Stefan Cheplick

My thoughts on trading & investing

Ultimate Guide to 3D Printing Investing

👋 Welcome to 3D Printing Investing

I have long appreciated 3D printing because of its ability to offer real, tangible benefits that could reshape industries without requiring large spend, transportation or outsourcing. Here are the main reasons why I find it fascinating:

  • On-Demand Production – The ability to manufacture real products instantly, on location.
  • Localized Manufacturing – Bringing production closer to home, reducing reliance on overseas supply chains.
  • Energy Efficiency – Cutting down on complex shipping routes and energy consumption.
  • Faster Prototyping – Accelerating product development with rapid iteration on the spot.
  • Lower Barriers to Entry – Enabling individuals and small businesses to create products with minimal upfront investment.

How to Invest in 3D Printing

There are multiple ways to invest in this industry, both in public markets (through stocks) and private markets (venture capital, private equity, or crowdfunding). Private investment requires more effort and access, but for most investors, publicly traded stocks remain the easiest way to gain exposure to 3D printing’s potential.

Below is a categorized list of 3D printing stocks and related companies across various segments of the industry.

Publicly Traded 3D Printing Companies

Pure-Play 3D Printing Stocks (Companies Primarily Focused on 3D Printing)

  • Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS) – A leader in industrial and commercial 3D printing solutions.
  • 3D Systems Corp. (DDD) – One of the pioneers in the space, offering a wide range of 3D printing technologies.
  • Desktop Metal Inc. (DM) – Specializes in metal and polymer 3D printing for industrial applications.
  • Velo3D, Inc. (VLD) – Focuses on high-performance metal 3D printing for aerospace and defense industries.
  • Nano Dimension Ltd. (NNDM) – Develops 3D-printed electronics and high-precision additive manufacturing solutions.
  • Materialise NV (MTLS) – Provides 3D printing software and industrial applications.

Companies Utilizing 3D Printing as a Key Business Segment

  • HP Inc. (HPQ) – Its Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology is driving innovations in industrial 3D printing.
  • General Electric (GE) – Through GE Additive, it provides advanced metal 3D printing solutions for aerospace and healthcare.
  • Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK) – A major player in 3D design software, essential for 3D printing applications.

Materials & Component Suppliers (Companies Supporting the 3D Printing Ecosystem)

  • Proto Labs, Inc. (PRLB) – Offers rapid prototyping and on-demand manufacturing services.
  • Arkema S.A. (AKE.PA) – Supplies specialty materials used in 3D printing processes.
  • BASF SE (BASFY) – A leading provider of advanced 3D printing materials.
  • ExOne (Acquired by Desktop Metal) – Previously a leader in binder jet 3D printing for industrial applications.

Software & AI-Driven 3D Printing Companies

  • PTC Inc. (PTC) – Develops CAD and digital manufacturing solutions for 3D printing.
  • Ansys Inc. (ANSS) – Provides simulation software used in designing 3D-printed components.

Private Market 3D Printing Companies

For those interested in private market opportunities, venture capital firms and crowdfunding platforms like StartEngine, AngelList, and OurCrowd occasionally feature promising startups in the 3D printing space. Some notable private companies in this sector include:

  • Carbon – A leader in high-speed 3D printing using Digital Light Synthesis (DLS).
  • Formlabs – Specializing in high-resolution SLA 3D printing for professional applications.
  • Relativity Space – A space-tech company using 3D printing to manufacture rockets.
  • ICON – Focused on 3D-printed homes and construction.
  • Markforged (Acquired by Digital Metal) – Known for strong, industrial-grade 3D-printed parts.

The Key Takeaways

3D printing continues to push boundaries across manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, and even construction. Investors looking to gain exposure to this transformative technology can explore publicly traded stocks, materials suppliers, software companies, or even private startups shaping the industry’s future. As adoption grows, so does the potential for significant long-term value in this space.