3D Printing (also known as additive manufacturing) is a technique for turning computer-generated designs into physical goods.
3D printing technology, which was previously only available to large corporations, is progressively becoming more accessible to the general public.
Consider purchasing 3D printers while the technology is still in its early stages. This article will detail some of our best 3D printer stocks to buy right now us.
3D Printing, alternatively referred to as additive manufacturing, is the construction of fabricating three-dimensional products from Computer-Aided Design (CAD) or other digital 3D design models. The process entails depositing and bonding consecutive base material layers to create a three-3d structure. Due to the addictive nature of this manufacturing process, it produces less waste than subtractive manufacturing (like carving out something from a larger block of wood, plastic, or metal). Another significant advantage of 3D Printing is that it enables the creation of complicated shapes that conventional manufacturing cannot, such as hollow parts or parts with internal truss support structures for weight reduction.
The process begins with the creation of a 3D model from scratch (using 3D CAD software or a 3D scanner) or the download of an existing model from a repository. Once the model is complete, it must be prepared for Printing - this is referred to as slicing. 3D printing software generates numerous subsequent layers from the digital model and sends them to the printer, which prints the object layer by layer, connecting each layer to the previous one.
Earlier 3D printers were capable of rapid prototyping and one-off manufacturing, and they relied on certain types of plastic called polymers that were heat-bonded together. Today, a wide variety of materials are available, and 3D printers are capable of printing large-scale rocket parts as well as invisible items at the micro and even nanoscale.
It's a stock in a firm that receives revenue from the 3D printing industry, or at least its revenue. As you may have noticed from our top five list previously on this page, not all 3D printing companies are exclusively focused on 3D Printing. Several of the industry's largest companies are technology corporations, such as HP.
3D-printing stocks are the stocks of firms engaged in the 3D printing industry. 3D Printing, alternatively referred to as additive manufacturing, generates a three-dimensional object from a digital model by layering material until the product is complete.
Though the first 3D printers were introduced in the mid-1990s, the process has only recently begun to establish a foothold in contemporary manufacturing technology as the machines have gotten larger, quicker, and stronger. The process is now employed in a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, robotics, industrial equipment, medical devices, and product design.
3D Printing is a process that uses three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) data to create real items of nearly any shape.
3D printers can create high-quality and useful products, such as prosthetics or architectural models, in a matter of hours, rather than days or months.
Since the 1980s, 3D Printing has been used for rapid prototyping, but it can now be utilized to make finished things.
There are two basic types of 3D printers: those that use an extruder head and heated nozzle to deposit successive layers of molten material (thermoplastics); these "extrusion" type machines construct 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.
3D Printing is often significantly faster than traditional manufacturing methods and is becoming more cost-competitive.
Everything has altered as a result of 3D Printing. Just a few days or months can mean the difference between prototyping and production using 3d Printing. Rapid prototyping has never been more efficient. Numerous businesses are developing novel applications for 3D Printing.
The majority of large businesses currently utilize 3D printers. 3D printers are capable of producing everything from a house to a toy, and they can be used to create a variety of things.
Additionally, 3D Printing is becoming increasingly compact and affordable. Best of all, you can do it from the comfort of your own home!
Pros and Cons of 3D Printing stocks
Due to the versatility and rapid growth of 3D Printing, these stocks have tremendous upside potential. However, investing in 3D stocks offers a number of downsides.
Pros of 3D-printing stocks
The following are some compelling reasons to invest in 3D printing stocks.
The market for 3D Printing is exploding.
3D Printing, like many other sub-industries in the technology sector, is a growing trend. According to Statista, the global 3D printing market was valued at $12.6 billion in 2020 but is expected to reach $37.2 billion by 2026, nearly doubling its value in that time period.
There are numerous applications for 3D Printing.
Three-dimensional Printing is reshaping a variety of industries, ranging from aerospace to automotive to healthcare. And while widespread acceptance will take time, it appears as though this once-niche subindustry will continue to grow. Investors have the ability to participate in the development of potentially game-changing technology.
Cons of 3D-printing stocks
While investing in this young industry has a number of advantages, 3D printing stocks also present particular risks.
Competition
As this technology gains traction, an increasing number of enterprises will enter the 3D manufacturing race. Apart from the fierce competition among startups for funding and impact, investors will need to be cautious of well-established names joining the field. As more large firms adopt this technology and invest in their own 3D printing programs, the viability of smaller technology startups may be jeopardized.
Volatility
While the long-term development prospects for the 3D printing industry are generally optimistic, investors should keep in mind that the trip will not be linear. Be prepared for volatility before investing in 3D printing stocks.
Yes, they might be, especially when you consider the current market, which has experienced a significant increase in the sector's worth and appeal. However, because some of these enterprises have existed for more than 30 years and have earned little profit during that time, it is prudent to undertake thorough due research prior to investing.
In 2012, the 3D printing market experienced a surge in interest, which benefited some businesses functioning at the time. 3D Printing was heralded as a game-changing technology but did not take off as expected. Costs for materials and printers were prohibitively expensive, and many individuals and businesses shied away from 3D Printing.
That has altered dramatically in recent years, particularly in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, which threw global supply chains into disarray. Manufacturers refocused their attention on the industry, and an unexpected increase in 3D Printing occurred. The sector has also benefited from technological advancements and technology reductions. Investing in 3D printing stocks may yield significant growth in the future, but it's critical to stay current on the latest news below.
Best 3D Printing Stocks to consider
1. Materialise (NASDAQ: MTLS)
Materialise, based in Belgium, develops software for 3D printing firms. Its adaptable platform enables businesses in sectors such as aerospace, healthcare, and consumer products to develop cutting-edge 3D printing applications. It has the industry's largest software development staff and one of the largest 3D printing facilities.
It operates in three segments: software development is one of them; the other two serve the medical sector and manufacture 3D printing products for other industries. BASF, the world's largest chemical company, invested $25 million in Materialise in 2018 to identify and develop new applications.
Since its first public offering in 2014, its share price has increased steadily. However, covid and global supply chain concerns increased the growth of its stock, resulting in a 400 percent increase in 2020 before falling to pre-pandemic levels. MTLS is a profitable business that has recently increased its revenue. According to the company's most recent financial statements for 2021, it earned a $10 million net profit while growing revenues by 28% year over year.
2. HP Inc (NYSE: HPQ)
Unlike the other firms on our list, HP is not only a 3D printing company, but it is one of the industry's largest players. While it is more renowned for computing and electronics, it also produces the best-selling commercial plastics printing printer. Its Multi Jet Fusion printer is presently the most widely utilized in industrial settings worldwide.
Among its other capabilities is the HP Metal Jet, which enables mass production 3D printing with metals. It opened a state-of-the-art facility in 2017 to assist businesses in developing, testing, and manufacturing materials and applications for 3D Printing. Additionally, it is collaborating with Ford Motor Company on 3D printed accessories for the company's 2022 Maverick truck.
The company's printers are utilized in a variety of industries, including automotive, healthcare, and education. In 2019, it launched 3DasS, pay-as-you-go service for 3D Printing that enables businesses to scale quickly. It saw a boom in the adoption of 3DaaS during the pandemic, as firms sought to build things fast without waiting for supplies to arrive.
3. Desktop Metal (NYSE: DM)
If you're a startup enthusiast, you're probably already familiar with Desktop Metal. That's because it was one of the businesses to earn a $1 billion valuation in the shortest amount of time, and it achieved this valuation prior to shipping a single product. Desktop Metal has garnered considerable attention as a result of early investments from Google Ventures, Ford, and BMW. Recent developments have seen Desktop Metal become one of the few 3D printing stocks to go public via a SPAC merger.
Desktop Metals believes that 3D Printing has a lot of potential in the future. It anticipates that 3D Printing's total addressable market (TAM) will reach $146 billion by 2030. This implies that the market must grow at a 25% compound annual growth rate over the next 7-8 years. This is a lofty goal. However, it is not impossible for huge corporations to completely rethink their supply chains.
One aspect of Desktop Metal's business that is advantageous in that it may charge businesses twice. To begin, it sells them a printer, which typically has a significant profit margin. It then sells them the Printing substance required for their work. This results in recurrent revenue, which is what businesses seek. At the moment, Desktop Metal is collaborating with Raytheon, SpaceX, and Google.
Since becoming public, Desktop Metal has only produced a handful of earnings reports. In 2021, its revenue was expected to grow at an alarming rate. Desktop Metal recorded revenue of $11.31 million in the first quarter, $18.98 million in the second quarter, and $25.44 million in the third quarter (Q3). To be sure, these are still quite small numbers. They do, however, reflect year-over-year growth of 234%, 766 percent, and 906 percent, respectively. Notably, Desktop Metals earned more in Q3 2021 than it did in all of 2020.
Desktop Metal continues to be unprofitable. This is, nevertheless, to be expected of fledgling enterprises focused on rapid expansion.
Since going public, Desktop Metal's stock has fallen almost 40%.
4. Proto Labs Inc. (PRLB)
Proto Labs is a global provider of digital manufacturing services for custom prototypes and on-demand production parts. The company's products include injection molding, CNC machining, 3D Printing, and sheet metal fabrication. It is aimed at developers and engineers who build goods across a variety of end markets using 3D computer-aided design software. Its fast manufacturing procedures, which enable parts to be generated in a matter of days, position it well to capitalize on the rapidly developing 3D printing sector.
Proto Labs reported a record revenue of $123 million for the second quarter of 2021, up 15.5 percent from the second quarter of 2020 and 6.0 percent from the previous quarter. Specifically, its 3D printing sector increased revenue by 28 percent year over year to $18.2 million in the third quarter. The company is rated a "Buy" with a price objective of $107.50.
5. FARO Technologies (NASDAQ: FARO)
FARO Technologies (NASDAQ: FARO) is a 3D imaging firm specializing in the measuring, image, and reality of 3D objects. Founded in 1981, the corporation is headquartered in Florida.
On October 7, Needham analyst James Ricchiuti maintained a Buy rating on FARO Technologies (NASDAQ: FARO) with a $77 price target. The analyst is confident in management's ability to "change" the organization's operations. The analyst also expressed optimism for the company, stating that he expects its move to outsource the manufacturing of all of its 3D metrology and scanning products to pay off in 2022.
Chuck Royce's Royce and Associates held the most valuable holding in FARO Technologies (NASDAQ: FARO) at the end of the third quarter of 2021, with around 1.1 million shares valued at $72.155 million. Paradice Investment Management was in second place, followed by ARK Investment Management.
6. Danimer Scientific (NYSE: DNMR)
Danimer Scientific, a battered plastic penny stock, is surging this week, and this comes on the heels of last week's continuous decline to new 52-week lows. Early in 2021, the company was thriving, reaching a high of nearly $60 due to new deals.
These included new biodegradable plastics, such as biodegradable straws (which ultimately became a sticking point for the market). As is the case with the majority of SPACs (Danimer merged with Live Oak Purchase Corp.), the months immediately after the acquisition have been difficult for retail traders. However, would 2022 be a watershed year for this beleaguered class of public companies?
Analysts who follow Danimer may respond affirmatively to that. Both Jefferies and Cowen have assigned the company Buys and Outperform ratings, and price targets are also within the $21-$30 range. After collecting several hundred million dollars and appointing a new chief financial officer recently, it will be intriguing to watch if Danimer can right the ship this year.
7. Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK)
Autodesk is a California-based provider of 3D printing services. It designs and fabricates products for a variety of industries, including engineering, construction, entertainment, architecture, and education.
Businesses may utilize Fusion360's cloud-based design tools to create the items they require for Printing. The company earns money by charging clients a monthly or annual subscription fee for services.
Autodesk enjoys a high rate of renewal due to its high-quality designs. This consistent inflow of clients has benefited both revenue and income figures.
At the moment, Autodesk has a total user base of 5.27 million users. Additionally, it has software services that can diversify its revenue streams in the case that 3D Printing suffers a setback. These indicators point to good stock growth, and Autodesk has increased by more than 350% over the last five years. This stock appears to be a solid long-term performer.
8. Outlook Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: OTLK)
Outlook Therapeutics completes this list of penny stocks. It is not quite as battered as some of the other names mentioned in the article. However, it has traded significantly lower in recent months than it did in 2021. However, sentiment has become somewhat more upbeat even in the face of a stock market sell-off this week.
The biopharmaceutical business is working on an ocular formulation of bevacizumab for use in retinal indications, including its ONS-5010 product. Phase 3 trials are underway for a recent combination of the therapy with LYTENAVA. The most recent evidence, reported in December, demonstrated the combination's potential benefit on wet age-related macular degeneration.
"The results of the NORSE TWO study for ONS-5010 may have significant implications for retinal specialists and their patients with wet AMD...
I'm looking forward to providing patients with an additional approved therapy choice that is on-label and has been properly manufactured and packaged to meet the demanding requirements for ophthalmic usage."
Analysts tend to be bullish on the company's prospects as well. Both HC Wainwright and Ladenburg have Bought the stock along with $6 price targets. The latest target from Ascendiant Capital, however, remains the highest. Along with a Buy rating on OTLK, the firm forecasted a stock of $7, roughly 400 percent above current levels.
9. Nano Dimension (NASDAQ: NNDM)
Another international company, Nano Dimension, was founded in Israel and specialized in 3D printed electronics. The company is active in a variety of industries, including consumer electronics, healthcare, aerospace, and automotive.
Though not an outstandingly performing stock, the company is recognized as one of the fastest-growing, with a revenue gain of more than 15 percent over the prior quarter. Back in April, the business also bought NanoFabrica for probably between $55 million to $60 million. NanoFabrica is a known provider of technology and turn-key equipment for precise 3D-micro-printing — achieving achievements in the field of nanotechnology.
Conclusion
These are the best 3D printing stocks as of 2022. It's worth noting that the epidemic has impacted several of these stocks. Consider their equities carefully and invest only when growth appears to be sustained. As with any investment, due diligence and research are key to achieving the possible return.
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