3D-printed spare parts for workshops and small firms
Starting costs about $6,250 in the United States and 1,130,000 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $1,900 net per month in the United States and 452,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 9 months, with 30 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 250 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $6,250 | $1,900 |
| Nigeria | 1,130,000 NGN | 452,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £4,250 | £1,330 |
| Kenya | 276,000 KES | 65,400 KES |
| India | 138,000 INR | 47,700 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Workshops, farmers and small factories are stuck for weeks waiting for a broken plastic part that is unavailable or overpriced from the original maker.
The solution
Measure or scan the part, redesign it and 3D print it in a strong technical material, delivered within days, with small batches possible.
Your customers
Maintenance workshops, farms, restaurants and shops with equipment, small factories, repairers of appliances and classic vehicles.
How you make money
€40 to €150 per part depending on complexity (design included), small batches billed per unit.
Competition
Online 3D printing services, fab labs, original manufacturer parts, hobbyists with home printers.
Who has an edge
A maintenance technician or CAD designer who masters design software and understands real mechanical stresses on parts.
The risks
Parts failing in use and related liability, intellectual property of original parts, irregular demand and quickly outdated equipment.
The first 3 steps
- Buy a reliable printer that handles technical materials
- Reproduce five parts for free for nearby workshops
- Build a library of frequently requested parts
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €2,400 − costs €1,100 = €1,300 net per month. Revenue: 30 parts × €80. Costs: filament and resin, printer upkeep, CAD software, electricity, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: 3D-printed spare parts?
About $6,250 (United States), 1,130,000 NGN (Nigeria), £4,250 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 250 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $1,900 (United States), 452,000 NGN (Nigeria), £1,330 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 9 months, with 30 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Parts failing in use and related liability, intellectual property of original parts, irregular demand and quickly outdated equipment.
Where do I start?
1. Buy a reliable printer that handles technical materials 2. Reproduce five parts for free for nearby workshops 3. Build a library of frequently requested parts
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