge of the 3D printing business, including the operations side (e.g., running day-to-day operations) and the business management side (e.g., staffing, marketing, etc.). He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Printing Technology and an MBA.


Financial Plan

Key Revenue & Costs

OKC 3D Printing’s revenues will come from the 3D printing services. The major costs for the company will be the buildout of the facility, printing equipment and supplies, and staff salaries. In the initial years, the company’s marketing spending will be high as it establishes itself in the market. Moreover, rent for the prime location is also one of the notable cost drivers for the company.

 

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

OKC 3D Printing is currently seeking $600,000 to launch its 3D printing press. Specifically, these funds will be used as follows:

  • Design and build-out: $100,000
  • Equipment and supplies: $100,000
  • Six months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $250,000
  • Marketing costs: $50,000
  • Working capital: $100,000


Key Assumptions

The following table reflects the key revenue and cost assumptions made in the financial model:

  • Average Number of Clients
    • FY1: 50
    • FY2: 100
    • FY3: 150
    • FY4: 225
    • FY5: 300
  • Average monthly payroll expenses: $50,000
  • Office lease per year: $100,000

 

Financial Projections

Income Statement
FY 1FY 2FY 3FY 4FY 5
Revenues
Total Revenues$360,000$793,728$875,006$964,606$1,063,382
Expenses & Costs
Cost of goods sold$64,800$142,871$157,501$173,629$191,409
Lease$50,000$51,250$52,531$53,845$55,191
Marketing$10,000$8,000$8,000$8,000$8,000
Salaries$157,015$214,030$235,968$247,766$260,155
Initial expenditure$10,000$0$0$0$0
Total Expenses & Costs$291,815$416,151$454,000$483,240$514,754
EBITDA$68,185 $377,577 $421,005 $481,366 $548,628
Depreciation$27,160$27,160 $27,160 $27,160 $27,160
EBIT$41,025 $350,417 $393,845$454,206$521,468
Interest$23,462$20,529 $17,596 $14,664 $11,731
PRETAX INCOME$17,563 $329,888 $376,249 $439,543 $509,737
Net Operating Loss$0$0$0$0$0
Use of Net Operating Loss$0$0$0$0$0
Taxable Income$17,563$329,888$376,249$439,543$509,737
Income Tax Expense$6,147$115,461$131,687$153,840$178,408
NET INCOME$11,416 $214,427 $244,562 $285,703 $331,329
Balance Sheet
FY 1FY 2FY 3FY 4FY 5
ASSETS
Cash$154,257$348,760$573,195$838,550$1,149,286
Accounts receivable$0$0$0$0$0
Inventory$30,000$33,072$36,459$40,192$44,308
Total Current Assets$184,257$381,832$609,654$878,742$1,193,594
Fixed assets$180,950$180,950$180,950$180,950$180,950
Depreciation$27,160$54,320$81,480$108,640 $135,800
Net fixed assets$153,790 $126,630 $99,470 $72,310 $45,150
TOTAL ASSETS$338,047$508,462$709,124$951,052$1,238,744
LIABILITIES & EQUITY
Debt$315,831$270,713$225,594$180,475 $135,356
Accounts payable$10,800$11,906$13,125$14,469 $15,951
Total Liability$326,631 $282,618 $238,719 $194,944 $151,307
Share Capital$0$0$0$0$0
Retained earnings$11,416 $225,843 $470,405 $756,108$1,087,437
Total Equity$11,416$225,843$470,405$756,108$1,087,437
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY$338,047$508,462$709,124$951,052$1,238,744
Cash Flow Statement
FY 1FY 2FY 3FY 4FY 5
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS
Net Income (Loss)$11,416 $214,427 $244,562 $285,703$331,329
Change in working capital($19,200)($1,966)($2,167)($2,389)($2,634)
Depreciation$27,160 $27,160 $27,160 $27,160 $27,160
Net Cash Flow from Operations$19,376 $239,621 $269,554 $310,473 $355,855
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTMENTS
Investment($180,950)$0$0$0$0
Net Cash Flow from Investments($180,950)$0$0$0$0
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING
Cash from equity$0$0$0$0$0
Cash from debt$315,831 ($45,119)($45,119)($45,119)($45,119)
Net Cash Flow from Financing$315,831 ($45,119)($45,119)($45,119)($45,119)
Net Cash Flow$154,257$194,502 $224,436 $265,355$310,736
Cash at Beginning of Period$0$154,257$348,760$573,195$838,550
Cash at End of Period$154,257$348,760$573,195$838,550$1,149,286


3D Printing Business Plan FAQs

A 3D printing business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your 3D printing business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your 3D Printing business plan using our 3D Printing Business Plan Template here.

There are a number of different kinds of 3D printing businesses, some examples include: Rapid Prototype Printer, Aerospace, Automotive and Railway Printer, or Consumer Products Printer.

3D Printing businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

Starting a 3D printing business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A 3D Printing Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed 3D printing business plan in PDF or doc, that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast. 

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your 3D printing business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your 3D printing business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your 3D Printing Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your 3D printing business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your 3D printing business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations.

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events.

7. Acquire Necessary 3D Printing Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your 3D printing business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation.

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your 3D printing business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising.

Learn more about how to start a successful 3D printing business: