We recently compiled a list of the 11 Best 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Stocks To Buy. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB) stands against other best 3D printing and additive manufacturing stocks to buy.

3D printing is a process where a machine, known as a 3D printer, creates a product or part by layering material over a substrate, following a digital design. The benefits of 3D printing are numerous and significant. One of the primary advantages is cost reduction, which is achieved by minimizing waste, lowering labor costs, and enabling the use of less expensive materials.

The 3D printing technology has revolutionized the manufacturing industry by enabling companies to produce complex geometries, reduce production time, and lower costs. The applications of 3D printing in manufacturing are diverse and include product enhancements, low-volume production, and high-volume production. For instance, 3D printing allows for rapid prototyping and production of enhanced products, reducing the time and cost associated with traditional manufacturing methods. Additionally, 3D printing is ideal for producing small batches of parts, enabling companies to test market demand and refine their designs before investing in large-scale production.

3D printing is also revolutionizing the construction industry by enabling the rapid creation of customized structures, such as modular housing, advanced utility systems, and adaptable public spaces. This technology allows for the design and construction of complex geometries and unique architectural designs without significantly increasing costs. The use of 3D printing in construction is also driven by the need for sustainable and eco-friendly building solutions. 3D printing can incorporate recycled and biodegradable materials, such as recycled plastics, glass, and natural materials such as hemp or bio-based polymers, to produce strong and eco-friendly building materials.

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According to the 3D Printing Trend Report 2024 by Protolabs, the 3D printing industry was valued at $22.14 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $57.1 billion by the end of 2028. The industry’s move towards production applications, including low-volume production, mass customization, and serial production, is a key factor in this growth. A network of companies providing production support and specialized solutions for a wide range of fields and applications has emerged, signifying a maturation of the wider 3D printing ecosystem. Automation systems supported by computer vision, thermal sensors, and AI can effect significant labor savings, and thus cost efficiency, further encouraging the uptake of production-level 3D printing.

The report highlights that investments in micro 3D printing continue to be significant, with the technology’s ability to achieve highly complex geometries at a microscopic scale being leveraged by a range of industries, particularly by the medical and dental sectors. However, new developments in large-format printing promise to have an impact on sectors such as construction. Large-format 3D printing is being used to print houses, bridges, and other large structures, with some companies already making significant strides in this area.

Other trends and developments expected to have an impact on the 3D printing industry in the coming year include the continued rise of metal printing (DMLS), used predominantly for aerospace, automotive, and medical applications as well as for tooling; hybrid manufacturing processes combining additive manufacturing with CNC machining and other technologies; and multi-material printing, enabling the combination of materials with different properties in one printed object.

The report also notes the increasing importance of AI in the 3D printing industry. AI is expected to have a wider impact on hardware, for instance in quality control with in-process monitoring and anomaly detection. Smart printers will get smarter, improving user experience. Design for additive manufacturing will also benefit from AI innovations, such as topology optimization, Multiphysics process simulation, and AI-generated CAD.

The 3D printing industry is poised for continued growth and innovation, driven by advances in technology, materials, and applications. As the industry continues to mature, investors can expect to see increased adoption of 3D printing in a wide range of industries, from aerospace and automotive to healthcare and consumer products.

Our Methodology

To compile our list of the 11 best 3D printing and additive manufacturing stocks to buy, we sifted through internet rankings to find companies that are involved in 3D printing and additive manufacturing. We then used Insider Monkey’s Hedge Fund database to rank 11 stocks according to the largest number of hedge fund holders, as of Q3 2024. The list is sorted in ascending order of hedge fund sentiment.

Why do we care about what hedge funds do? 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. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 17

Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB) operates a proprietary quoting platform that specializes in rapid prototyping and on-demand manufacturing by using 3D printing, CNC machining, and injection molding. The company caters to industries such as medical devices, electronics, and automotive.

Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB) is refining its portfolio of fulfillment options to optimize its consolidated gross margin. The company has announced the closing of its prototype injection molding facility in Eschenlohe, Germany, and discontinue direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) manufacturing services through its factory operation in Europe. By taking these steps, Proto Labs (PRLB) aims to realign its resources and focus on high-growth areas, such as 3D printing and additive manufacturing, where the company believes it can leverage its expertise and capabilities to deliver greater value to our customers.

Proto Labs, Inc.’s (PRLB) recent collaboration with Harley-Davidson Factory Racing, where Harley-Davidson’s engineering team used Proto Labs, Inc.’s (PRLB) digital manufacturing services to prototype, test, and order parts for their racing motorcycles within a few days is a prime example of how its digital manufacturing services can enable customers to drive innovation and improve performance.

Overall PRLB ranks 7th on our list of the best 3D printing and additive manufacturing stocks to buy. While we acknowledge the potential of PRLB as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than PRLB but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.