3D Systems Corporation (DDD), Stratasys, Ltd. (SSYS): 3D Printing Takes Another Step Toward the Mainstream

Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) stands to benefit from the new API as well, at least to the extent that it is one of Microsoft’s partners in developing it. This is an expansion of a long-standing relationship between the companies, as Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) has been a Microsoft partner for over 25 years. Given Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK)’s position as an industry leader in 3D modeling and computer-aided drafting software, the new API provides the company with an opportunity to offer expanded 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) printing support in its numerous software products.

Can you take advantage of this?

While native support of 3D printing isn’t likely to drive sales for Microsoft, it may help to further stimulate the 3D printing market.

I’ve previously discussed the opportunities presented by 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD), Stratasys, and up-and-coming competitor ExOne Co (NASDAQ:XONE). While ExOne Co (NASDAQ:XONE) has the greatest potential for growth among the three companies because of its youth and its focus on the industrial manufacturing sector, it is not likely to benefit from the Windows 8.1 inclusion because it does not focus on the consumer market. 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) and Stratasys are both poised to take advantage of it, however, and as both companies continue to make strategic acquisitions it’s hard to say which would be a better investment.

Both companies hold similar valuations in the market and may seem somewhat expensive for their price based on analyst expectations. I hesitate to call them overvalued, however, simply because there is still a significant potential for growth in the 3D printing industry. Microsoft is acknowledging this potential by choosing to incorporate 3D printing into its operating system while the industry is still young. While there is still time to invest in 3D printing during this early growth, that window of opportunity won’t last forever.

Conclusion

The introduction of Windows 8.1 isn’t likely to win over those who absolutely loathe Windows 8, though it does make some much-needed improvements to the operating system. The acceptance of 3D printing as a consumer trend and support within the OS is significant, however. While this alone is not likely to spark a surge in 3D printer purchases, it does set the groundwork for wider acceptance of the printers in the future. Investors who choose this opportunity as an entry point for the 3D printing industry will likely benefit as it brings consumer 3D printing that much closer to mainstream acceptance.

John Casteele owns shares of Microsoft. The Motley Fool recommends 3D Systems and Stratasys. The Motley Fool owns shares of 3D Systems, Microsoft, and Stratasys and has the following options: Short Jan 2014 $36 Calls on 3D Systems and Short Jan 2014 $20 Puts on 3D Systems. John is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network — entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.

The article 3D Printing Takes Another Step Toward the Mainstream originally appeared on Fool.com is written by John Casteele.

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