3D Systems Corporation (DDD), Stratasys, Ltd. (SSYS) & ExOne Co (XONE): How To Benefit From This Boom

Other manufacturers

These aren’t the only companies in the 3D printing space, of course. They aren’t necessarily even the most well-known. Makerbot is a smaller company with major brand recognition which has helped to not only make 3D printing more well-known but has also inspired the creation of 3D printing options in the hobbyist sector. According to a report by The Wall StreetJournal, it may even be the next acquisition target for Stratasys.

LayerWise has also garnered a significant amount of media attention in recent years. The company created the jawbone replacement that garnered a significant amount of media attention in 2011, using a laser fusing method known as selective laser sintering to create the prosthetic from titanium powder. This printing method was initially developed by a company known as DTM, which was purchased by 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) in 2001.

Choosing your investments

If you want to choose a 3D printer manufacturer to invest in, any of the three companies featured here could be good options.

3D Systems may be a slightly better option than Stratasys since it has the advantage of having a larger infrastructure and more diverse patent portfolio. 3D Systems is also poised to tap directly into the consumer market through a partnership with Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPLS), allowing it to take advantage of the “cool” factor as consumers see printers in stores and become more aware of 3D printing technologies.

If the MakerBot rumors prove true, however, then 3D Systems may lose that advantage to Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS). Of course, ExOne may have greater growth potential than either of these companies. It offers a wider range of printing options for industry and is positioned to take advantage of an increase in 3D printing use in manufacturing.

John Casteele has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends 3D Systems, Stratasys, Tesla Motors , and The ExOne Company. The Motley Fool owns shares of 3D Systems, Stratasys, and Tesla Motors 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 How You Can Benefit From a 3D Printing Boom originally appeared on Fool.com is written by John Casteele.

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