In this article, we will discuss the 7 Best 3D Printing Stocks to Buy for Aerospace Components.
The next aerospace revolution may not be built in traditional factories, but printed layer by layer in metal, reshaping how aircraft, satellites, and defense systems are designed forever. As global aerospace giants race to reduce weight, improve efficiency, and accelerate production cycles, 3-D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is emerging as a critical technology reshaping the future of aviation components.
Legendary investor Stanley Druckenmiller has often emphasized that technological inflection points in manufacturing can create outsized long-term investment opportunities, particularly when innovation disrupts legacy industrial processes. Moreover, hedge fund manager Ken Griffin has similarly highlighted the importance of advanced manufacturing, automation, and precision engineering as key beneficiaries of the next industrial cycle.
The numbers behind the trend are compelling. According to industry research from the International Data Corporation (IDC), global spending on additive manufacturing is projected to exceed $25 billion annually within the next few years, driven largely by aerospace, defense, and medical applications. Aerospace remains one of the fastest-growing segments, as aircraft manufacturers increasingly adopt 3-D printed parts to reduce weight by up to 60% in certain components and improve fuel efficiency.
Meanwhile, market research from Wohlers Associates indicates that the additive manufacturing industry has grown at double-digit annual rates for over a decade, with aerospace and defense accounting for a significant portion of industrial adoption. Boeing and Airbus have already incorporated thousands of 3-D printed parts into their aircraft platforms, signaling a structural shift in production methods rather than a passing trend.
For investors, 3-D printing stocks represent more than just exposure to a niche technology; they offer a gateway into the future of aerospace engineering, defense modernization, and next-generation industrial manufacturing.
With this context in mind, here are some of the best 3D printing stocks to buy for aerospace components.
Our Methodology
We used stock screeners to identify 3D printing stocks. We limited our final selection to companies that have recently reported noteworthy developments likely to impact investor sentiment. These stocks are also popular among analysts and elite hedge funds. To make the list easier to navigate, we ranked the stocks in descending order of their short percentage of shares outstanding as of May 15, 2026.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Insider Monkey’s quarterly newsletter strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 599.2% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 372 percentage points (see more details here).
7 Best 3D Printing Stocks to Buy for Aerospace Components
7. PTC Inc. (NASDAQ:PTC)
Short % of Shares Outstanding: 3.58%
PTC Inc. (NASDAQ:PTC) came under mixed analyst pressure on May 27 when Berenberg lowered its price target on the stock to $170 from $192 while maintaining a Hold rating. Despite the reduction, the firm highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence within industrial software, particularly the rise of AI-driven digital twins.
Earlier, on May 8, Citi raised its price target on PTC Inc. (NASDAQ:PTC) to $155 from $146 while maintaining a Neutral rating. The adjustment followed the company’s quarterly performance and reflects a cautiously constructive outlook on its near-term growth trajectory. Although analysts remain balanced in their stance, the upward revision suggests improving expectations around demand for PTC’s software solutions across manufacturing and engineering sectors.
PTC Inc. (NASDAQ:PTC) is a global software company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, and was founded in 1985. The company specializes in product lifecycle management (PLM), computer-aided design, and industrial Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. One notable application includes AI-enhanced generative design, which allows engineers to optimize components based on material, weight, and structural constraints, significantly improving performance in industries such as aerospace and industrial manufacturing.
6. Carpenter Technology Corporation (NYSE:CRS)
Short % of Shares Outstanding: 3.30%
Carpenter Technology Corporation (NYSE:CRS) continued to attract bullish analyst sentiment on May 22 when TD Cowen raised its price target on the stock to $470 from $450 while maintaining a Buy rating. The firm noted that the update followed recent investor meetings with incoming leadership, including the CEO, CFO, and head of investor relations, which reinforced confidence in the company’s strategic direction and long-term growth prospects.
Earlier, on May 4, KeyBanc analyst Samuel McKinney raised his price target on Carpenter Technology Corporation (NYSE:CRS) to $459 from $453 and reiterated an Overweight rating. The firm cited stronger-than-expected demand dynamics in specialty alloys, particularly nickel-based superalloys used in aerospace and defense applications. KeyBanc also increased its fiscal 2026–2027 estimates, highlighting improving supply-demand conditions and sustained pricing strength that continue to support earnings momentum across high-performance materials markets.
Carpenter Technology Corporation (NYSE:CRS) is a specialty materials manufacturer headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was founded in 1889. The company produces advanced metal alloys, stainless steels, and powder metallurgy products, including materials used in additive manufacturing (3D printing). These high-strength, lightweight materials are critical in aerospace, defense, medical devices, and energy applications, where performance under extreme conditions is essential.
While we acknowledge the potential of CRS as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than CRS and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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