3D printing and recouping cost?

davron
davron Member Posts: 2 ✭
in Community Support

I've read several threads here and just got more confused. First, if I design something using the free version, am I allowed to 3D print it (one thread made me even question if I can do that)? If I'm printing another copy for a friend because he likes it, can I at least get him to pay me back for the filament and electricity used? If I'm not, then does him buying me a roll of filament constitute turning it into commercial use?

Answers

  • Ste_Wilson
    Ste_Wilson Member Posts: 681 EDU
    edited March 2025

    As someone who is just a user and in no way legally trained:

    I would think that your mate giving you a few quid does not count as commercial use. Your not going to be putting on a tax form any time soon.

    You are not a business, your just doing a favour.

    You can definitely 3d print your stuff.

    I suspect you could probably even put a model up on a 3d print site and get a couple of quid from people using it.. But, if that's becoming your main source of income, you start to make a business out of it, are trading on the work you do in Onshape, then your in commercial territory.

    (This is not to be taken as actual legal advice!)

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