3D printing (additive manufacturing) is revolutionizing manufacturing across industries beyond healthcare, including aerospace, automotive, industrial tooling, and consumer goods. The technology enables rapid prototyping, complex part fabrication, supply chain simplification, and customized production. For investors, companies leading in hardware, materials, and software for 3D printing outside healthcare represent attractive growth opportunities.
Why 3D printing outside healthcare matters
- Aerospace and defense: Lightweight, complex parts reduce fuel consumption and improve performance.
- Automotive: Faster prototyping and custom parts accelerate innovation and reduce inventory.
- Industrial manufacturing: Tooling, molds, and spare parts produced on-demand cut costs and lead times.
- Consumer products: Personalized goods and rapid design iteration boost market responsiveness.
- Sustainability: Additive manufacturing reduces material waste compared to traditional subtractive methods.
Top publicly traded 3D printing stocks beyond healthcare
1. 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE: DDD)
- Focus: Comprehensive 3D printing solutions including industrial printers, software, and materials
- Industrial exposure: Strong presence in aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing sectors
- Recent moves: Expanding metal printing capabilities and partnering with major manufacturers
2. Materialise NV (NASDAQ: MTLS)
- Core business: 3D printing software and digital manufacturing platforms
- Beyond healthcare: Provides software solutions enabling industrial and automotive additive manufacturing
- Strength: Robust workflow and quality control software widely used in non-medical sectors
3. Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ: SSYS)
- Product range: Industrial 3D printers for polymer and composite parts
- Industry focus: Automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, and tooling
- Innovation: Developing new materials and multi-material printing to expand industrial applications
Other notable mentions
- Desktop Metal, Inc. (NYSE: DM): Metal 3D printing focused on prototyping and low-volume production for automotive and industrial parts.
- HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ): Emerging player in 3D printing with Multi Jet Fusion technology targeting manufacturing sectors.
- Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE: PRLB): Digital manufacturing and rapid prototyping services, including additive and CNC machining.
ETFs with 3D printing exposure
- The 3D Printing ETF (PRNT): Includes a diversified portfolio of additive manufacturing companies, many serving industrial markets.
- ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ): Exposure to robotics and advanced manufacturing including 3D printing.
Investment considerations
- Technology adoption: Industrial uptake of 3D printing is accelerating but varies by sector and application.
- Materials innovation: Development of new metal and composite feedstocks broadens market potential.
- Software integration: Workflow and design software are critical for scaling additive manufacturing.
- Competitive landscape: Consolidation and rapid innovation require monitoring emerging players and partnerships.
Investing in 3D printing companies beyond healthcare taps into transformative manufacturing trends. Leaders with strong hardware, materials, and software offerings in aerospace, automotive, and industrial markets are well positioned to benefit from growing adoption of additive technologies worldwide.