Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, three-dimensional printer maker 3D Systems (DDD 1.32%) has earned a respected four-star ranking.

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at 3D Systems business and see what CAPS investors are saying about the stock right now.

3D Systems facts

Headquarters (founded)

Rock Hill, S.C. (1986)

Market Cap

$2.6 billion

Industry

Computer hardware

Trailing-12-Month Revenue

$321.9 million

Management

CEO Abraham Reichental

Founder/Chief Technology Officer Dr. Charles Hull

Return on Equity (average, past 3 years)

14.9%

Cash/Debt

$183.9 million / $131.2 million

Competitors

Dassault Systemes

Delcam

Stratasys (SSYS 2.41%)

Sources: S&P Capital IQ and Motley Fool CAPS.

On CAPS, 95% of the 1,440 members who have rated 3D Systems believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward.

A couple of months ago, one of those Fools, jwlarson3, offered a cautiously optimistic take on the opportunity:

Have you actually taken the time to watch a video of what 3D printing can do? It is that way precision goods and parts will be manufactured in the future. Based on my research into its competition, 3D systems really seems to be the innovator in the field and profitable to boot. There is a ton of upside to this whole industry. Just watch out for another thought leader in the sector, that would be the time to look at the auction block.

If you want market-thumping returns, you need to put together the best portfolio you can. Of course, despite a strong four-star rating, 3D Systems may not be your top choice.

Want to see how well (or not so well) the stocks in this series are performing? Follow the TrackPoisedTo CAPS account.