3D printing is a process where a machine, known as a 3D printer, creates a product or part by layering material over a substrate, following a digital design. The benefits of 3D printing are numerous and significant. One of the primary advantages is cost reduction, which is achieved by minimizing waste, lowering labor costs, and enabling the use of less expensive materials.
The 3D printing technology has revolutionized the manufacturing industry by enabling companies to produce complex geometries, reduce production time, and lower costs. The applications of 3D printing in manufacturing are diverse and include product enhancements, low-volume production, and high-volume production. For instance, 3D printing allows for rapid prototyping and production of enhanced products, reducing the time and cost associated with traditional manufacturing methods. Additionally, 3D printing is ideal for producing small batches of parts, enabling companies to test market demand and refine their designs before investing in large-scale production.
3D printing is also revolutionizing the construction industry by enabling the rapid creation of customized structures, such as modular housing, advanced utility systems, and adaptable public spaces. This technology allows for the design and construction of complex geometries and unique architectural designs without significantly increasing costs. The use of 3D printing in construction is also driven by the need for sustainable and eco-friendly building solutions. 3D printing can incorporate recycled and biodegradable materials, such as recycled plastics, glass, and natural materials such as hemp or bio-based polymers, to produce strong and eco-friendly building materials.
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According to the 3D Printing Trend Report 2024 by Protolabs, the 3D printing industry was valued at $22.14 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $57.1 billion by the end of 2028. The industry’s move towards production applications, including low-volume production, mass customization, and serial production, is a key factor in this growth. A network of companies providing production support and specialized solutions for a wide range of fields and applications has emerged, signifying a maturation of the wider 3D printing ecosystem. Automation systems supported by computer vision, thermal sensors, and AI can effect significant labor savings, and thus cost efficiency, further encouraging the uptake of production-level 3D printing.
The report highlights that investments in micro 3D printing continue to be significant, with the technology’s ability to achieve highly complex geometries at a microscopic scale being leveraged by a range of industries, particularly by the medical and dental sectors. However, new developments in large-format printing promise to have an impact on sectors such as construction. Large-format 3D printing is being used to print houses, bridges, and other large structures, with some companies already making significant strides in this area.
Other trends and developments expected to have an impact on the 3D printing industry in the coming year include the continued rise of metal printing (DMLS), used predominantly for aerospace, automotive, and medical applications as well as for tooling; hybrid manufacturing processes combining additive manufacturing with CNC machining and other technologies; and multi-material printing, enabling the combination of materials with different properties in one printed object.
The report also notes the increasing importance of AI in the 3D printing industry. AI is expected to have a wider impact on hardware, for instance in quality control with in-process monitoring and anomaly detection. Smart printers will get smarter, improving user experience. Design for additive manufacturing will also benefit from AI innovations, such as topology optimization, Multiphysics process simulation, and AI-generated CAD.
The 3D printing industry is poised for continued growth and innovation, driven by advances in technology, materials, and applications. As the industry continues to mature, investors can expect to see increased adoption of 3D printing in a wide range of industries, from aerospace and automotive to healthcare and consumer products. With that in context, let’s take a look at the 11 best 3D printing and additive manufacturing stocks to buy.
A close-up of a 3D printed object, showcasing the intricacies of the 3D printing materials.
Our Methodology
To compile our list of the 11 best 3D printing and additive manufacturing stocks to buy, we sifted through internet rankings to find companies that are involved in 3D printing and additive manufacturing. We then used Insider Monkey’s Hedge Fund database to rank 11 stocks according to the largest number of hedge fund holders, as of Q3 2024. The list is sorted in ascending order of hedge fund sentiment.
Why do we care about what hedge funds do? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).
11 Best 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Stocks To Buy
11. Materialise NV (NASDAQ:MTLS)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 6
Materialise NV (NASDAQ:MTLS) is a Belgium-based leader in 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions. The company offers editing software such as Materialise Magics for 3D printing and additive manufacturing, tailored to industries such as healthcare, automotive, and aerospace. Materialise NV (NASDAQ:MTLS) is known for its expertise in personalized medical applications, including patient-specific implants and surgical equipment.
Materialise NV (NASDAQ:MTLS) is investing in its manufacturing capabilities to support the growth of its 3D printing business. The company has opened a second plant in its subsidiary ACTech. This expansion is focused on high-precision casting prototypes and small series of metal parts and is expected to increase the company’s capacity, enhance its ability to address the market for more complex metal parts and small series and strengthen its position in the automotive and aerospace markets. Materialise NV (NASDAQ:MTLS) has announced partnerships with leading companies such as nTop, Formlabs, and Stratasys, which are expected to drive growth and adoption of its software solutions.
Materialise NV (NASDAQ:MTLS) is also focusing on growing its business in the medical sector. The company’s U.S. manufacturing plant has been instrumental in bringing personalized solutions to trauma patients, with the ability to deliver parts with shorter and more reliable lead times. Additionally, the company is investing in its Mimics platform, which is aimed at expanding its position in the research and engineering markets, making it easier and faster for customers to treat personalized cases.
10. Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 7
Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR) is a leading online marketplace for manufacturing services, connecting buyers with a network of suppliers across the globe. The company offers a range of manufacturing services, including 3D printing, CNC machining, injection molding, and metal fabrication, among others. Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR) serves industries such as aerospace, healthcare, and automotive.
Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR) is investing in next-generation AI and partnering with Google Vertex to enhance its instant quoting capabilities for 3D printing and other manufacturing processes. This enables the company to provide faster and more accurate quotes to customers along with increased efficiency of the manufacturing process. Additionally, Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR) is investing in tools such as Team Space, which enables customers to collaborate and manage complex orders. These tools are helping the company to drive deeper engagement with large customers and increase wallet share.
Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR) is also pursuing international expansion and diversification as key components of its growth strategy. The company’s expansion into new markets, such as Europe and Asia, is being driven by the launch of localized marketplaces and the addition of new suppliers to its network. The company’s ability to provide instant quoting and manufacturing services in multiple languages is also helping to drive adoption in these new markets. By doing so, Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR) aims to reduce its dependence on one market or region.