In this article, we will discuss the 11 best 3D printing stocks to invest in.

The 3D printing industry is one of the most exciting and rapidly growing industries in the world today. 3D printing technology has revolutionized the way we manufacture and prototype products and has made it possible for businesses and individuals to create customized products with ease. In the automotive industry, 3D printing is being used for creating prototypes of car parts and components, as well as for manufacturing customized car parts and even entire vehicles. In the aerospace industry, 3D printing technology is being used for manufacturing aircraft parts and components, as well as for creating prototypes of aircraft. The healthcare industry is also benefiting from 3D printing technology, as it is being used for creating customized medical implants and prosthetics, and the list goes on.

The 3D Printing Industry: An Analysis

According to a report by Grand View Research, the global 3D printing industry was worth $13.84 billion in 2021. The industry is expected to reach a valuation of $16.75 billion by the end of 2022 and is projected to grow to $76.17 billion by the end of 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 20.8% from 2022 to 2030. The major trends driving this growth include hefty investments in 3D printing technology and the increasing adoption of 3D printing technology by businesses operating in healthcare, automotive, and defense. Grand View Research estimated that 2.2 million units of 3D printers were distributed across the globe in 2021, and this number is expected to grow to 21.5 million units by the end of the forecasted period.

3D printing technology has been around for decades, but it has only recently begun to gain widespread attention and adoption. The 3D printing industry is benefiting from the increasing affordability and accessibility of 3D printers. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, more and more businesses and consumers are beginning to see the potential of 3D printing. Technological advancements in machine learning, IoT, and robotics are opening up new avenues for manufacturing businesses.

By printer type, Grand View Research found that the industrial printer segment dominated the market share in 2021 and accounted for over 70% of global revenue. Moving forward, it is expected that the industrial printer segment will remain at the forefront of the 3D printing market. However, educational institutions are also leveraging 3D printing technology to offer technical training to individuals, hence fuelling the demand for desktop printers. Moreover, SMEs are making use of 3D printing technology and are offering on-demand and personalized 3D printing services to consumers, which is expected to further drive the demand for desktop printers.

Region-wise, in 2021, North America dominated the global 3D printing market and held a 30% share of global revenue. The U.S. and Canada have been leading the industry and have heavily integrated 3D printing technology in their manufacturing industries. The runner-up region in 2021 was Europe. However, the APAC region is expected to grow at the fastest rate through the forecasted period due to advancements across the region’s manufacturing industry and APAC becoming a manufacturing powerhouse for the automotive and healthcare industries.

The 3D printing industry is still in its infancy, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way we live and work. For investors looking to capitalize on this industry’s promising growth trajectory, 3D printing stocks can be an ideal way to do so. We have compiled a list of the best 3D printing stocks that investors can rack up for long-term gains. Some of these stocks include Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS), Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR), and Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK). These, among others, are discussed in detail in the article below.

Our Methodology

To determine the 11 best 3D printing stocks to invest in, we studied industry analysis reports and identified major players that are leading the industry. We studied these companies and looked at their product offerings in detail along with their balance sheets, financials, and valuations. We also gave weight to the market sentiment around each stock and finally narrowed down our selection to companies with positive market sentiment, robust product pipelines, and industry-leading positions. These stocks are ranked according to their popularity among elite hedge funds, from least to most.

11 Best 3D Printing Stocks To Invest In

11. voxeljet AG (NASDAQ:VJET)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: N/A

voxeljet AG (NASDAQ:VJET) is a leading provider of high-speed, large-format 3D printers and on-demand parts services. The company’s printers are used in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, art and architecture, and consumer goods. The company’s on-demand parts services are used by manufacturers to produce prototypes and end-use parts on an as-needed basis. voxeljet AG (NASDAQ:VJET) was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Friedberg, Germany.

voxeljet AG (NASDAQ:VJET) is a financially strong company with a healthy balance sheet with low debt levels. According to the company’s balance sheet,  voxeljet AG (NASDAQ:VJET) has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88. The company is well-positioned for continued growth, with a large addressable market and a differentiated product offering. voxeljet AG (NASDAQ:VJET) is one of the best 3D printing stocks to buy now.

Wall Street is positive on voxeljet AG (NASDAQ:VJET). On November 18, Alliance Global Partners analyst Brian Kinstlinger revised his target on voxeljet AG (NASDAQ:VJET) to $8 from $10 and maintained a Buy rating on the shares.

Some 3D printing stocks that are popular among elite money managers include Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS), Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR), and Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK).

10. Materialise NV (NASDAQ:MTLS)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 4

Materialise NV (NASDAQ:MTLS) is a Belgium-based 3D printing company. It operates in three segments: Materialise Software, Materialise Medical, and Materialise Manufacturing. With over 30 years of experience, Materialise NV (NASDAQ:MTLS) is a leading provider of 3D printing software and services. The company offers a comprehensive suite of software solutions that enable the design, preparation, and execution of 3D printing projects of all types and scales. The company has a global reach, with operations in Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. Materialise NV (NASDAQ:MTLS) is one of the best 3D printing stocks to buy now.

On October 27, Materialise NV (NASDAQ:MTLS) announced earnings for the fiscal third quarter of 2022. The company reported earnings per share of $0.02 and generated a revenue of $58.10 million, ahead of Wall Street consensus by $0.75 million. According to the company’s balance sheet, Materialise NV (NASDAQ:MTLS) has free cash flows of EUR 7.9 million and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32.

At the end of Q3 2022, 4 hedge funds were bullish on Materialise NV (NASDAQ:MTLS) and held stakes worth $67.45 million in the company. As of September 30, ARK Investment Management is the top investor in the company and has a position worth $62.7 million.

Here’s what The Mercator International Opportunity Fund had to say about Materialise NV (NASDAQ:MTLS) in its second-quarter 2022 investor letter:

“Belgian 3D printing software company Materialise NV (NASDAQ:MTLS) (2.09%) was a darling stock of the “transformative technology” bubble. Its stock price shot up from the low teens to near $80. It then crashed in sympathy with the COVID-19 tech selloff. Yet this volatility notwithstanding, nothing in the company’s business model or business expectations ever changed. If anything, the 3D printing industry has been gaining momentum. More and more applications in the aerospace, automotive and medical industries are driving a slow revolution in the additive manufacturing industry.

The Mercator Fund bought Materialise several years ago because of its GARP (Growth At a Reasonable Price) characteristics. It was indeed trading at a reasonable multiple of revenues before it shot up during the tech craze. We expected a steady yearly return in line with the company’s mid-teen growth rate. Instead, we saw our investment multiply in a very short period of time. That did not make sense and we exited the position near its all-time high.

The subsequent correction in MTLS was even more dramatic than its rally. The stock fell more than 70% in the blink of an eye. Just like that, the company was again valued reasonably. We started getting back in at around $20. By the end of last quarter, MTLS was trading back at $13 and at only 3 times revenues, down from 17 times. We added to the position as the stock got even cheaper. This is just one of many examples of the volatility investors have had to navigate. MTLS was among the stocks that clearly reached excessive valuations. A correction from such a level is understandable. However, we did not expect every growth stock to be washed away in sympathy with technology stocks, fundamentals and valuations be damned. A great many GARP stocks with low PEG (Price Earnings to Growth) ratios similarly became victims of the sudden loss of appetite for anything associated with growth.”

9. Nano Dimension Ltd. (NASDAQ:NNDM)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 9

Nano Dimension Ltd. (NASDAQ:NNDM) is an Israel-based company, which is engaged in the development of advanced 3D electronics solutions. Nano Dimension Ltd. (NASDAQ:NNDM) is a leading additive electronics provider that is revolutionizing the way electronics are manufactured. The company’s unique 3D printing technology is capable of printing complex electronic devices in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. Nano Dimension Ltd. (NASDAQ:NNDM) is at the forefront of the additive electronics manufacturing revolution, and its technology is being adopted by some of the world’s leading electronics companies. The company’s products are used in a wide range of applications, including aerospace, automotive, medical, and consumer electronics. Nano Dimension Ltd. (NASDAQ:NNDM) is one of the best 3D printing stocks to invest in right now.

On November 16, Nano Dimension Ltd. (NASDAQ:NNDM) announced that it has signed an agreement with Tethon Corporation to develop new materials for its Fabrica 2.0 micro-additive manufacturing system. Tethon Corporation is an American pioneer in ceramic 3D printing.

At the end of the third quarter of 2022, Nano Dimension Ltd. (NASDAQ:NNDM) was spotted on 9 investors’ portfolios that held stakes worth $27.6 million in the company. Of those, Clearline Capital was the top investor in the company with a position worth $9.3 million.

8. Velo3D, Inc. (NYSE:VLD)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 11

Velo3D, Inc. (NYSE:VLD) is a leading 3D printing company that provides high-quality 3D printing services for a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and medical. Velo3D, Inc. (NYSE:VLD) was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in California, United States. At the end of Q3 2022, 11 hedge funds were long Velo3D, Inc. (NYSE:VLD) and disclosed positions worth $54.6 million in the company. This is compared to 18 positions in the preceding quarter with stakes worth $31.7 million.

Velo3D, Inc. (NYSE:VLD) is a 3D printing innovator that has developed a technology that allows for the production of metal parts with complex geometries. This technology has the potential to disrupt the global metal 3D printing market as it enables the production of parts that were previously not possible to produce with 3D printing. Velo3D, Inc. (NYSE:VLD) is well-positioned to capitalize on the growth of the global 3D printing industry and is ranked among the best 3D printing stocks to buy now.

On November 15, Velo3D, Inc. (NYSE:VLD) announced that it has secured an order for two new Sapphire XC printers from Vertex Manufacturing. Vertex Manufacturing is a Cincinnati-based company that provides CNC machining and advanced manufacturing services.

7. Desktop Metal, Inc. (NYSE:DM)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 11

Desktop Metal, Inc. (NYSE:DM) is a 3D printing company headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts. The company was founded in October 2015 and has since then grown to become a prominent player in the 3D printing industry with operations in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. On November 9, Desktop Metal, Inc. (NYSE:DM) posted earnings for the third quarter of fiscal 2022. The company’s revenue for the quarter amounted to $47.09 million, up 85.10% year over year. The company has a healthy balance sheet with low debt levels. As of September 30, Desktop Metal, Inc. (NYSE:DM) has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. The stock ranks among the best 3D printing stocks to invest in.

On November 25, Desktop Metal, Inc. (NYSE:DM) announced that it has secured an order worth $9 million from a major German automobile manufacturer for binder jet additive manufacturing systems.

At the close of the third quarter of 2022, 11 hedge funds held stakes in Desktop Metal, Inc. (NYSE:DM) worth $9.6 million.

6. Markforged Holding Corporation (NYSE:MKFG)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 13

Markforged Holding Corporation (NYSE:MKFG) is a young and innovative company that is shaking up the 3D printing industry with its cutting-edge technology. The company has developed a unique 3D printing process that allows for the production of strong and lightweight metal parts. The company offers desktop, industrial, and metal 3D printers, as well as advanced 3D printing software. With a strong patent portfolio and a growing list of customers, Markforged Holding Corporation (NYSE:MKFG) is well-positioned to continue to disrupt the 3D printing industry and drive growth for shareholders. The stock is ranked among the best 3D printing stocks to buy now.

On November 10, Citi analyst Jim Suva revised his price target on Markforged Holding Corporation (NYSE:MKFG) to $2 from $3.50 and maintained a Neutral rating on the shares.

At the end of Q3 2022, 13 hedge funds disclosed stakes in Markforged Holding Corporation (NYSE:MKFG) worth $65.3 million.

Companies that are leading the 3D printing industry include Markforged Holding Corporation (NYSE:MKFG), Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS), Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR), and Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK).

5. 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 14

3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) provides 3D printing products and services. The company offers 3D printers, 3D scanning products, 3D software, and other related services. It serves customers in a range of industries, including aerospace and defense, automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods. The company was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

On November 10, 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) announced a strategic collaboration with Advanced Laser Materials, a material research, development, and consultation company, to expand access to industry-leading 3D printing materials. On November 14, 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) announced that it has added two new materials to its portfolio, Certified HX and Certified CuCr2.4. 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) is well-positioned to capitalize on the secular growth trends of the global 3D printing industry and is ranked among the best 3D printing stocks to buy now.

At the close of Q3 2022, 14 hedge funds held stakes in 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) worth $62.5 million. Of those, ARK Investment Management was the top shareholder in the company and held stakes worth $30.9 million.

4. Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 17

Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB) specializes in the rapid prototyping and quick–turn manufacture of 3D printed parts, CNC machined parts, and injection molded parts. The company has a strong global footprint with operations across the globe. On November 4, Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB) posted earnings for the third quarter of fiscal 2022. The company reported earnings per share of $0.40 and generated a revenue of $121.72 million.

According to the company’s balance sheet, Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB) has free cash flows of $51.9 million. The company has a strong cash position and is well-positioned to capture further market share of the global 3D printing industry as it grows. The company also reinvests in itself. On November 17, the company announced that its board of directors has authorized an increase of $50 million in its share repurchase authorization, bringing it to $89 million. Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB) is ranked among the best 3D printing stocks to invest in.

At the end of Q3 2022, 17 hedge funds were long Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB) and disclosed stakes worth $68.4 million in the company. As of September 30, ARK Investment Management is the leading shareholder in Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB) and has a position worth $20.5 million in the company.

3. Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 21

Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) is a global leader in 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions. The company’s technology is used by a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, consumer goods, and education. The company’s products are used to create prototypes, production parts, and manufactured goods. The company’s technology offers a number of advantages over traditional manufacturing methods, including shorter lead times, lower costs, and increased design freedom. Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) is continually innovating its technology and expanding its product portfolio, which positions the company for long-term growth. The stock is ranked high among the best 3D printing stocks to buy now.

Wall Street is positive on Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS). On September 15, Lake Street analyst Troy Jensen updated his price target on Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) to $26 from $28 and maintained a Buy rating on the shares. On November 8, William Blair analyst Brian Drab upgraded Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) to Market Perform from Underperform.

At the close of Q3 2022, 21 hedge funds were eager on Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) and held stakes worth $74.8 million in the company. Of those, ARK Investment Management was the largest shareholder in the company and disclosed a position worth $22.6 million.

2. Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 24

Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR) is a leading provider of CNC machining, 3D printing, sheet metal fabrication, and injection molding. Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR) has a strong business model that is benefiting both customers and manufacturing partners. The company has a large addressable market and is well-positioned to capitalize on the shift to on-demand manufacturing and the favorable growth trends for the 3D printing industry. Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR) is ranked high among the best 3D printing stocks to invest in.

On November 10, Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR) posted earnings for the fiscal third quarter of 2022 in which it outperformed EPS estimates by $0.13. The company generated a revenue of $103.57 million, up 82.58% year over year, and beat expectations by $0.19 million. Shortly after the company’s earnings release, UBS analyst Karl Keirstead revised his price target on Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR) to $45 from $55 and maintained a Neutral rating on the shares.

At the end of Q3 2022, 24 hedge funds were long Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR) and disclosed stakes worth $363.3 million in the company. This is compared to 16 positions in the preceding quarter with stakes worth $221.6 million. The hedge fund sentiment for the stock is positive. As of September 30, Driehaus Capital is the top investor in Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR) and has stakes worth $87.8 million in the company.

1. Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 62

Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) is a global leading provider of 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software. Its products are used by professionals in a variety of industries, including architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, and entertainment. Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) has a strong position in the market, with a large customer base and a diversified product portfolio. The company is well-positioned to continue its growth, with a strong brand, a strong financial position, and a commitment to innovation. Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) is one of the best 3D printing stocks to buy now.

This November, BofA analyst Michael Funk updated his price target on Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) to $225 from $240 and maintained a Neutral rating on the shares. On November 23, Baird analyst Joe Vruwink revised his price target on Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) to $244 from $255 and reiterated an Outperform rating on the shares.

At the close of the third quarter of 2022, 62 hedge funds were bullish on Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) and held stakes worth $2.38 billion in the company. This is compared to 53 positions in the preceding quarter with stakes worth $1.41 billion. The hedge fund sentiment for the stock is positive. As of September 30, GQG Partners is the most prominent shareholder in the company and has a position worth $539.7 million.

Here is what Arch Capital Management had to say about Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) in its third-quarter 2022 investor letter:

“Let’s look at a specific example. One of our portfolio companies is Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK), a construction/engineering/architecture software business with an incredible moat. Our cost basis on the stock is $230. Shares traded as high as $340 in 2021 but today are down around $200. With this declining share price, Autodesk management has been able to take the healthy free cash flow it generates and retire some of its shares outstanding at an accelerated rate.

At the beginning of 2022, Autodesk had approximately 220 million shares outstanding. Today, that number is down to around 216 million, and we expect this number to continue to drop over the next few years as the company ramps up its free cash flow generation. This reduction in share count will juice growth in free cash flow per share, which will determine what returns we get owning Autodesk over the long haul. The lower the stock drops, the faster Autodesk’s share count drops, all else equal.”

You can also take a look at 15 Biggest Lumber Companies in the World and 10 Biggest Electrical Companies in the US.

Suggested articles:

• 12 Best Nancy Pelosi Stocks To Buy
• Top 10 Green Hydrogen Companies in the World
• 15 Best Self-Driving Car Stocks To Buy

Disclosure: None. 11 Best 3D Printing Stocks To Invest In is originally published on Insider Monkey.