Takeaways
- The 3D printing market may grow from $23.4B in 2025 to $101.7B by 2032, providing big investment opportunities.
- Top 3D printing stocks on the list are Proto Labs, Stratasys, Nano Dimension, 3D Systems, FARO, Materialise, and Velo3D.
- Criteria for selecting stocks is based on companies’ market lead, product advancement, financial standing, and exposure to this emerging trend.
- Intellectia.ai’s tools like the AI Stock Picker and Stock Monitor, can support you to make informed and sharp investment moves.
Introduction
Are you looking to invest in an emerging trend that’s reshaping the future of the manufacturing tech sector? The 3D printing industry aka additive manufacturing is deriving rapid growth currently. Here, picking the right 3D printing stocks can feel complex as there are so many companies hunting for market share. How do you know which ones are worth your money? So, in this article, we’ll go through the top 3D printing stocks to consider for 2025.
What Are 3D Printing Stocks?
3D printing stocks are shares in companies that develop, manufacture, or distribute 3D printing tech and services. These firms are at the forefront of additive manufacturing. This is a process that creates three-dimensional objects by layering materials based on digital designs. The tech is widely used in industries like aerospace for lightweight components, healthcare for customized implants, automotive for prototyping, and manufacturing for sharp production. As 3D printing continues to evolve, these companies are scaling up and capturing market share in a growing industry (CAGR of 18.5%, as per precedenceresearch).
Source: precedenceresearch.com
Why Invest in 3D Printing Stocks?
The 3D printing market may hit explosive growth, making it an potent sector for investors targeting high price returns. As per Fortune Business Insights, the global market may grow from $23.4B in 2025 to $101.7B by 2032 (with a CAGR of 23.4%). This expansion is based on increasing 3D-tech adoption across industries amid heavy government investments and private sector funding. For instance, governments worldwide are funding 3D printing to boost manufacturing edge, while venture capital investments in 3D printing startups hit $1.89B in 2021 and $2.11B in 2022. The current product advancements like metal 3D printing and bioprinting boosts this sector’s appeal further (due to usability). Despite ongoing market volatility (interest rates, tariff war, and anti-globalization), the long-term outlook of 3D printing is attached with possible solid returns for smartly-selected 3D printing stocks.
Source: fortunebusinessinsights.com
Criteria for Selecting the Best 3D Printing Stocks
Identifying the right 3D printing stocks is based on several fundamentals:
- Market Lead: Scan companies with a solid market presence and high brand image, as they can maintain an edge in valuations due to street sentiment.
- Innovation and Tech: Prioritize comps that lead in developing new materials, improving printing processes, and pioneering applications (like bioprinting or electronics manufacturing).
- State of Financial: Assess for companies with solid topline growth, bottomline, and a solid balance sheet to stabilize growth pace.
- Topline Exposure to Emerging Tech Trends: Comps pushing into high-growth sectors like aerospace, healthcare, and automotive (like EVs) may benefit from current industry expansions (in terms of market cap).
- Strategic Deals: Big deals with industry leaders can boost a company’s addressable market and topline growth outlook.
Here, to support your research, Intellectia.ai provides tools like the AI Stock Picker that applies advanced algos to track high-potential stocks under these types of criterias. The Stock Monitor lets you track real-time stock price performance. Whereas Technical Analysis tools help you assess unique chart patterns and indicators for logical trading moves. For swing traders, Intellectia.ai’s Swing Trading feature has specific strategies to capitalize on short-term price movements.
List of Top 7 Best 3D Printing Stocks to Watch
| Company Name | Ticker | Market Cap | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proto Labs | PRLB | $804M | Rapid prototyping and on-demand manufacturing |
| Stratasys | SSYS | $656M | Established leader with diverse product offerings |
| FARO Technologies | FARO | $508M | Leader in 3D measurement, imaging, and realization solutions |
| Nano Dimension | NNDM | $324M | Specializes in additive manufacturing of electronics |
| 3D Systems | DDD | $248M | Pioneer in 3D printing with a broad range of solutions |
| Materialise | MTLS | $274M | Leading provider of 3D printing software and services |
| Velo3D | VLD | $100M | Advanced metal 3D printing for complex parts |
Proto Labs (PRLB) - Best for Prototyping and On-Demand Manufacturing
Proto Labs is in digital manufacturing and provides custom prototypes and on-demand production parts. It progresses in 3D printing, CNC machining, injection molding, and sheet metal fabrication. Founded in 1999 and based in Maple Plain, Minnesota, the company serves industries (like automotive, aerospace, medical, and consumer goods) and providing fast turnaround times for custom parts.
Moreover, Proto Labs has expanded its digital platform to boost client experience. This allows faster quoting and production. The company continues to invest in advanced manufacturing tech to maintain its edge. Proto Labs had TTM topline of $500.89M and net income of $16.59M. Its PE ratio of 51.23 suggests strong street confidence in its growth.
In short, Proto Labs excels in prototyping that enables clients to upload designs and receive quotes within hours. Its diversified manufacturing capabilities reduce dependence on 3D printing alone.
Source: FY24 Deck
Stratasys (SSYS) - Best for Established Lead and Diverse Offerings
Stratasys has been in 3D printing since 1989 and sells a wide range of printers, materials, and software for industries like aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. With HQ in Minnesota and Israel, Stratasys is known in the market for its reliable and innovative products.
In FY24, Stratasys hit record consumables topline and positive operating cash flow of $7.4M. It is a significant improvement from a $61.6M loss in 2023. This is reflecting solid demand and better financial management. Stratasys has a market cap of $656M and had FY24 sales of $627.6M (-8.8% YoY). Despite the topline dip, its cash flow improvement signals operational sharpness.
Stratasys’ product portfolio and global presence make it a preferable choice for enterprises. Its focus on advancement ensures it remains a leader in 3D printing technology.
Source: 2024 Deck
FARO Technologies (FARO) - Best for Precision 3D Measurement and Metrology
FARO Technologies is a global leader in 3D measurement, imaging, and realization solutions, revolutionizing industries like manufacturing, construction, and public safety. Founded in 1981 by Simon Raab and Greg Fraser, FARO designs software-driven tools such as the FaroArm, FARO Laser Tracker, and FARO Blink, which simplify 3D data capture and analysis. These solutions enable precise inspections, rapid prototyping, and digital modeling, serving sectors like aerospace, automotive, and architecture. In FY24, FARO reported $342.4M in sales, despite a 5% YoY decline.
Recent advancements include the FARO Leap ST handheld scanner and a strategic partnership with Topcon to enhance laser scanning solutions. With a market cap of $508M as of April 2025, FARO continues to drive efficiency through its Sphere XG platform, reducing waste and improving decision-making. The company’s commitment to sustainability, aiming for a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, further strengthens its appeal.
Source: 2024 Earnings
Nano Dimension (NNDM) - Best for Additive Manufacturing of Electronics
Nano Dimension specializes in additive manufacturing of electronics, producing high-precision 3D printers for circuit boards and electronic components. The company targets industries like aerospace, defense, and automotive, where precision is critical. Nano Dimension is acquiring Desktop Metal, a move may derive over $200M in a combined FY24 topline.
With a market capitalization of $324M, Nano Dimension is smaller but growing, leveraging its niche in electronics manufacturing to drive topline. Nano Dimension’s focus on 3D-printed electronics sets it apart, catering to a high-growth niche. Its acquisition strategy enhances its scale and capabilities.
3D Systems (DDD) - Best for Comprehensive 3D Printing Solutions
3D Systems (founded in 1983) is a 3D printing pioneer offering hardware, software, and materials for applications in healthcare, aerospace, and manufacturing. The company is known for its stereolithography technology. 3D Systems implemented a cost-saving initiative targeting $50M in annualized savings, with projections to reach EBITDA breakeven by Q4 2025, signaling a focus on profitability.
With a market capitalization of $248M, 3D Systems faces issues but is working toward financial stability through cost reductions and operational improvements. 3D Systems’ broad range of solutions and long history in the industry provide a solid foundation for growth. Its focus on cost efficiency enhances its investment appeal.
Source: Q4 Deck
Materialise (MTLS) - Best for Software and Medical Applications
Materialise, a Belgian company, provides 3D printing software and services, with a strong focus on medical applications like custom implants and surgical guides. It also serves industrial sectors. Materialise has expanded its software offerings, enhancing its platform for medical and industrial 3D printing applications, driving adoption.
With a market capitalization of around $374M, Materialise maintains steady growth, particularly in its medical segment, which benefits from rising demand. Materialise’s expertise in software and medical 3D printing positions it in high-growth areas. Its global presence adds to its appeal.
Source: Corporate Deck
Velo3D (VLD) - Best for High-End Metal 3D Printing
Velo3D specializes in advanced metal 3D printing for complex parts, serving aerospace, energy, and defense industries. Its technology enables high-precision manufacturing. Velo3D has secured contracts with major aerospace firms, boosting its order backlog and reinforcing its position in high-value markets.
Velo3D’s market capitalization is ~$100M, with growth driven by increasing demand for its specialized printing systems. Velo3D’s ability to produce complex, high-precision parts makes it a leader in niche applications. Its aerospace contracts enhance its growth prospects.
Conclusion
The 3D printing industry is breeding a massive opportunity to invest and capture high price returns in a transformative tech. Stocks like Proto Labs, Stratasys, Nano Dimension, 3D Systems, FARO, Materialise, and Velo3D lead in their product advancement, market presence, and top line growth potential. By using intellectia.ai features (like Earnings Trading) and assessing their ongoing market lead, financial health, and high exposure to emerging trends, you can build a progressive portfolio in this market.
