Back in April, Stratasys (SSYS +3.05%) announced its intent to purchase 3-D printing service provider Solid Concepts for $295 million. Having been in business since 1991, Solid Concepts is one of the world's leading 3-D printing service providers in terms of technical expertise.
On a high level, Stratasys purchased Solid Concepts because it gives the company access to 3-D printing manufacturing expertise, and a host of 3-D printing technologies that Stratasys doesn't sell. As a result, Stratasys is now better equipped to capitalize on the growth of 3-D printing, regardless of what technology ultimately prevails. Being technology agnostic mitigates the risk of a technology portfolio becoming obsolete, and allows a company to better serve its customers' ever-changing needs.
In the following video, 3-D printing specialist Steve Heller asks Scott McGowan, vice president of marketing at Solid Concepts, to provide an overview of its approach to technology, and to give more insight into the growth around 3-D metal printing. Going forward, Stratasys investors should acknowledge that longer-term success in 3-D printing isn't likely going to rely on a single technology or approach, but instead, a multi-faceted approach to technology and business.
