How to Make Money Selling Custom 3D Printed Keychains

Why 3D Printed Keychains Are a Great Business Idea

Custom keychains are among the most popular and accessible products for getting started in the world of 3D printing sales. They’re small, functional, universally appealing, and can be personalized in endless ways. Thanks to their size, keychains are quick to print, cost little in materials, and are easy to ship, making them the perfect entry-level product for budding 3D printing entrepreneurs.

Step 1: Master the Tools of the Trade

Before you can start making money with 3D printed keychains, you need to understand the basics of 3D printing. Invest in a reliable desktop 3D printer—models like the Prusa i3 MK3S+, Creality Ender 3, or Bambu Lab P1P offer a good balance of print quality and affordability. PLA filament is an excellent starting point due to its ease of use and wide range of colors.

Get comfortable with slicing software like Cura or PrusaSlicer, which will convert your digital designs into printable instructions. If you’re planning to create custom shapes or add personalized text, familiarize yourself with user-friendly 3D modeling programs such as Tinkercad or Fusion 360.

Step 2: Design Unique and Appealing Keychains

The key to making sales is creating keychain designs that stand out. Draw inspiration from trends, pop culture, hobbies, or local interests. Offer personalization options, such as names, initials, or custom images.

Some bestselling ideas include:

Name keychains in trendy fonts
Miniature logos or symbols (sports, gaming, fandoms)
Inspirational quotes or phrases
Novelty shapes and small gadgets (bottle openers, tools)

When designing, keep your print bed size, print time, and filament color options in mind. A standard keychain size (about 1.5–2.5 inches across) is ideal. Add a hole or loop for the keyring and consider the durability of your design (avoid thin or fragile parts).

Step 3: Optimize Print Settings for Quality and Speed

Since keychains are small, they print quickly—many in under an hour. Use layer heights of 0.2 mm for a good balance of speed and detail. Infill around 20% is usually sufficient for durability without wasting material.

Make sure your first layer adhesion is solid to avoid print failures. If printing with text or fine details, slow down your print speed and consider using a smaller nozzle (0.3 mm or 0.2 mm) for crisper results.

Step 4: Post-Process for a Professional Finish

Presentation matters. Remove any stringing or imperfections with a hobby knife or sandpaper. For PLA prints, a quick wipe with isopropyl alcohol can remove fingerprints and dust. For extra flair, experiment with painting, adding epoxy resin for gloss, or attaching decorative hardware.

Package your keychains attractively, perhaps in small bags or boxes with your business branding. This boosts perceived value and makes your product gift-ready.

Step 5: Set Up Sales Channels

You can sell custom 3D printed keychains through various channels:

Etsy: Perfect for custom and personalized items.
eBay and Amazon Handmade: Reach large, global audiences.
Local markets and craft fairs: Stand out with unique, locally-relevant designs.
Your own website: Build a brand and customer base you control.
Social media: Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are great for showing your process and attracting buyers.

Offer bundles and discounts for bulk orders (great for corporate gifts, events, or party favors). Be clear about your customization options and processing times.

Step 6: Price Your Keychains for Profit

Factor in the cost of materials (filament, key rings, packaging), printer maintenance, your time (for both printing and design), and shipping. Most custom 3D printed keychains sell for $5–$15 depending on the complexity and level of customization. Bulk orders or premium materials can command higher prices.

Step 7: Handle Orders and Customer Service

Respond promptly to inquiries and requests. Provide clear instructions for customers to submit names, images, or other customization details. Keep turnaround times reasonable and communicate proactively about order status. Positive reviews and repeat customers are invaluable!

Tips for Scaling Up Your 3D Printed Keychain Business

Invest in multiple printers as demand grows.
Create a catalog of ready-to-print designs to streamline production.
Explore partnerships with local businesses or event organizers for bulk or branded keychains.
Stay updated with trending topics and new 3D printing materials or techniques (e.g., glow-in-the-dark filament, flexible TPU).

Final Thoughts

Selling custom 3D printed keychains is a rewarding way to monetize your creativity and 3D printing skills. With low startup costs, endless customization options, and broad market appeal, keychains represent a fantastic opportunity for makers and entrepreneurs alike. Start with great designs, focus on quality, and provide excellent customer service—the profits will follow!