Bambu Lab Wants to Help Turn Your Hobby Into a Hustle
With its new Bambu Circle program, the company is building a network of authorized partners, offering makers a way to earn money through 3D printing services, repairs, and training.
Bambu Lab has big plans for its user community, and they go well beyond selling more 3D printers. Having built much of its success around an integrated ecosystem of hardware, software, and online services, the company now wants to expand that ecosystem through a network of local businesses run by 3D printing enthusiasts.
The newly announced Bambu Circle program aims to help hobbyists and aspiring entrepreneurs turn their 3D printing know-how into a business, while giving Bambu Lab customers access to local services and support. For now, the initiative is limited to Europe, where the company’s ambitious long-term goal is to put an authorized partner within a one-hour drive of every Bambu Lab user.
For hobbyists interested in making money from their printers, the prospect of official backing, training, and certification could be appealing. For Bambu Lab, a network of local partners could help it reach customers who would benefit from in-person support and services.
Bambu Circle is launching with a pilot program in the Netherlands, where Bambu Lab says it sees particularly strong interest in turning 3D printing into a source of income — although we’re sure the Dutch pale in comparison to Americans when it comes to selling 3D printed items at local craft fairs. According to a survey conducted by Bambu Lab, 58% of its Dutch users expressed an interest in earning money on the side through 3D printing.
What Bambu Lab Gets Out of It
While Bambu Lab says it hopes to give prospective entrepreneurs a framework for developing a business, it will simultaneously expand its local support and promotion network with boots on the ground.
Rather than relying exclusively on centralized customer service and online communities, users could eventually turn to nearby certified partners for hands-on assistance, repairs, supplies, or advice. The program also opens the door to local workshops and educational activities all centered on Bambu Lab’s hardware and MakerWorld ecosystem. Pretty clever.
Partners will be able to offer and set the price for machine servicing and even sell printers and materials on a small scale. There will also be opportunities to provide printing services and run training programs.
Can Everyone Apply?
Bambu Lab isn’t taking everyone into this program, mentioning an application process and an evaluation of additional business ideas. “Start by telling us a little about yourself,” Bambu Lab’s application says. “If your profile matches what we’re looking for, you may hear from us again.”
A waiting list is already open to prospective partners throughout Europe, even in countries not included in the initial rollout. Applicants must provide a company or tax ID number, so the focus initially may be on existing resellers or print farm businesses.
There are still some unanswered questions, though. Bambu Lab hasn’t detailed the financial arrangements, potential entry costs, or specific requirements for becoming an authorized partner. Those details will be particularly important for makers weighing whether the program offers a viable business opportunity.
Following the Dutch pilot, Bambu Lab plans to expand Bambu Circle into Germany and France in early 2027.
Bambu Lab will present the full Bambu Circle program at Formnext 2026, Nov. 17–20, in Frankfurt, Germany. All3DP will be on hand to scoop up more details and add them here.
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