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. 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. 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 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 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.
5. Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS)
Short % of Shares Outstanding: 3.15%
Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) strengthened its strategic positioning on June 2 with the opening of its new Americas Regional Corporate Headquarters, a 200,000-square-foot facility in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Management emphasized that the new center will consolidate talent, technology, and production capabilities to accelerate innovation in additive manufacturing. Chief Executive Officer Dr. Yoav Zeif highlighted that the facility is designed to enhance collaboration and support the company’s mission of scaling industrial 3D printing solutions for enterprise customers across multiple sectors.
Earlier, on May 27, Stratasys Ltd. announced a definitive agreement to acquire Markforged, a subsidiary of Nano Dimension, in an all-cash transaction valued at $42.5 million. The deal includes Markforged’s Metal Binder Jetting business and is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. The acquisition is aimed at expanding Stratasys’ footprint in industrial additive manufacturing and strengthening its product portfolio in metal and polymer 3D printing solutions used for end-use parts, prototyping, and tooling applications.
Stratasys Ltd. is a global additive manufacturing company headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and was founded in 1989. The company develops 3D printers, materials, and software solutions that enable industrial-scale additive manufacturing across aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods industries.
4. Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK)
Short % of Shares Outstanding: 2.81%
Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) announced a strategic collaboration with Amazon Web Services on June 3 aimed at advancing cloud-based design and engineering solutions for enterprise customers. Under the agreement, Autodesk products will be made available through AWS Marketplace beginning in the second quarter of Autodesk’s fiscal year, enabling streamlined procurement, billing efficiency, and broader accessibility for customers. The partnership also focuses on integrating AWS cloud and AI capabilities into Autodesk’s platform to enhance design, construction, and operational workflows across industries.
On June 1, Citi raised its price target on Autodesk, Inc. to $252 from $246 while maintaining a Neutral rating. The firm described Autodesk’s quarterly results as strong, although it noted that slowing core business momentum could weigh on the stock in the near term.
Autodesk, Inc. is a global software company headquartered in San Francisco, California, and was founded in 1982. The company develops 2D and 3D design, engineering, and construction software widely used across the architecture, manufacturing, and entertainment industries. Its tools enable advanced modeling, simulation, and visualization, including applications in aerospace and industrial manufacturing where additive production techniques are increasingly important.
3. ATI Inc. (NYSE:ATI)
Short % of Shares Outstanding: 2.76%
ATI Inc. (NYSE:ATI) attracted renewed bullish attention on May 4 when KeyBanc raised its price target on the stock to $175 from $167 while maintaining an Overweight rating. The firm cited improving margin trends following ATI’s first-quarter results and subsequent discussions with management, which reinforced expectations for continued earnings expansion. KeyBanc also raised its fiscal 2026–2027 estimates, highlighting strengthening profitability as the company benefits from favorable demand conditions in its core end markets.
Earlier, on May 1, JPMorgan also raised its price target on ATI Inc. to $175 from $150 while reiterating an Overweight rating. The upward revision reflects growing confidence in ATI’s operational execution and its exposure to structurally strong aerospace and defense demand. The combination of higher price targets from two major investment banks signals increasing optimism around the company’s ability to sustain earnings momentum and improve long-term financial performance.
ATI Inc. is a global producer of specialty materials and engineered components headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and was founded in 1996. The company serves high-performance industries, including aerospace, defense, energy, and medical applications, with a focus on advanced alloys and complex metal solutions.
2. Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB)
Short % of Shares Outstanding: 2.71%
Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB) continued strengthening its leadership structure on May 8 with the appointment of Bernardo Parlange as Chief Commercial Officer, effective May 18, 2026. In this newly created role, he will oversee global sales, marketing, and customer success initiatives, with a focus on accelerating revenue growth and deepening relationships with strategic enterprise clients.
Earlier, on May 1, Proto Labs, Inc. reported first-quarter revenue of $139.3 million, surpassing consensus estimates of $135.14 million. Management highlighted a strong start to 2026, with double-digit revenue growth, gross margin expansion, and improved operating leverage. CEO Suresh Krishna emphasized that demand for the company’s digital manufacturing services remained robust, supported by disciplined execution and ongoing progress across strategic initiatives aimed at scaling the business for long-term growth.
Proto Labs, Inc. is a digital manufacturing company headquartered in Maple Plain, Minnesota, and was founded in 1999. The company specializes in rapid prototyping and on-demand production services, offering CNC machining, injection molding, 3D printing, and sheet metal fabrication. Its platform enables engineers and manufacturers to quickly iterate and produce custom parts at scale, serving industries such as aerospace, medical devices, automotive, and consumer products.
1. GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE)
Short % of Shares Outstanding: 1.36%
GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) maintained strong investor momentum on May 27 when Jefferies reaffirmed its Buy rating and $365 price target, highlighting continued strength in the company’s services business. Management reiterated expectations for mid-teens services growth in 2026 and double-digit growth in 2027, alongside a long-term outlook for sustained double-digit compound annual growth through 2028.
Earlier, on May 26, Seaport Research initiated coverage of GE Aerospace with a Buy rating and $375 price target. The firm acknowledged that aftermarket growth could moderate as commercial aircraft production ramps up but argued that investors may be underestimating the durability of GE’s services revenue. Seaport emphasized that the company remains positioned for continued strong performance, with multi-year demand tailwinds driven by aging aircraft fleets and extended maintenance cycles.
GE Aerospace is a leading global provider of aircraft engines, propulsion systems, and integrated aviation technologies headquartered in Evendale, Ohio, and traces its aerospace origins back to 1917. The company serves both commercial and military aviation markets with a focus on high-performance jet engines and advanced propulsion systems.
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