By all means and prospects, it's already headed that way. I actually know engineers, producers and investors (all of them regular folks) who are thrilled about the potential of 3D printing. I share the same opinion.
If I were going to invest in a brand new technology like this, I would buy a basket of 3-5 companies in the business. That way you don't have to pick the winner(s) and loser(s). You will lose on a couple but almost certainly end up with the one or two market leaders.
conventional printers? 3-d, as I envision it, is never going to replace conventional paper printers.
3-D's will "revolutionize" the "parts" business. A replacement part will be "made" on site. No need to manufacture, ship and stock millions of "component parts" used in business, consumers market and industry.
Not to mention "medical" applications with "living tissue".
I share your enthusiasm and have made a bundle off of DDD the last couple years even after the bad press about their earnings accrual. I'm getting nervous about the competition space and thinking of taking back some profits.
So you are ok with IBM, HP, and Apple competing against these companies? If 3D printing is going to be as big as you say, then I'm certain these other companies will be joining the party.
3D printing is a rising next-gen technology, which many people speculate will be used in the future, when it's improved and can produce more realistic results.
Would you buy stock now, or leave it a wait-and-see? Are you in any positions? Do you have faith in them?
I currently have long-term positions in VJET and XONE, and am considering DDD. Entirely speculatory positions, but I have faith in the future.
Once 3D printers become more mainstream and easier to create, they'll be mass marketed, and will very likely replace conventional printers. I'm looking at a 2-3+ year horizon here.
