Are 3D printing stocks suitable for long-term investment?

Since the 3D printing industry is still relatively young, it's smart to take a long-term approach to investing in these stocks to allow time for the industry to mature.

How do 3D printing stocks perform during economic downturns?

Like many businesses, 3D printing companies can suffer during economic downturns. Customers may push back orders to later dates to conserve cash and maintain their financial health until the downturn recedes.

How can investors stay updated on 3D printing trends?

Monitoring the quarterly financial reports of 3D printing companies is a great way to stay informed about the latest industry trends. Of course, following The Motley Fool's coverage on 3D printing stocks is another excellent strategy for investors interested in the space.

Are 3D printing stocks considered tech stocks?

Yes, most 3D printing stocks are in the tech sector, which encompasses a wide range of companies, including gadget manufacturers, software developers, and cloud computing providers.

Can 3D printing stocks provide passive income?

Because most 3D printing stocks are unprofitable, they don't generate sufficient cash to return to shareholders. Investors seeking passive income should consider other investment options, although HP is one viable option.

Is there an ETF for 3D printing?

There aren't many 3D printing-focused exchange-traded funds, but one excellent option is the Ark Invest 3D Printing ETF (NYSEMKT:PRNT), which has 54 holdings and an expense ratio of 0.65%.

7 Best 3D Printing Stocks to Buy in 2026

An in-depth look at the leading 3D printing stocks in the U.S stock market this year. Here's what you need to know.

By Scott Levine – Updated Sep 14, 2026 at 5:16 PM EST | Fact-checked by Parker Hicks

Key Points

3D printing stocks, valued at $30.5 billion in 2025, are projected to surpass $100 billion by 2032.
Stratasys showed an adjusted EBITDA increase from 4.5% in 2024 to 5.2% in 2025, anticipating $25-$30 million in 2026.
Xometry, unprofitable in prior years, reported $229 million in revenue and $87.2 million in gross profit in Q2 2026.

3D printing stocks are shares of companies that make 3D printers, materials, or provide printing services. The industry, also called additive manufacturing, boomed in the early 2010s, then cooled as hype outpaced results.

But 3D printing is far from dead. Today, it's a fast-growing niche reshaping manufacturing. The market was valued at $30.5 billion in 2025 and is projected to surpass $100 billion by 2032. Here's what investors should know about 3D printing stocks.

Top 3D printing stocks to consider

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Ticker Information Table
Name and ticker	Current price	Market capMarket cap calculated using publicly traded shares outstanding only. Does not include unlisted, private, or dual-class non-traded shares. Implied market cap may vary.	Industry
Stratasys (NASDAQ:SSYS)	$7.55	$661.3 million	Machinery
Xometry (NASDAQ:XMTR)	$85.03	$4.9 billion	Trading Companies and Distributors
3D Systems (NYSE:DDD)	$3.21	$533.3 million	Machinery
PTC (NASDAQ:PTC)	$136.65	$14.8 billion	Software
Materialise (NASDAQ:MTLS)	$7.63	$446.8 million	Software
Proto Labs (NYSE:PRLB)	$78.22	$1.9 billion	Machinery
HP (NYSE:HPQ)	$34.02	$30.7 billion	Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals

Data as of Sep 15, 2026. Showing 7 of 7 total entries.

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Companies 1 - 4

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1. Stratasys

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NASDAQ: SSYS

Stratasys

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

57/100

Today's Change

(-2.20%) $-0.17

Current Price

$7.55

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$661M

Day's Range

$7.53 - $7.69

52wk Range

$7.34 - $12.81

Volume

479.1K

Avg Vol

740.6K

Gross Margin

41.81%

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NASDAQ: XMTR

Xometry

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

82/100

Today's Change

(-1.25%) $-1.08

Current Price

$85.03

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$4.9B

Day's Range

$83.61 - $87.28

52wk Range

$35.86 - $106.08

Volume

471.3K

Avg Vol

700.7K

Gross Margin

36.28%

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A marketplace for on-demand manufacturing of prototyping and mass production, Xometry (XMTR -1.25%) has a network of almost 5,000 suppliers that companies can call on to meet their fabrication needs. Among the suppliers on the Xometry platform are 3D printing companies, injection molding companies, and automated machining companies.

Xometry isn't profitable, but its unique approach is accelerating. From 2020 to 2025, the number of customers with accounts that have spent more than $50,000 during the prior 12-month period grew at a 35% CAGR.

Building on its success of achieving company quarterly records for quarterly revenue and gross profit in Q1 2026, $205 million and $78.5 million, respectively, Xometry reported new high-water marks in the second quarter 2026: revenue of $229 million and gross profit of $87.2 million. Look for continued growth from this 3D printing powerhouse in the quarters to come.

3. 3D Systems

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NYSE: DDD

3D Systems

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

37/100

Today's Change

(-3.31%) $-0.11

Current Price

$3.21

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$533M

Day's Range

$3.18 - $3.31

52wk Range

$1.70 - $4.12

Volume

1.8M

Avg Vol

3.1M

Gross Margin

33.24%

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3D Systems (DDD -3.31%) develops printers and design software for a wide range of materials and industries (medical device makers, dental labs, semiconductor designers, and aerospace and automotive manufacturers).

As an established tech outfit in the manufacturing sector, 3D Systems offers the prospect of more stable growth and profitability. In early 2025, management announced a cost-saving initiative expected to yield annualized savings of $50 million. The initiative is bearing fruit: In 2025, 3D Systems reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.19, a substantial turnaround from the negative $1.94 diluted EPS it reported in 2024. Progress has extended into the new year. In the first half of 2026, 3D Systems reported adjusted EBITDA of $1.3 million, improving greatly from the adjusted EBITDA of negative $30.8 million that it reported in the first two quarters of 2025.

4. PTC

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NASDAQ: PTC

PTC

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

76/100

Today's Change

(4.49%) $5.87

Current Price

$136.65

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$15B

Day's Range

$133.90 - $137.75

52wk Range

$108.50 - $208.00

Volume

1.4M

Avg Vol

1.7M

Gross Margin

82.89%

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PTC (PTC +4.49%) has been a longtime technology partner to manufacturing and industrial enterprises. In addition to 3D printing and computer-aided design software, PTC specializes in augmented reality, industrial IoT (Internet of Things), and product lifecycle management software. Most of its revenue is subscription-based, resulting in a stable, steadily growing business model that generates ample cash flow.

PTC reported third-quarter 2026 revenue of $600 million and $249 million in free cash flow. Highly profitable, PTC projects fiscal 2026 EPS of $8.46 to $9.18 and free cash flow of about $850 million. It has all the tools needed to digitally transform industrial businesses.

5. Materialise NV

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NASDAQ: MTLS

Materialise

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

61/100

Today's Change

(-0.13%) $-0.01

Current Price

$7.63

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$447M

Day's Range

$7.56 - $7.71

52wk Range

$4.78 - $7.72

Volume

176.3K

Avg Vol

107.5K

Gross Margin

57.23%

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Another well-established company, Materialise (MTLS -0.13%) delivers consistent profitability and free cash flow, making it a worthwhile option for investors seeking a conservative route to gain exposure to the 3D printing industry. In 2026, Materialise reported adjusted Q2 EBITDA of 9.59 million euros and free cash flow of 11.4 million euros. Looking ahead, management projects 2026 revenue of 273 million to 283 million euros. If it achieves the midpoint of this guidance, it would represent year-over-year revenue growth of about 4%. With respect to profitability, management forecasts adjusted earnings before interest and taxes of 12 million to 14 million euros.

Materialise operates three business units. Providing personalized healthcare solutions, Materialise Medical is the company's largest unit by revenue and adjusted EBITDA, while Materialise Software provides software solutions that form an ecosystem to support the additive manufacturing process, and Materialise Manufacturing facilitates the 3D printing of prototypes and serial parts.

6. Proto Labs

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NYSE: PRLB

Proto Labs

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

71/100

Today's Change

(-4.59%) $-3.76

Current Price

$78.22

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$1.9B

Day's Range

$78.14 - $80.26

52wk Range

$45.09 - $93.00

Volume

176.1K

Avg Vol

208.5K

Gross Margin

45.42%

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Proto Labs (PRLB -4.59%) provides 3D printing services to a wide range of industries such as medical, automotive, aerospace, and robotics, among others.

The company performed well in 2025. It booked record annual revenue of $533.1 million, a 6.4% year-over-year increase, and diluted EPS grew to $0.88 from $0.66 in 2024. Projecting further revenue growth in 2026, management anticipates sales to increase 6% to 8% compared to 2025.

Investors should look for continued improvements. In the Q4 2025 financial results press release, Dan Schumacher, the company's CFO, stated, "As we move through 2026, we are implementing targeted changes to improve efficiency and build a more scalable operating model."

These changes are paying off. In the second quarter of 2026, Proto Labs reported record quarterly revenue of $149.3 million, a 10.6% year-over-year increase. Net income totaled $0.37 per diluted share, compared with $0.18 per diluted share in Q2 2025.

7. HP

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NYSE: HPQ

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

61/100

Today's Change

(-4.12%) $-1.46

Current Price

$34.02

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$31B

Day's Range

$33.57 - $35.19

52wk Range

$17.56 - $36.23

Volume

19.6M

Avg Vol

15.8M

Gross Margin

19.73%

Dividend Yield

3.53%

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For those who prefer a more modest approach to 3D printing, HP (HPQ -4.12%) is a viable option. The company has three segments: personal computing, printing (which includes 3D printing), and corporate investments.

While the personal computing segment contributes the most in terms of revenue, with $11.8 billion out of a total revenue of $15.7 billion in Q3 2026, the printing segment is the most profitable. It represented 57% of the company's adjusted operating income during the quarter.

For 3D printing investors seeking passive income, HP will be especially alluring. As of September 2026, HP stock had a forward dividend yield of 3.4%.

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How to invest in 3D printing stocks

Understanding the technology that underlies 3D printing may be hard, but buying 3D printing stocks is easy, requiring only a few basic steps.

Open your brokerage app: Log in to your brokerage account where you handle your investments. If you don't have one yet, take a look at our favorite brokers and trading platforms to find the right one for you.
Search for the stock: Enter the ticker or company name into the search bar to bring up the stock's trading page.
Decide how many shares to buy: Consider your investment goals and how much of your portfolio you want to allocate to this stock.
Select order type: Choose between a market order to buy at the current price or a limit order to specify the maximum price you're willing to pay.
Submit your order: Confirm the details and submit your buy order.
Review your purchase: Check your portfolio to ensure your order was filled as expected and adjust your investment strategy accordingly.

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Benefits and risks of investing in 3D printing stocks

There are many compelling reasons to believe now is a great time to buy a 3D printing stock, but it's important to recognize that these investments also carry risks.

Benefits

From healthcare to industrials, businesses across sectors are embracing 3D printing technology, creating strong growth potential.
Investing in 3D printing stocks can provide portfolio diversification.
As 3D printing companies continue to innovate, new applications for the technology will likely emerge.

Risks

Many 3D printing stocks report consistent net losses.
Because many 3D printing companies don't generate organic cash, they may resort to raising capital through the issuance of equity, resulting in shareholder dilution, or the issuance of debt, which could jeopardize the companies' financial health.
There is intense competition among 3D printing companies. By some estimates, more than 23,000 3D printing companies are operating worldwide.

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Methodology: How these stocks were chosen

These stocks represent industry leaders that occupy different niches within the 3D printing industry. They include hardware companies that design and manufacture 3D printers and related equipment, as well as software and design-solution providers that offer tools to help customers use 3D printing. Meanwhile, service-based companies like Proto Labs and Xometry, which provide on-demand prototyping and other production services, offer another route to industry exposure.

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The bottom line

Manufacturing technology is making inroads across the global economy by reducing production costs while localizing and accelerating order delivery for customers. As with all technology investments, however, progress won't go straight up. Expect twists and turns in these stocks as they develop new methods for product design and manufacturing.

If you decide to invest, do so in a measured way. Maintain a diversified portfolio, be wary of stocks that benefit from investor over-optimism, and always leave spare cash to invest more during inevitable dips. Given enough time, investing in 3D printing could eventually provide a big payoff.

There's a bright future for the 3D printing industry, and there are a variety of investment options for those motivated to gain exposure to the burgeoning field.

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Investing in 3D Printing Stocks FAQ

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About the Author

Scott Levine is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst covering energy, industrials, technology, and materials. He is also a high school English teacher and a small business owner. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing from Binghamton University, a master’s degree in secondary education from Adelphi University, and an advanced certificate in school building leadership from CUNY Queens College. A crossword puzzle enthusiast, he has solved more than 3,100 New York Times puzzles with a 97% solve rate.

TMFProudMonkey

@TMFProudMonkey

Scott Levine has positions in 3D Systems. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends HP, PTC, Stratasys, and Xometry. The Motley Fool recommends 3D Systems, General Motors, and Proto Labs. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

7 Best 3D Printing Stocks to Buy in 2026 and How to Invest in Them

An in-depth look at the leading 3D printing stocks in the U.S stock market this year. Here's what you need to know.

Key Points

Top 3D printing stocks to consider

Companies 1 - 4

1. Stratasys

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

3. 3D Systems

Key Data Points

4. PTC

Key Data Points

5. Materialise NV

Key Data Points

6. Proto Labs

Key Data Points

7. HP

Key Data Points

How to invest in 3D printing stocks

Benefits and risks of investing in 3D printing stocks

Benefits

Risks

Methodology: How these stocks were chosen

The bottom line

Related investing topics

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10 Best Growth Stocks for 2026

6 Best Communication Stocks for 2026 and How to Invest

Best Consumer Discretionary Stocks to Buy in 2026 and How to Invest in Them

Investing in 3D Printing Stocks FAQ

About the Author

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Investing in 3D Printing Stocks FAQ

Are 3D printing stocks suitable for long-term investment?

How do 3D printing stocks perform during economic downturns?

How can investors stay updated on 3D printing trends?

Are 3D printing stocks considered tech stocks?

Can 3D printing stocks provide passive income?

Is there an ETF for 3D printing?

Top 3D printing stocks to consider

Companies 1 - 4

1. Stratasys

How to invest in 3D printing stocks

Benefits and risks of investing in 3D printing stocks

Benefits

Risks

Methodology: How these stocks were chosen

The bottom line

Related investing topics

Key Data Points

2. Xometry

3. 3D Systems

4. PTC

5. Materialise NV

6. Proto Labs

7. HP

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points