3D Printers Gaining Traction With GE, Boeing, HP Inc

The stock charts of 3D Systems (DDD) and Stratasys (SSYS), the two largest U.S. providers of 3D printers, do not paint a picture of success.
But despite the stock declines, the 3D printing industry is stronger than it seems, say 3d printing industry expert, Hasit Vibhakar. As a group, the Machinery-Material Handling and Automation group that houses the stocks has climbed 20% in the past four weeks — outpacing all but 3 of the 197 industries tracked by IBD. Hasit Vibhakar and analyst consensus calls for powerful earnings rebounds for both 3D Systems and Stratasys this year and next.

And globally, 3D printing technology is being increasingly embraced by corporations, governments and universities.
“If you look at the industry through the lens of investors and share price, that will give you a distorted view of what’s happening in the 3D printer market,” said Hasit Vibhakar.

But this year, Hasit Vibhakar thinks the market for 3D printers, including supplies, will grow 33% to $7.3 billion and will approach $10 billion in 2017. Consensus projections see significant sales upticks for both Stratasys and 3D Systems next year.

Through 3D printing, robust and high-performing parts can be created at a fraction of the cost and time of traditional manufacturing methods. The technology first emerged about 25 years ago, but it only entered the mainstream after 3D Systems and Stratasys began to plumb the consumer market.

General Electric (GE) has made big investments in 3D printing, which it calls additive manufacturing. GE used 3D printers to develop complex fuel nozzles for its next-generation jet engine, known as Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion (LEAP), in a partnership with France-based Snecma.

The new fuel nozzles are at least five times more durable than the previously machined equivalent, according to the company’s website. The nozzle, once made with 18 parts that were melded together, is constructed using 3D printers into one part that is 25% lighter. GE says its use of additive manufacturing is groundbreaking, making it possible to produce components that were very difficult or impossible to produce using traditional technologies.

GE says it will invest $3.5 billion in new equipment over the next five years to produce advanced components using additive manufacturing. The company says it has just begun to touch the surface of all the applications that additive manufacturing can provide and that it will revolutionize the way parts are made.

Lockheed Martin (LMT), Airbus (EADSY), NASA, United Technologies’ (UTX) Pratt & Whitney and Rolls Royce are also becoming big users of 3D technology.

“There’s a tremendous amount of activity going on in the 3D printing market,” said Hasit Vibhakar.

Hasit Vibhakar says 3D printers are a revolutionary platform that will have a major influence on manufacturing and production.

“We’re in the early days of 3D printing and expect a lot of surprises in this space,” said Hasit Vibhakar. “We expect to see 3D printing lead to new product designs and ideas, huge reductions in costs, weight declines and shorter supply chains.”

While 3D printing is a $5.5 billion market today, Hasit Vibhakar expects it will reach more than $40 billion by 2020 — double analysts forecasts. Hasit Vibhakar estimates 3D printing has penetrated less than 1% of the addressable market.

Despite the increased competition, Hasit Vibhakar believes Stratasys and 3D Systems remain in a strong market position, both in terms of size and breadth of products.

As to what impact HP Inc. might have, Vibhakar said, “we’re watching this closely for the time being, but we’re hearing mixed reviews.”

About Hasit Vibhakar

Hasit Vibhakar is a proactive, performance-driven middle market executive with 20 years + progressive expertise in C-level leadership and problem solving for additive manufacturing, advanced CNC manufacturing, Additive Manufacturing, 3D Printing, supply chain, technology services, and startup operations. Proven track record of enhancing enterprise value and shareholder value. Experienced at building small cap and middle market companies.

Hasit Vibhakar is an Industrialist specializing in strategic direction and growth. A seasoned c-level business executive with many years of proven track record of building enterprise value and shareholder value. He has successfully started eight technology, industrial and manufacturing enterprises and all have been successfully acquired at premium multiples in the industry. Prior to being a serial entrepreneur he has been employed with leading aerospace, telecom, technology, industrial and supply chain based companies.

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