Bambu Lab, the commercial 3D printer manufacturer, has introduced a new crowdfunding feature on its collaborative 3D model platform, MakerWorld. Called MakerWorld Crowdfunding, the tool enables users to financially support 3D printing projects they want to see come to life. Crowdfunding has long played a key role in the growth of the 3D printing industry, supporting companies like Formlabs and Creality. Bambu Lab itself saw crowdfunding success with its 2022 Kickstarter campaign for the X1 series. With this new feature, the company is now offering creators a way to promote and expand their projects directly within the Bambu Lab user community.
In a blog post published by Bambu Lab on July 30, 2025 the company announced the launch of the feature and shared their mission with the tool: “We’ve seen so many incredible ideas that never get built because they’re too big, too complex, or require resources that individual creators just don’t have,” Bambu Lab said. “The crowdfunding feature is our answer to that problem.”
MakerWorld Crowdfunding allows users to browse and support unique projects.
According to Bambu Lab, a key benefit to crowdfunding through MakerWorld is that the community already understands 3D printing and is seeking out the kinds of projects makers want to create. The message was clear: they are seeking projects that are “ambitious and complex”—“your wildest ideas.”
Using MakerWorld Crowdfunding
So, how can MakerLab Crowdfunding be utilized? Creators can launch a project, along with a funding goal and timeline. Community members can then browse these projects and pledge support for the ones they want to see completed. This not only helps creators secure funding but also provides valuable insight into what the community is most interested in—eliminating much of the guesswork around user demand.
For creators to share a campaign on the platform, they first must go through an approval process with Bambu Lab. Right now, the company is accepting pitches via email. This involves sending a detailed proposal, including a description of what the model is, its unique features and plans for using the funds. Then, creators have to define their funding target, set a timeline and create rewards to thank supporters. Once Bambu Lab has approved the project, it is shared on the platform. Bambu Lab advises that creators be transparent. This means being open about how funds are used and the challenges they face, consistently updating supporters and responding to comments to help build trust and manage expectations. The company also promises to amplify standout projects across and beyond their platform to help creators reach their goals.
Modular lamps for a project launched on MakerWorld Crowdfunding (Image Credit: ModularMapping)
Backers, on the other hand, can peruse active campaigns and discover exciting projects that they want to support. Along with supporting projects, they can receive exclusive perks like early downloads or special variants. Part of the fun is following along as creators make their ideas a reality, and connecting with other supporters who believe in the same vision!
The Ultimate Goal
The MakerWorld Crowdfunding page currently features just over a dozen projects, including several gaming-related projects, an artistic modular lamp ecosystem, a keyboard kit, a handbag, and more. “We’re hoping to see crowdfunding campaigns for projects that require real thought, design, and engineering,” Bambu Lab said. “These are often the projects that don’t get made because they’re just too much work for one person without knowing if anyone will appreciate the effort. Crowdfunding changes that.” To learn more about the project, visit the MakerWorld Crowdfunding page here.
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*Cover Image Credit: Bambu Lab