3D printer providers


Best 3D printing services 2022 (to order a 3D print online)

What’s the best 3D printing service in 2022?

An online 3D printing service provider can help you save time and money. It’s much cheaper to order a 3D print online rather than investing in an expensive 3D printer and learning how to use it.

Moreover, 3D printing technology still isn’t fail-safe; although the tech has made leaps and bounds over the years, a 3D printer generally requires a lot of attention and tweaking to get the settings right for each 3D printed part.

Taking into account the numerous hours it takes to 3D print an object and the number of things that can go wrong (even up to when your part is 99% 3D printed!), it’s easy to waste a whole lot of precious time.

That’s where digital manufacturing platforms swoop in: you just send them your 3D model file – or have them model it for you – and choose your preferred 3D printing method and material (plastic, wood, metal, etc. ). Then, their experts make sure you quickly receive your 3D printed part on demand just the way you need it.

Now, there are hundreds of on-demand manufacturing service platforms. Our hand-picked selection of online manufacturing services is here to cut through the clutter and help you get off to the right start. We divided these services into two categories:

  • Additive manufacturing platforms (3D printing only)
  • Hybrid digital manufacturing platforms (3D printing, CNC milling, laser cutting, etc.)

Further on, we also mention a few peer-to-peer 3D printing services and 3D printing service comparison engines, as well as benefits and limits of ordering 3D prints online.

3D printing services vs hybrid on-demand manufacturing services

Some platforms exclusively use additive manufacturing methods (3D printing), while others can also make use of subtractive methods (e.g. CNC milling or laser cutting).

If you just want to print specific items in small quantities, like a plastic Baby Groot or a professional prototype, you’re better off choosing a 3D printing service. Subtractive methods will likely be a better choice when it comes to large series of objects.

The 11 best online 3D print services in 2022

Online 3D printing/manufacturing platforms Type* Metal 3D printing service Country of origin More information
Beamler 3D printing service Yes Netherlands Details
i.Materialise 3D printing service Yes BelgiumDetails
Kraftwurx 3D printing service Yes United States Details
Materialise OnSite 3D printing service Yes BelgiumDetails
Shapeways 3D printing service Yes United States Details
Sculpteo 3D printing service Yes France Details
FictivOn-demand manufacturing platform United States Details
3DiligentOn-demand manufacturing platform YesUnited States Details
Hubs On-demand manufacturing platform YesNetherlandsDetails
3ERP On-demand manufacturing platform YesChinaDetails
Protolabs On-demand manufacturing platform YesUnited St Details

*Type: some platforms offer 3D printing exclusively, while others feature additional manufacturing methods such as CNC milling, laser engraving/cutting, injection molding, etc.

3D printing services and on-demand manufacturing services overview

We divided these services into two categories: 3D printing services (additive manufacturing only) and on-demand digital manufacturing platforms (both additive and subtractive manufacturing methods).

3D printing services (additive manufacturing only)

Based in the Netherlands, Beamler is a 3D printing service that relies on a global network of additive manufacturing service providers. The site provides instant quotes and all uploaded files go through a printability check by Beamler software, which also guides users towards the most suitable AM process and materials for their parts.

Beamler specializes in 3D printing silicone, technical ceramics, composites, and metals such as Tungsten, Tungsten-Carbide, and Copper.

Site

i.materialise offers over 20 types of prints including 3D metal printing, and a large list of compatible 3D file formats. The i.materialise platform gives you an instant 3D printing quote once you upload your 3D file. Their fulfillment rate is between 2-12 days, depending on the chosen material and method.

The company is based in Belgium but ships internationally. If you’re still unsure about what you want to print, I.materialise has a large collection of previously printed items that you can order.

Site

Kraftwurx has by far the largest selection materials, with a whopping amount of 85 materials to choose from. Their site is slightly difficult to navigate though, and you may find it hard to find what you are looking for. Also, Kraftwurx only supports six different 3D file types, so make sure to create or download a 3D file that they support if you choose them.

While Kraftwurx does offer 3D printing, the site is geared more towards e-commerce. You can upload your ideas and use Kraftwurx’s infrastructure to drop-ship your products.

Site

Materialise OnSite is equipped with a number of 3D printing services, including an FDM 3D printing service (fused deposition modeling), selective laser sintering (SLS), a 3D metal printing service, stereolithography (resin), and PolyJet, with over 25 materials to choose from. The website has an instant quote option, giving you your 3D printing service cost immediately.

Their lead time for shipping products is 10 days or under for almost all materials, except for vacuum casting materials for which the lead time is 15 days. The site also has a large list of 3D software for preparing files as well as a dedicated space for medical 3D printing.

Site

Shapeways is one of the largest printing services in the world. They offer SLS, Multi Jet Fusion (full-color 3D printing), PolyJet, Digital Light Synthesis (DLS), Binder Jetting, and metal 3D printing services, along with 16 different Shapeways materials to print with. Shapeways is probably the most famous 3D model printing service where you can order 3D printed parts online or use their custom 3D printing service.

If you are looking to 3D print jewelry, their printing materials even include platinum, gold, silver, bronze, and other precious metals. If you do not have 3D modeling software, you can use Shapeways’ site to order 3D models online. Their lead time is between 2 and 15 days, depending on the material.

Site

Sculpteo, one of the market leaders, is a high resolution 3D printing service which offers 75 different material combinations to print with, including a carbon fiber 3D printing service. Their lead times can be anywhere between 2 and 21 days.

Sculpteo partnered with Staples 3D printing service in 2015 offering cheap online 3D printing, so you can also pick up your order at select production centers in France or California, US. They also have an online 3D printing store where you can buy pre-designed prints.

Note: Sculpteo features a laser cutting service as well, but we still included it in this additive manufacturing section as they are historically and mainly known for that segment.

Site

Other notable cloud 3D printing services

While these previous 3D printing services were our choice as the best, there are a few notable mentions:

  • Fast Radius
  • Trinckle
  • Voodoo Manufacturing
  • X3D Print
  • FedEx 3D Printing
  • CIDEAS

On-demand manufacturing platforms (CNC machining, laser cutting, injection molding, etc.

)

3Diligent is a digital manufacturing network that can connect you with large 3D printing services, 3D fabrication services, or on-demand manufacturers that will bring your 3D concept to life. Their services include 3D printing, CNC machining, casting, and injection molding.

3Diligent will connect you with an affordable 3D printing service and will find where to 3D print something for you. They also offer strategy consulting to help your business know exactly how to use a 3D model printing service or an on-demand manufacturing service correctly.

Site

Hubs (ex 3D Hubs) on-demand manufacturing partners use 3D printing, CNC machining, and injection molding. If you need to order 3D prints on a large scale quickly, Hubs is your one-stop-shop. They have produced over 2 million parts, shipped globally.

The site offers an instant quote for on-demand manufacturing, something that not many sites do. Their system also includes manufacturability confirmation of your 3D file, which means that they make sure that there are no issues in your final product.

Note: the 3D Hubs network was initially intended for hobbyists that had 3D printers at home. In 2018, however, the company decided to focus on professional and industrial providers only.

Site

3ERP offers the most manufacturing possibilities with CNC machining, vacuum casting, injection molding, pressure die casting, 3D printing, sheet metal prototyping, aluminum and plastic extrusion, and surface finishing. You can also sign up for a free project review on their site.

3ERP promises to have one of the fastest turnarounds on the market because they do all their on-demand manufacturing on-site. For users looking for a 3D printing service in China, 3ERP is a great choice.

Site

Fictiv is a global manufacturing network which also includes a 3D model printing service. Fictiv has an affordable 3D printing service with 7 different materials. Other manufacturing methods they feature include CNC machining, injection molding, urethane casting, and CNC machine finishing, allowing you to produce not just 3D printed parts but also subtractive prints and beautiful finished products.

They can also connect you with a large scale 3D printing service or an on-demand manufacturing service.

Site

Protolabs is a little different in the on-demand manufacturing world because they have figured out how to reduce turn-around times drastically. Their founder used automation to make the entire process perform smoother and faster.

Protolabs offers a metal, elastomer, LSR, and plastic 3D printing service for printing prototypes and parts. They also offer injection molding, CNC machining, and CNC finishing. It is a high-quality 3D printing service with better delivery times than most other services.

Site

Other notable digital manufacturing platforms

If you need to get something 3D printed online or you want to order 3D prints online and the companies we’ve already listed are not up to the job, check out these honorable mentions:

  • SD3D
  • Star Rapid
  • Rapid Direct
  • Stratasys Direct
  • Weerg
  • Xometry

Peer-to-peer 3D printing services (distributed manufacturing)

Peer-to-peer 3D printing services are made up of networks of users – both hobbyists and professionals – that own a 3D printer.

Freelabster

Freelabster has a network of over 3,500 people who have 3D printers, making their service a little different. If you have a 3D file you want to be printed and need it quick, Freelabster is perfect. Most products ship in 48 hours and arrive quickly because you choose a printer that is close to you. The site also has an option to help you with 3D modeling, if you don’t have a 3D file yet.

makexyz

Makexyz is another peer-to-peer service that connects you with local printers. The site has a little extra in that it also offers instant pricing, makes sure your project can be 3D printed (feasibility), and offers free shipping. They achieve this by having an enormous printing network and choosing someone who is closest to your town to print your 3D file.

Compare 3D printing services (comparison engines)

3D printing service comparison engines will find which platforms are suited for your project depending on your budget, material choice, manufacturing method, etc.

3DCompare

3DCompare offers 3D printing, CNC machining, injection molding, laser cutting, metal casting, urethane casting, CAD designing, and 3D scanning. Since they have such an enormous network of manufacturers, they can offer over 200 materials to choose from. The site also has customer support, instant quotes, 3D file analysis, and quality control.

The 3DCompare tool helps you order a 3D print online at the lowest possible price. Source: 3DCompare

Craftcloud

Craftcloud is a comparison engine from All3DP. You can upload your 3D file to the site and receive an instant quote for a wide range of materials. Craftcloud will then find the best manufacturer for your item and have the item shipped to you.

Treatstock

Treatstock is a comparison engine with a little bit of everything else. They offer 3D printing services, a 3D printing marketplace, and can connect you to local 3D printers and service providers. The site also has a collection of free applications which you can use online to create 3D files, view them, test them, and upload them to their site.

On-demand manufacturing platforms: special mentions

Below we list a few interesting platforms that didn’t make the cut in our final selection for varying reasons.

Plethora CNC machining

Plethora does offer a beginning-to-end service, starting with your 3D file and ending with a product in your hand. However, they can only help with products that are CNC-machined. They do not yet offer additive manufacturing, but their website promises to make them one of the leading competitors.

Ponoko 3D laser cutting and engraving

This platform no longer offers 3D printing services. Ponoko does offer laser printing, cutting, and engraving. The site also offers instant quotes, same-day shipping, and cheap prices. They offer 85+ materials that you can order and cut, print, and engrave on.

Staples 3D printing service

The Staples 3D printing service is a relatively new one on the market. Staples joined up with Sculpteo to create this additive manufacturing service. Their website does not give much information regarding which materials they use or which methods of 3D printing they offer, but apparently you can find 3D printing in most Staples stores, which is very convenient.

Why choose on-demand manufacturing over in-house 3D printing?

Benefits of using a 3D printing service

Cost reduction

Although some online 3D print platforms charge a lot for their services, it’s still faster cheaper than investing in a 3D printer and all the costs that go along with it (energy, maintenance, management, materials, etc.). That said, if you need to 3D print many parts all throughout the year, you might want to produce them in-house with your own additive manufacturing system.

Simplicity

3D printing is still a complex technology, especially for beginners. By using an on-demand 3D printing service, you can skip the steep learning curve and reap the benefits without the hassle.

Quality

The people that operate the platforms’ 3D printers are experts, so you can rest assured that your parts will be delivered close to perfection. You don’t have to worry about print failures, layer adhesion, warping, and other issues which can be a real headache.

Material choice

The vast array of materials available for you to choose from is something that you can’t access otherwise unless you have an entire warehouse filled with different kinds of 3D printers (stereolithography, powder bed fusion, extrusion, binder jetting…) and corresponding materials.

There are so many advantages linked to externalizing 3D prints, it would be too long to list them all. The main takeaway is that– in most cases– it’s quicker, easier, and cheaper.

Of course, there are also all the advantages that 3D printing offers in comparison to traditional manufacturing methods (e.g. time-consuming and expensive injection molding), but that’s a whole other story.

Limits of ordering 3D prints online

Pricey

It can cost several hundred dollars just to 3D print one small part, depending on the material and technology you want to use (especially with a 3D metal printing service). Again, it’s still cheaper than buying a $200K printer, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Time/delays

Ordering a 3D print-on-demand can be much quicker than producing it internally. However, if you’re making a prototype that you need to keep enhancing until its final version (which is generally the case in product design), it means you’ll have to wait whichever amount of days it takes for the provider to print and ship the newest version.

Certification

Your parts won’t necessarily be certified (e. g. ISO standards). 3D Hubs does offer some certifications, but this isn’t the case for most platforms. If you’re making parts that you need to sell (versus personal objects), think twice about this.

Hence, ordering a 3D print online isn’t always the best way to go depending on your needs and use cases.

FAQ

What is a 3D printing service bureau?

A 3D printing service bureau is a company that can 3D print your files for you, without you having to buy expensive equipment.

What is distributed manufacturing?

Distributed manufacturing is when a 3D manufacturing platform takes your design and sends it to the most appropriate manufacturer- geography-wise, technology-wise, or both.

Where can I find a 3D printing service near me?

Peer-to-peer 3D printing services will find local 3D printers for you, We recommend Freelabster and Makexyz.

What’s the difference between i.Materialise and Materialise OnSite?

Materialise OnSite is geared more towards professional and industrial use cases, while i.Materialise is more adapted for hobbyists and occasional users. They are two different 3D printing services, but both under the umbrella of the Materialise Group.

Where to find a 3D printing service in India?

Anjali3D is a 3D printing service in India.

Where to find a 3D printing service in China?

3ERP is a 3D printing service in China, with a wide range of manufacturing capabilities.

Top 3D Printer Manufacturers and Suppliers in the USA and Canada

A 3D printer uses CAD to create 3D objects from a variety of materials,
like molten plastic or powders

Image credit: Shutterstock/Aumm graphixphoto

3D printers also called additive manufacturing printers or fabrication printers are a type of material design printer that designs and builds 3D models and products of devices and components using an additive manufacturing process.

3D printers design three-dimensional prototypes and create the end product by directly building them using computer-aided design (CAD) or software-created 3D design diagrams, figures, and patterns.

3D printers utilize additive manufacturing, where the printer designs the object by applying sequential layers of raw material to print a three-dimensional object.

In this article, we'll cover details on the top U.S. providers of 3D printers, along with our featured list of top 3D printer suppliers on Thomasnet.com. 

Top Featured U.S. & Canada Suppliers of 3D Printers

Below is a list of featured suppliers of 3D printers from our platform. The company name, year, location, and employee count are also listed in the table.

Position

Company Name

Year Established

City

State

Zip

Employee Size

Sales Revenue

1

Sciaky, Inc.

1939

Chicago

IL

60638

50-99

$100 - 249.9 Mil

2

AON3D

2015

Montreal

QC

h3N1P4

NA

NA

3

Nexa3D

NA

Ventura

CA

93003

10-49

$5 - 9.9 Mil

4

Terrafilum

2017

Cary

IL

60013

1-9

Under $1 Mil

5

Raise 3D Technologies, Inc.

2018

Irvine

CA

92618

10-49

$10 - 24.9 Mil

 

Company Summaries

Established in 1939, Sciaky, Inc. specializes in electron beam 3D printers for nuclear, medical, semiconductor, marine, aircraft, power generation, oil & gas sectors. The company uses materials such as titanium, tantalum, tungsten, niobium, aluminum, steel, and Inconel® for printing. 

Located in Montreal, QC, AON3D is an industry-leading manufacturer of high-temperature 3D printers. The company's printers prints with polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), polyphthalamide (PPA), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate and nylon materials.  

Nexa3D specializes in manufacturing 3D printers for engineering, dental, medical and education industries. The company is situated in Ventura, CA.

Headquartered in Cary, IL, Terrafilum manufactures 3D printers since 2017. The company meets the demands of the commercial and educational sectors. 

Raise 3D Technologies, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of industrial-grade 3D printers. The company's 3D printers offer HEPA filters and WiFi, LAN, USB port and live camera connectivity. 

Top U.S. Suppliers of 3D Printers Based on Sales

Below we have assembled information on the top suppliers of 3D printers in the U.S. based on currently available public sales data. The table also includes the company name, location and the number of employees.

Position

Company Name

Year Established

City

State

Zip

Employee Size

Sales Volume

1

HP Inc.

1938

Palo Alto

CA

94304

500-999

$118,004,000,000

2

Trumpf, Inc.

1934

Farmington

CT

06032

1000+

$2,700,000,000

3

Stratasys Ltd.

NA

Eden Prairie

MN

55344

200-499

$672,458,000

4

Sciaky, Inc.

1939

Chicago

IL

60638

50-99

$107,000,000

5

3D Systems - Quickparts Solutions

1986

Atlanta

GA

30346

50-99

$99,999,999

6

XYZprinting, Inc.

NA

San Diego

CA

92121

200-499

$75,000,000

7

MakerBot Industries, LLC

2009

Brooklyn

NY

11201

100-199

$74,716,906

8

MarkForged

NA

Cambridge

MA

02138

100-199

$30,000,000

9

Mimaki USA

1999

Suwanee

GA

30024

50-99

$26,785,966

10

Raise 3D Technologies, Inc.

2018

Irvine

CA

92618

10-49

$24,999,999

 

Company Summaries

With over 80 years of experience, HP Inc. is a manufacturer of 3D printers. The company meets the demands of consumer goods or electronics, orthotics, prosthetics, health care, medical, higher education, transportation, automotive, and aerospace industries. 

Located in Farmington, CT, Trumpf, Inc. manufactures laser metal fusion (LMF) and laser metal deposition (LMD) printers for over 20 years. Data communications, electronics, photovoltaics, science, tool or mold making, transport, display, dental, aviation, aerospace, medical technology, jewelry, automotive, construction, and sheet metal processing are some of the industries served by the company.  

Stratasys Ltd. manufactures 3D printers serving industries such as consumer products, aerospace, automotive, dental, medical, education, railway, art, fashion, and government. PolyJet, stereolithography (SLA), and fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology 3D printers are offered by the company. 

Established in 1939, Sciaky, Inc. specializes in electron beam 3D printers for nuclear, medical, semiconductor, marine, aircraft, power generation, oil & gas sectors. The company uses materials such as titanium, tantalum, tungsten, niobium, aluminum, steel, and Inconel® for printing. 

3D Systems - Quickparts Solutions manufactures metal, plastic, and casting 3D printers. The company meets the demands of motorsports, aerospace, defense, automotive, consumer technology, jewelry, semiconductor, truck, bus, rail, and turbomachinery markets. 

Founded in 2013, XYZprinting, Inc. specializes in 3D printers including fused filament fabrication (FFF), stereolithography (SLA), and digital light processing (DLP). The company is situated in San Diego, CA. 

MakerBot Industries, LLC manufactures 3D printers that print with polymers, composites, and metal materials. Aerospace, automotive, education, and manufacturing are some of the industries served by the company. 

MarkForged is a leader in manufacturing 3D printers that prints using materials such as continuous fibers, plastics, stainless steel, tool steel, copper, and Inconel®. The company serves consumer packaged goods, electronics, automotive, aerospace, education, research, energy, defense, federal, energy, and medical markets. 

Founded in 1975, Mimaki USA specializes in manufacturing 3D printers. The company is headquartered in Suwanee, GA. 

Raise 3D Technologies, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of industrial-grade 3D printers. The company's 3D printers offer HEPA filters and WiFi, LAN, USB port and live camera connectivity. 

Summary

With the help of the provided details on the 3D printer suppliers in the United States and Canada in the above tables and descriptions, we hope you can use this data to further aid your sourcing decisions. 

You can also look at our Supplier Discovery page, which has information on more than 150 suppliers of 3D printers. 

Trademark Notice

Sources

  • 3D Printers 

Other 3D Printing Articles

  • Types of 3D Printing Technologies
  • Top 3D Printing Services Companies in the USA
  • Origins of 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing
  • Top 3D Printing Manufacturers and Suppliers (Publicly Traded and Privately-Owned)
  • Top Suppliers of Additive Manufacturing Consulting Services
  • The Best 3D Printers under $300
  • The Best 3D Printers under $200
  • The Best 3D Printing Software
  • The Best 3D Printer Under $1000
  • The Best 3D Printer Under $500
  • All About Material Jetting
  • All About Multi-Jet Modeling (MJM) 3D Printing

Other Top Suppliers Articles

  • Top RFID Antenna Manufacturers USA and Internationally
  • Top Thermocouple Manufacturers in the USA - By Revenue, Location and Product Type
  • Top Suppliers of Integrated Circuit Design Services in the USA and Globally
  • Top Industrial Automation Software Companies in the USA and Globally
  • Top Cloud Services Providers and the USA and around the Globe
  • Top Battery Enclosure Manufacturers and Suppliers in the US and Globally
  • Top Proximity Sensors Suppliers and Manufacturers in the USA and Worldwide
  • Top Resistor Suppliers and Manufacturers in the US and Globally
  • Top RFID Tag Manufacturers in the USA and Internationally
  • Top Temperature Sensors Manufacturers and Suppliers
  • Top Cable Assembly Manufacturer Companies in the USA
  • RFID Software Companies in the USA and Internationally
  • Top Predictive Maintenance Companies in the USA and Globally
  • Top Pipe and Tube Bending Companies in the USA
  • Top EDM Services Suppliers in the USA
  • Top RFID Reader Manufacturers and Suppliers in the USA and Internationally
  • Top RFID Inventory Control Software Companies in the USA and Internationally
  • Top U. S. Screw Machining Service Suppliers
  • Top Sensors Manufacturers and Suppliers in the USA
  • Top Graphene Companies and Manufacturers in the USA
  • Top Suppliers of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Top Laboratory Supply Companies in the USNext Story »

More from Custom Manufacturing & Fabricating

Largest listed companies in the 3D printing sector

3D printing dates back to the late 1980s. At the end of 2018, the size of the 3D printing market, according to various estimates, reached from $9 trillion to $10 trillion. Calculations were made based on the cost of producing printers, components and 3D printing.

In the coming years, expert agencies (IMARC, Inkwood Reasearch, Marketwatch, etc.) predict a steady growth of at least 20% per year. In this scenario, by the end of 2025, the scale of the entire 3D printing segment will reach at least $ 32 trillion - 3. 5 times higher than the current values. nine0003

The outlook for the sector makes it attractive to investors. Consider the largest and most stable companies in this segment, whose shares can be considered for purchase and take their rightful place in your portfolio.

1. HP Inc Capitalization: $29.3 billion

HP manufactures computers, printers, tablets and a number of other devices. The release of 3D printers is not the main specialization of the company, but HP occupies one of the leading positions in the 3D printing segment. In 2014, the company developed the Multi Jet Fusion technology, which allowed to increase productivity and reduce the cost of professional (industrial) 3D printers. The technology has been successfully applied in mass production of printers since 2016.

In 2017, HP opens the world's first 3D lab, equipped with printers in various build states and essential tools for device experimentation. The company has opened up the first opportunities to test new materials in 3D printers to increase efficiency.

In 2018, HP will open a joint manufacturing center with China's Guangdong in Guangdong, China, which is the largest such 3D printing project in Asia Pacific and Japan. The facility is equipped with ten high-tech next-generation HP Metal Jet printers to produce parts and prototypes for industrial customers. nine0003

2. Proto L abs (NYSE: PRLB). Capitalization: $2.56 billion

The company was founded in 1999 and has more than 10 production sites in seven countries. The head office is located in Minnesota. The company specializes in the production of parts for other manufacturing companies. The corporation positions itself as the fastest in the world in the production of custom prototypes and finished parts for industrial customers. In 2014, Proto Labs launched 3D printed parts. nine0003

In addition to 3D printing, the company produces CNC (Computer Numerical Control) parts, injection molding and sheet metal parts. In 2015, Proto Labs bought Alphaform (specializing in innovative 3D printing) with divisions in Germany, Finland and the UK. This allowed the company to expand its 3D printing business in Europe. To diversify its business and introduce sheet metal manufacturing, the company acquired Rapid Manufacturing in 2017 for $120 million. 9 Systems ( NYSE: DDD). Capitalization: $1.01 billion

3D Systems was founded by inventor Chuck Hull in 1986 as the world's first 3D printing company. It produces 3D printers and components, including software, and also designs them. The company provides services at various stages of design, development and production of products for many large industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical, entertainment and other areas. It should be noted that the corporation also works with retail consumers. Business diversification within the 3D segment makes the company financially stable. nine0003

3D Systems is headquartered in Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA. The number of employees of the company exceeds 2600 (as of the end of 2018), which is twice as high as five years ago.

4. Stratasys ( NASDAQ: SSYS). Capitalization: $0.98 billion

The company was founded in 1989 by Scott Crump. The technology was based on the idea of ​​creating the shape of a figure by layering after Scott decided in 1988 to make a toy for his daughter using a gun filled with glue. At 1992 Stratasys released its first 3D Modeler product.

Today, Stratasys manufactures industrial and desktop 3D printers and related accessories. The range of services includes installation, maintenance and training in working with printers. The company serves various industries by developing technologies for the production of prototypes and parts. The first public offering of Stratasys shares took place in 1994 at $5 per share and a total volume of $5. 7 million. The head office is located in Minnesota. nine0003

5. Materialize Capitalization: $0.88 billion

Incorporated in 1990 in Leuven, Belgium, Materialise specializes in 3D printing services and 3D printer software. Like other leaders in this sector, Materialize works with various major manufacturers around the world (Adidas, HP), but a significant share of the business is in cooperation with medical centers and institutions. The company's portfolio includes more than 150 medical patents. Materialize offices are located in 18 countries, including one office located in the CIS in Ukraine. nine0003

Issuer Comparison

The most valuable company among the leaders is HP, which is due to the scale and diversification of the company's business in the entire technology segment. 3D Systems, Stratasys and Materialize specialize exclusively in the 3D printing segment, while their capitalization is on the same level. Proto Labs has three businesses besides 3D printing and is in the middle of our list in terms of capitalization.


The most undervalued company in terms of EV/EBITDA is HP, but it is not correct to compare it with other issuers by this multiplier due to the differentiation of the company's products and services. 3D Systems has the highest EV/EBITDA, and from this point of view, the paper is not so attractive to buy. Moreover, over the past four years, 3D Systems shares have been in a stable sideways trend without technical prerequisites for growth. nine0003

The remaining three companies, in our opinion, may be of interest. At the same time, if your long-term goal is to get the maximum increase from the growth of the 3D printing sector, then investing in HP shares is less preferable compared to other securities. After all, the reaction of the shares of companies with a direct specialization is more sensitive to changes in the sector. Below are the consensus forecasts of investment houses according to Reuters, according to which Stratasys (14. 9%) and Materialize (13.6%) shares have the greatest potential now. nine0003

HP Inc (NYSE: HPQ): $20.5 (+3.4%)
Proto Labs (NYSE: PRLB): $98.7 (+3.0%)
3D Systems (NYSE: DDD): $8 .6 (+0.6%)
Stratasys (NASDAQ: SSYS): $20.8 (+14.9%)
Materialize (NASDAQ: MLTS): $19.2 (+13.6%)

OPEN ACCOUNT

BCS Broker

3D printer manufacturers: quality 3D printers

3D printer manufacturers

In this article, we will try to answer this question in as much detail as possible and list the existing manufacturers. nine0003

Of course, it makes no sense to talk about all the developers, because there are a lot of them. Manufacturers of 3D printers today are divided not only by the type of technology used by their devices, but also by the class of devices.

In general, all 3D printer manufacturers can be divided into three groups:

  • Professionals. They produce the highest quality equipment, including industrial ones. The cost of their goods, respectively, is significantly higher than the average market prices, but the buyer pays not only for the brand, but also for reliability; nine0141
  • Middle segment. The vast majority of 3D printer manufacturers fall into this category. These are companies that have already established themselves in the market, but have not yet reached a certain point. It produces good quality products at an affordable price;
  • Start-up producers. Basically, these are young enthusiastic developers who are eager to bring their product into circulation. It is possible that their products can be quite good, but often such 3D printers are very raw and unfinished. nine0141

Other questions and answers about 3D printers and 3D printing:

Quality 3D printer

Of course, if you want to buy your own device for 3D printing, you want to buy the highest quality 3D printer. But what if all the manufacturers of 3D printers are touting their products? How to decide? Let's figure it out.

First of all, you should trust only proven equipment developers. See which 3D printer manufacturers have been on the market for a long time and what they offer. nine0003

Secondly, analyze the proposed options. Compare prices and features of 3D printers, see reviews. It is also a good option to get professional advice from distributors. For example, in 3DDevice you will always be helped to make a choice.

Popular 3D printers

In order to bring some clarity and help you make your choice, it is worth mentioning the most popular 3D printers. Well-known 3D printer manufacturers such as Stratasys, 3D Systems, MakerBot, Formlabs, CreatBot, Ultimaker offer good options and the market is flooded with their products. The advantage of choosing a popular 3D printer is its ease of use. After all, there is probably a training video or a review on the desired model on the network. nine0003

Of course, when choosing a 3D printer, you should not focus solely on the manufacturer.


Learn more