Rock Hill, SC-based 3D printing company 3D Systems Corporation DDD recently launched an upgraded software product suite called Geomagic Freeform 2016, including specimens like Geomagic Freeform, Geomagic Freeform Plus and Geomagic Sculpt. This strategic launch comes at an opportune time when the 3D printing industry is awaiting a rebound following a murky 2015 that left 3D printing stocks in disarray.
Inside the Headlines
The revamped offerings from the 3D Systems family have been devised to deliver organic engineering solutions for professionals that will create precise, sculpted 3D designs by eliminating the restrictions of geometric CAD platforms. This in turn will abridge the time gap from design to production in 3D printing. This will allow engineers, designers, artists, model makers and sculptors to increase productivity and reduce their learning curve through faster design production and high-quality 3D data.
Leveraging on the competence of its highly advanced features such as 3D CAD & direct scan data input technique; robust “StructureFX” toolset for working on lattice structures and enhanced 3D print analysis & printability tools; Geomagic Freeform 2016 is expected to resolve 3D printing’s most daunting design and manufacturing challenges. These tools will make digital design tangible for users, thus aiding improved performance.
For instance, the Geomagic Freeform Plus supplements conventional 3D printing tools with a host of advanced manufacturing design features like mechanical conversion of digital clay and polygons to NURBS surfaces, mold and die design, shelling and draft analysis, for producing complex organic shapes. Moreover, Geomagic Freeform products are designed to work in tandem with 3D Systems Touch haptic devices that allow users to enjoy the sensation of physical sculpting in a simulated virtual environment.
The Bottom Line
With the 3D printing industry on a roll, 3D Systems’ focus on this market presents a favorable long-term opportunity. Also, per the Wohlers Report 2014, the worldwide 3D printing industry is expected to grow to $12.8 billion by 2018 from $3.07 billion in 2013 in terms of revenues, and exceed $21 billion by 2020 with a CAGR of 34%.
In fact, after a prolonged period of decline, the 3D printing industry is finally gaining momentum, according to analysts. 3D Printing stocks kick-started 2016 on an exceptional note, shining bright amid the trading mayhem witnessed in the first two weeks of the year. If the early glimpses are of any indication, the return of 3D Printing stocks on the growth trajectory has only begun.
Following the stellar price rally earlier in the year, 3D Systems is now again back on track with its earnings trend.. The company had posted massive misses in the two trailing quarters. Bouncing back, 3D Systems reported adjusted earnings of 16 cents in fourth-quarter 2015, substantially ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 3 cents. As the industry leader in 3D printing, 3D Systems retains its strength to capitalize on the favorable market conditions.
3D Systems currently holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Some other stocks worth considering in the industry are Stratasys Ltd. SSYS, The ExOne Company XONE and Lenovo Group Limited LNVGY. While Stratasys and ExOne sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Lenovo bears the same Zacks Rank as 3D Systems.
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