Posted on 08/10/2018 1:31:17 PM PDT by shove_it
About five years ago or so, 3D-printing stocks were red-hot. But the good times quickly fizzled.
However, lately there have been signs of life, as a variety of the operators in the industry have experienced rejuvenated growth rates. And, more importantly, the long-term trends look quite favorable for the 3D-printing space.
According to IDC, the spending in the market — on a global basis — is expected to hit about $12 billion this year. And by 2021, the forecast is for the market to reach $20 billion. Much of the growth will come from physical printers and materials, but there will also be opportunities in software systems and services.
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10 Tech Stocks to Get Rid of Today So with that prospective growth in mind, what are some of the 3D-printing stocks to buy? Let’s take a look at seven: ...
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ping
You show me a 3D printer with 3D-printed super precision ball bearing lead screws in it and I’ll show you a 3D printing machine that can print a copy of itself.
Wish list: a 3D printer under $500 that is turnkey for a novice to use, that prints objects in minutes rather than hours, bundled with spare components that are easily swapped.
Currently, good 3D printers require lots of hands-on intervention and set-up by techies. Setting up and understanding 3D driver software is a must. CAD knowledge is important. Platform tables must be leveled and prepared. Appropriate temperature settings for different filament material need to be configured. Object positioning is important, as well as proper support for overhanging portions of the object. Printheads and nozzles get clogged and require intervention.
It’s going to be a while before cheap smart 3D printers under $500 are easily used, and last a long time, for the masses.
I made a good return on some 3D printing stocks, but sold them about 3 years ago. Almost made up for my losses in the energy sector. I would have just held on to them, but I needed the money at that time.
Similar wishlist.
There are additional items I want, but I'm reasonable considering I'm talking about under $500. I'd also like a built-in scanner in order to scan and then 3D print duplicates of the original. That's asking too much. I bought a 3D printer years ago, and because of not being able to easily source parts (while the printer was still good and not needing parts), I then bought a 2nd duplicate printer just to have it for spare parts. Since then I have found sources for some parts, but still like the insurance of having a spare printer to continue printing if I run into problems with broken parts. Some 4 or 5 years have gone by and I'm surprised 3D printing has not advanced much. But I'm hoping for huge improvements soon.
I’m not impressed with the recommendations. I’d recommend AMETEK, Inc. (AME). They make powdered metals used in industrial 3D printers.
great article
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