12 Best 3D Printing Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds

In this article, we will discuss the 12 Best 3D Printing Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds.

On March 13, the S&P 500 slipped 0.6%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.3%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.9%. All three major indexes also recorded their third weekly loss in a row. This comes as geopolitical and economic concerns have put investors on edge, with many seeking opportunities in sectors that may be less disrupted by the global turmoil.

As Iran strikes drain weapon stockpiles, the White House and the Pentagon have asked defense manufacturers to boost production, according to media reports. Many defense contractors and suppliers are adopting 3D printing to cut production time and costs.

It’s not just defense, as many more industries are adopting 3D printing solutions to bring more efficiency and flexibility to their prototyping and production processes. For instance, Bloomberg reported on March 8 that Apple was looking to 3D print iPhone enclosures and Apple Watch casings.

This situation has brought renewed investor interest in 3D printing companies. Indeed, the 3D printing industry is growing fast. According to a Grand View Research report, the global 3D printing market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 23.9% from 2026 to 2033. In dollar terms, the market is forecast to balloon from $30.55 billion in 2025 to $168.93 billion by 2033. Markets like healthcare, automotive, aerospace, and defense are driving this growth. The shift toward product personalization is adding tailwind to this growth.

The 3D printing industry has many players, ranging from 3D printer makers to 3D printing manufacturers, materials, and tech providers.

With that background, let’s now look at the 12 best 3D printing stocks to buy according to hedge funds.

Our Methodology

For our list of the 12 best 3D printing stocks to buy according to hedge funds, we used financial media reports and stock screeners to identify companies involved in 3D printing or the provision of materials and technologies related to 3D printing. Next, we picked out companies that have recently reported noteworthy developments likely to impact investor sentiment. We ranked these stocks in ascending order according to the number of hedge fund investors in them based on the Insider Monkey’s Q4 2025 database.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research shows 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 498.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 303 percentage points (see more details here).

Best 3D Printing Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds

12. Materialise N.V. (NASDAQ:MTLS)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 7

Materialise NV (NASDAQ:MTLS) is among the best 3D printing stocks to buy according to hedge funds. Materialise NV (NASDAQ:MTLS) continues to execute on its €30 million share buyback program it launched in January. On March 9, the company reported that it repurchased 36,121 shares between March 2 and March 6. It said the shares were repurchased at an average price of €4.49 apiece, and that it spent €162,264 on those transactions.

Previously, on March 2, the company reported the repurchase of 79,791 shares at an average price of €4.30 apiece for a total of €342,715. These purchases were made between February 23 and February 27.

Materialise plans to execute the buyback program over a 12-month period. The company exited Q4 2025 with €134 million in cash and cash equivalents.

On February 20, Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed its Overweight rating on Materialise NV (NASDAQ:MTLS) stock with a price target of $10. Cantor cited the company’s solid Q4 results for its renewed optimistic view.

Materialise’s Q4 revenue rose 6.8% YoY to €70.2 million, buoyed by big gains in the Medical segment. The company made a profit of €6.2 million in that quarter, compared to €2.9 million in the corresponding quarter in 2024.

Materialise NV (NASDAQ:MTLS) is a global provider of 3D printing services and 3D printing software solutions. It serves customers in diverse industries, including healthcare, automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods. Materialise is headquartered in Belgium but has offices worldwide.

11. 3D Systems Corp (NYSE:DDD)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 19

3D Systems Corp (NYSE:DDD) is among the best 3D printing stocks to buy according to hedge funds. 3D Systems Corp (NYSE:DDD) reported its Q4 2025 results on March 9, posting revenue figures that exceeded internal projections and Wall Street expectations. Revenue came to $106.3 million, growing 16% sequentially, faster than 8% – 10% growth that was internally expected.

This growth was driven by strong sales of printer systems and materials. Healthcare and industrial segments were the bright spots of the quarter. The management revealed notable gains in the med tech, dental, and aerospace and defense markets, citing rapid adoption of 3D printing as a central manufacturing method.

3D Systems Corp did make a loss in Q4, but at $19.5 million it was narrower that the $33.7 million in the same quarter in 2024. The company finished the quarter with $97.1 million in cash. It anticipates revenue in the band of $91 million to $94 million in Q1 2026. 3D Systems Corp (NYSE:DDD) achieved $55 million in cost-savings in 2025, exceeding the target of $50 million.

On March 9, Cantor Fitzgerald lifted its price target on 3D Systems stock to $5 from $4.75 while reiterating an Overweight rating. The firm cited the company’s strong Q4 results for this action. Cantor Fitzgerald boosted its 2027 revenue projection for 3D Systems to $424.0 million.

3D Systems Corp (NYSE:DDD) is an American full-service provider in the 3D printing space. It provides 3D printers, 3D printing materials, and 3D printing software. It also offers on-demand manufacturing services. 3D Systems serves customers in industries such aerospace, healthcare, automotive, and consumer goods.

10. Stratasys Ltd (NASDAQ:SSYS)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 22

Stratasys Ltd (NASDAQ:SSYS) is among the best 3D printing stocks to buy according to hedge funds. Stratasys Ltd (NASDAQ:SSYS) released its Q4 2025 results on March 5. The report showed revenue dropped to $140 million from $150.4 million in the same quarter in 2024. The revenue breakdown shows that sales slipped 19.1% YoY in the System and 3.3% YoY in the Customer support segment. The Consumables segment recorded a 2.4% YoY growth.

Turning to the bottom line, Stratasys posted an adjusted net loss of $6.2 million or $0.07 per share. That compares with net income of $8.5 million, or $0.12 per share, in Q4 2024. This loss came on the back of a margin squeeze, with the gross margin dropping 9.5% and the operating margin sinking 8.5%.

Despite the loss, Stratasys finished 2025 with a strong balance sheet, revealing $244.5 million in cash and cash equivalents with no debt.

In other news, Craig-Hallum cut its price target on Stratasys to $12 from $14 while reaffirming a Buy rating on the stock on March 5. The firm cited margin pressure and high operating expenses for this action. According to the firm, these factors are likely to offset expected revenue growth in 2026. For the long term, Craig-Hallum continues to view Stratasys favorably. It pointed to the company’s emerging growth opportunities, new product launches, and exposure to aerospace and defense industries.

Stratasys Ltd (NASDAQ:SSYS) is deeply involved in the 3D printing business. It offers 3D printers, consumable materials, and software. The company says its solutions are designed to help companies cut costs and improve efficiency in their 3D printing projects. Stratasys serves industries such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer products.

9. Proto Labs Inc (NYSE:PRLB)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 23

Proto Labs Inc (NYSE:PRLB) is among the best 3D printing stocks to buy according to hedge funds. On February 17, Proto Labs Inc (NYSE:PRLB) introduced an AI-powered platform called ProDesk. It says this platform is an all-in-one resource that will help accelerate projects from prototyping to production. Among other features, the ProDesk platform offers real-time, AI-powered quoting along with a suite of tools that streamline project processes.

According to Proto Labs, the ProDesk platform allows users to receive instant feedback on parts before production begins. Moreover, users can tailor quotes based on turn-time and budget. This platform is also meant to simplify monitoring of order status, tracking of shipment, and reordering of parts.

In other news, Proto Labs Inc (NYSE:PRLB) reported Q4 2025 results that exceeded expectations and issued upbeat guidance. Revenue rose 12.1% YoY to $136.5 million, topping consensus expectations of $128.99 million. Adjusted EPS of $0.44 rose from $0.38 in the corresponding quarter of 2024 and surpassed the $0.35 that analysts projected.

For Q1 2026, Proto Labs Inc (NYSE:PRLB) forecasts revenue in the range of $130 million to $138 million. The midpoint of this projection is above the consensus estimate of $132.6 million. Adjusted EPS is expected in the band of $0.36 to $0.44, above the consensus forecast of $0.35.

Proto Labs Inc (NYSE:PRLB) provides rapid manufacturing services using 3D printing technology. It focuses on producing custom parts for prototyping and production runs. It serves industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical devices, and consumer products.

8. Xometry Inc (NASDAQ:XMTR)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 30

Xometry Inc (NASDAQ:XMTR) is among the best 3D printing stocks to buy according to hedge funds. On March 9, equity research firm Citizens reaffirmed its Market Outperform rating on Xometry Inc (NASDAQ:XMTR) stock with a price target of $75. Citizens stated that although Xometry is undergoing a leadership transition, the company’s strategy should remain consistent. That strategy includes building an e-commerce experience that reduces friction for buyers and sellers. The firm also cited AI-driven expansion of the company’s addressable market.

On February 24, Xometry announced that its co-founder and CEO Randy Altschuler, will transition into the executive chairman role. Sanjeev Singh Sahni, who is currently Xometry’s president, will replace Altschuler as CEO. This is the leadership transition that the research firm Citizens referred to, and it’s planned to go into effect on July 1.

In other news, Xometry released its Q4 2025 results on February 24. The company reported a 30% YoY jump in revenue to $192 million, supported by strong marketplace growth as active buyers and suppliers increased. It posted adjusted EBITDA of $8.4 million, reflecting an improvement of $7.3 million over the same quarter in 2024. Xometry finished 2025 with $219 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities.

Xometry Inc (NASDAQ:XMTR) operates a marketplace where businesses can order 3D printed prototypes or production parts. It’s a leader in on-demand 3D printing services. Xometry’s marketplace is AI-powered and serves global customers.

7. Avient Corp (NYSE:AVNT)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 30

Avient Corp (NYSE:AVNT) is among the best 3D printing stocks to buy according to hedge funds. On March 4, KeyBanc downgraded its rating on Avient Corp (NYSE:AVNT) to Sector Weight from Overweight. For this action, the firm cited rising costs of Avient’s raw materials.

According to KeyBanc, 35% of Avient’s materials are hydrocarbon-based. The firm sees Avient’s business taking a hit as a result of surging oil prices due to the events in the Middle East. Besides rising raw materials costs, KeyBanc believes Avient could face weak demand for its products due to war-related inflationary pressures. In this light, the firm sees a higher likelihood of estimates being revised downward rather than upward.

Before the flare-up in the Middle East, Avient Corp (NYSE:AVNT) had forecast Q1 2026 adjusted EPS of $0.81, reflecting a 7% growth over the previous quarter. It projected full-year 2026 adjusted EPS in the band of $2.93 to $3.17, representing a growth of 4% to 12%.

Additionally, the company expected to deliver free cash flow of more than $200 million in 2026. The management said that this free cash flow combined with the company’s solid balance sheet cash position would provide “greater flexibility for cash deployment in the future.” The company finished 2025 with $510.5 million in cash and cash equivalents.

On February 16, Avient Corp (NYSE:AVNT) announced that it will distribute a quarterly dividend of $0.275 per share on April 3 to shareholders of record as of March 17.

Avient Corp (NYSE:AVNT) is a global provider of specialty materials. These include high-temperature resins, custom colorants, and high-performance polymers. Avient’s materials enable customers to use 3D printing to produce prototypes and production parts. The company serves customers in industries like aerospace, healthcare, and consumer goods.

6. PTC Inc (NASDAQ:PTC)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 43

PTC Inc (NASDAQ:PTC) is among the best 3D printing stocks to buy according to hedge funds. Presenting at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media and Telecom Conference 2026 on March 4, PTC Inc (NASDAQ:PTC) CEO Neil Barua highlighted the company’s growth prospects and plans for the future.

Barua discussed how PTC Inc is enhancing its products with AI capabilities and how this strategy is driving demand. The conference heard that Onshape is the company’s fastest-growing product. Onshape is a cloud-based design and manufacturing data management platform. Last month, PTC Inc upgraded Onshape with new features designed to improve 3D modeling capabilities on the platform.

Barua also told the conference that PTC Inc. was deploying AI internally to automate processes, streamline operations, and improve efficiency. Additionally, Barua said the sale of ThingWorx and Kepware will allow PTC Inc. to focus more on its strategic priorities while using the proceeds to fund share repurchases.

PTC Inc. is targeting $1.12 billion to $1.32 billion in share repurchases in fiscal 2026, the management said last month during the release of the December quarter results.

Boston, Massachusetts-based PTC Inc (NASDAQ:PTC) provides software solutions to industrial and manufacturing companies. Its software enables companies to create and optimize product designs, including 3D formats.

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