3D printing technology is revolutionizing the way products are manufactured. This technology has the potential to change the way we make everything from medical implants to aircraft parts. 3D printing stocks have been on the rise in recent years, as investors bet on the sector’s long-term potential.
The stocks of companies that provide 3D printing software, services, and use 3D printing technology in their manufacturing processes are called 3D printing stocks. Similar to robotics, 3D printing is one of the most disruptive technologies in recent times and is set to revolutionize the manufacturing industry.
3D printing technology and 3D printing stocks had a slow start, with not much market to cater to. However, the new technology is coming into its element and demonstrating accelerated growth. The 3D printing market is expected to double to about $15.8 billion by 2020 and reach $35.6 billion by 2024.
Ticker | Company Name | Last Price | 1-Year Return | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRLB | Proto Labs | $31.42 | -42.08% | 838.3M |
| DDD | 3D Systems | $10.07 | -37.95% | 1.3B |
| SSYS | Stratasys | $14.39 | -42.96% | 970.2M |
| MTLS | Materialise | $7.63 | -61.60% | 450.7M |
| XONE | ExOne | $50.16 | #N/A | #N/A |
| VJET | Voxeljet | $2.16 | -53.85% | 17.9M |
| ONVO | Organovo Inc. | $2.01 | -49.88% | 17.5M |
| SGLB | Sigma Labs | #N/A | #N/A | #N/A |
| GPHBF | Graphene 3D Lab Inc. | $0.03 | -66.67% | 5.7M |
| HPQ | Hewlett-Packard | $27.57 | -28.45% | 27.2B |
| NNDM | Nano Dimension | $2.62 | -31.77% | 674.4M |
| ARCW | Arc Wireless Solutions, Inc. | $1.00 | #N/A | 114.1M |
| CFMS | ConforMIS | $1.21 | -93.08% | 9.1M |
| ALGN | Align Technology | $305.14 | -30.06% | 23.4B |
| ADSK | Autodesk, Inc. | $199.33 | -6.44% | 42.8B |
| DASTY | Dassault Systemes | $40.10 | -19.72% | 53.6B |
| SIEGY | Siemens | $75.90 | 5.78% | 121.5B |
State of the 3D Printing Industry
3D printing is a process that builds physical objects of virtually any shape from 3-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) data.
3D printers are capable of producing high-quality and functional objects, like prosthetics or architecture models, in just hours, as opposed to days or months.
3D printing has been used for rapid prototyping since the 1980s but today it can also be used to create final products.
There are two basic types of 3D printers: those that use an extruder head and heated nozzle to lay down successive layers of molten material (thermoplastics), one on top of the other; these “extrusion” type machines build up words by depositing small lines called “tracks”, and those that use an inkjet-like print head to deposit drops of new material (typically a photopolymer or liquid resin) onto the surface of a supporting layer; these “additive” type machines work by lifting away the supporting material below each printed layer.
3D printing is typically much faster than traditional methods of manufacturing and is becoming increasingly cost-competitive.
3D Printing has changed everything.
With 3d printing, just days or months can make a difference between prototyping and production. Rapid prototyping is more efficient than ever. Many companies are finding new ways to use 3D printing.
Most big companies are now using 3d printers. 3D printers can make anything from a house to a toy. You can make all sorts of things with them.
What’s more, 3D printing is getting smaller and cheaper all the time. Best of all, you can do it at home!
Factors to Consider Before Investing in 3D Printing Stocks
Investors must undertake extensive research into the business model, technology, and their prospects before investing in 3D printing stocks. Suitable 3D printing stocks must have cutting-edge technology and a high level of constant innovation.
Additionally, investors must look into the financial strength of the 3D printing companies before investing in them. Financial analysis should include reviewing earnings and revenue growth, including revenue by-products, materials, and services, returns, profitability, volumes, and valuation.
3D printing stocks have proved to be quite volatile in the past few years, with significant crests and troughs since 3D printing was discovered in 2013; however, the long-term prospects look very attractive.
3D Printing Stock Examples
You can find the full list of the best 3D printing stocks above. Here are a few standout leaders in the space.
3D Systems (DDD)
3D Systems is a leading player in the industrial 3D printing market. The company’s 3D printers are used in a wide range of applications, including manufacturing, healthcare, and aerospace. 3D is expected to continue to benefit from strong growth in the industrial 3D printing market.
Stratasys (SSYS)
Stratasys is a leading player in the industrial 3D printing market. The company’s 3D printers are used by major manufacturers in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. Stratasys is well-positioned to continue to benefit from the growth of the industrial 3D printing market.
Organovo (ONVO)
Organovo is a 3D bioprinting company that is focused on developing 3D printed human tissue for use in medical research and drug development. Organovo stock has been a big disappointment in recent years, and the company has struggled to commercialize its technology.
Voxeljet (VJET)
Voxeljet is a German 3D printer manufacturer that makes industrial-grade 3D printers. Voxeljet stock has been a big disappointment in recent years, and the company has struggled to compete against larger rivals such as Stratasys and 3D Systems.
ExOne (XONE)
ExOne is a leading player in the industrial 3D printing market. The company’s 3D printers are used in a variety of applications, including manufacturing, healthcare, and aerospace. ExOne stock has struggled in recent years, as the company has faced challenges related to its product development and execution.
Which 3D Printing Stocks Should I Buy?
Many 3D printing stocks trade on the US stock exchanges. They include pure-play 3D printing companies and manufacturers of 3D software, 3D printers, and 3D printing material. We have shortlisted the best 3D printing stocks to make the selection easier for you.
Since the 3D printing industry is still in its infancy, the future may look unpredictable. Therefore, investing in 3D printing stocks may not be a good idea for investing for short-term gains. However, the long-term future of 3D printing stocks looks promising and will be able to generate excellent returns for investors.
