The manufacturing process known as 3D printing is one of the most promising and rapidly developing technologies with applications across a multitude of industries. 3D printing involves the additive layering of thin sheets of material that are fused together to create a physical product from a digital design. While the industry is currently hampered by relatively slow production times, advocates believe that 3D printing ultimately will have the capability to mass produce everything from medical equipment to automotive parts to airline components. Below, we look at the 5 biggest 3D printing companies by 12-month trailing (TTM) revenue. This list is limited to companies that are publicly traded in the U.S. or Canada, either directly or through ADRs. Some foreign companies may report semiannually, and so may have longer lag times. All data are from YCharts as of September 8, 2020.
- Revenue (TTM): $566.6 million
- Net Income (TTM): -$78.4 million
- Market Cap: $632.3 million
- 1-Year Trailing Total Return: -24.6%
- Exchange: New York Stock Exchange
3D Systems invented 3D printing in 1989 with the development and patenting of its stereolithography technology, which uses ultraviolet lasers to help create highly precise parts. DDD built on that by developing new technologies, including selective laser sintering, multi-jet printing, film-transfer imaging, color jet printing, direct metal printing, and plastic jet printing. 3D Systems has three business units: products, materials, and services. The products category offers 3D printers and software and includes small desktop and commercial printers that print in plastics and other materials.
- Revenue (TTM): $451.0 million
- Net Income (TTM): $58.6 million
- Market Cap: $3.9 billion
- 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 58.2%
- Exchange: New York Stock Exchange
Proto Labs was founded in 1999 with a focus on building automated solutions to develop plastic and metal parts used in the manufacturing process. The company expanded to launch an industrial-grade 3D printing service that allowed developers and engineers to move prototypes into the production process. The company’s primary business services include injection molding, sheet metal fabrication and 3D printing.
- Revenue (TTM): $334.7 million
- Net Income (TTM): -$79.7 million
- Market Cap: $1.0 billion
- 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 20.6%
- Exchange: NASDAQ
FARO specializes in 3D measurement and other services for the fields of architecture, engineering, and construction. With a 40-year history, FARO’ began before the advent of 3D printing. The company’s products include coordinate measuring machines, laser trackers and projectors, mappers, scanners, and software. FARO also serves the aerospace, automotive, and power generation industries.
- Revenue (TTM): $205.3 million
- Net Income (TTM): -$2.7 million
- Market Cap: $1.9 billion
- 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 94.8%
- Exchange: NASDAQ
Belgian company Materialise has a 30-year history providing 3D printing solutions and related software. It provides platforms to facilitate the development of 3D printing applications in industries such as healthcare, automotive, aerospace, and art and design. Some of the company’s first 3D printing activities included anatomical models in both dental and hearing aid products. Materialise also produces eyewear and automobile products.
- Revenue (TTM): $52.9 million
- Net Income (TTM): -$14.5 million
- Market Cap: $238.2 million
- 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 48.3%
- Exchange: NASDAQ
ExOne specializes in manufacturing 3D printing machines for customers across various industries. It also produces 3D printed products to specification for industrial customers. ExOne 3D printers utilize binder jetting technology, fusing powder particles of materials like metal or sand into molds, cores, and other products.