3D Printing Technology is a Disruptive LT Play $DDD $PRLB $STKH

David Keller
3 min readMar 27

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The emergence of 3D printing technology has been a game-changer in the field of material sciences. With this technology, objects can be printed layer by layer, with complex geometries and intricate designs that were previously impossible to create using traditional manufacturing techniques. This disruptive potential has far-reaching implications across a range of industries, from aerospace and automotive to healthcare and consumer goods. Companies that have a first-comers advantage in the field, such as 3D Systems (DDD), Proto Labs (PRLB), and Steakholder Foods (STKH), are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for 3D printing technology. As the technology continues to evolve and become more accessible, investors who invest in these companies now could potentially see generous returns by the end of the decade.

3D Systems Corporation(NYSE: DD) is a global leader in 3D printing and digital manufacturing solutions. The company offers a range of 3D printer technologies that transform digital data input into printed parts, including stereolithography, selective laser sintering, direct metal printing, and bioprinting. Additionally, 3D Systems develops and markets various print materials, digital design tools, and solutions for product design, simulation, and manufacturing workflows. Its proprietary software, 3D Sprint and 3DXpert, provides automated support building, print simulation, and print queue management. The company primarily serves businesses in a variety of industries, including medical, dental, automotive, aerospace, government, defense, technology, jewelry, and energy. With its broad range of offerings and extensive market reach, 3D Systems Corporation is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for 3D printing and digital manufacturing solutions.

Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE: PRLB) is a digital manufacturer that specializes in creating custom prototypes and production parts through an e-commerce platform. The company offers a variety of manufacturing processes, including injection molding, CNC machining, 3D printing, and sheet metal fabrication. Proto Labs provides quick-turn and e-commerce-enabled custom parts to developers and engineers who use 3D computer-aided design software across a range of end markets. The company has been in operation since 1999 and is headquartered in Maple Plain, Minnesota. Proto Labs’ innovative approach to manufacturing and its wide range of capabilities make it a promising investment opportunity. Analyst consensus for PRLB is a BUY with an average PT of $38.00 for upside of nearly 20% from current share price.

Lastly, Steakholder Foods (NASDAQ: STKH) is the first cultured meat company to list on NASDAQ and is a leader in the development of 3D printing tech for the emerging cellular agriculture industry. They have developed a proprietary methodology and technological infrastructure for 3D bioprinting of lab-growth meat. Imagine being able to customize the fat and muscle content of a full cut of meat you would order at a steakhouse — these guys are making that science fiction concept reality. They are aggressively expanding their intellectual property portfolio with patents for 3D bioprinting tech that can produce a wide variety of full cuts of meat and structured tissues. They are trading at a significantly undervalued share price at the moment, and has received bullish analyst coverage. According to Zacks Investment Research they have an average PT of $5.94 for a whopping 760% potential upside. The company is led by food tech veterans who have managed several successful cellular agriculture ventures in the past.

In conclusion, 3D printing technology is a high dynamic niche with a broad range of applications from industrials to materials sciences and celullar agriculture. The three companies I surveyed here today — 3D Systems Corporation, Proto Labs, Inc., and Steakholder Foods all possess disruptive potential in terms of their robust portfolio of 3D printing tech. I’m long on all three, and plan on continuing to accrue while the market is still down. Disclaimer: this is not financial or investment advice but rather a reflection of my personal opinion and analysis.

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David Keller

Market analyst into the intersection of technology, finance, society, politics, and macro-econ. Straddles the NY-TLV axis. Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat.