3D Systems Corporation (DDD): Star Trek Tech Is Here

The problem with that, of course, is that competition is beginning to emerge in machine selling, as small companies with names such as ExOne Co (NASDAQ:XONE) and MASSIVE DYNAMICS (OTCMKTS:MSSD) begin to horn in on the printer biz. Competition will probably arise even faster in the selling of printing composites, as Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE:HPQ) discovered to its detriment, when printer ink cartridge “refillers” began stealing away its lucrative ink business.

To help offset these inevitable losses, 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) is showing us that it now has a third revenue stream to draw upon. It can use its expertise in 3-D printing. (After all, who better knows how to do this stuff, professionally and cost-effectively, than the folks who build the machines?) to make stuff, on demand, for people who want to buy 3-D objects, but maybe don’t know all that well how to make it themselves.

More poetically, 3D is showing us that it now has a third way to live long, and prosper.

The article 3D Systems Will Live Long, and Prosper originally appeared on Fool.com is written by Rich Smith.

Fool contributor Rich Smith has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends and owns shares of 3D Systems and Stratasys and has options on 3D Systems.

Copyright © 1995 – 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.