What happened
On a down day for stock markets, shares of companies involved in the 3D printing business -- additive manufacturing -- are doing just fine. More than fine, actually. As of 1:45 p.m. EST, shares of 3D Systems (DDD -0.86%) had blasted off to a 16.5% gain, while archrival Stratasys (SSYS -0.20%) and 3D prototype manufacturer Proto Labs (PRLB -0.47%) had risen 8.5% and 10.7%, respectively.
So what
What's the reason for the ruckus? "Market volatility" is the easiest answer -- and there's certainly been enough of that happening lately! But in the 3D printing sector in particular, there's also some actual news of note today.
Specifically, 3D Systems -- the stock that's leading the sector higher today -- announced a "breakthrough in bioprinting technology" today, and an "expansion of regenerative medicine." 3D systems cited "tremendous progress made in collaboration with United Therapeutics Corporation (UTHR 1.08%)" in manufacturing human organs for transplant utilizing "3D printing systems for solid-organ scaffolds." Now, the company says it intends to "invest, further develop, and commercialize solutions for the diverse application opportunities in regenerative medicine."
3D Systems is really "ahead" of the curve in additive manufacturing. Image source: Getty Images.
Now what
That's right, folks. 3D is in the body parts-printing business now. From industrial roots, it's basically evolved into a biotech stock.
Going forward, it's hard to say precisely how this will play out. Even 3D Systems admits that this is only a "nascent industry." It remains to be seen whether a rival like Stratasys can imitate 3D's success -- or what role a prototype like Proto Labs might play. But as for 3D Systems itself, the company says its "Print to Perfusion" process is capable of 3D printing "full size, vascularized, rapid, micron-level scaffolds on which to perfuse living human cells to grow functioning human organs. The company further believes that the ability to grow organs artificially in this manner has "the potential to enable novel laboratory testing methods to accelerate the development of new drug therapies while reducing the need for animal testing."
In a masterful example of understatement, 3D Systems calls its new ability to help grow human organs with a 3D printer "an exciting growth driver for our healthcare business."
It's certainly exciting 3D printing investors today.
