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Is It Time to Buy into 3D Printing?

Author: Dan Brecher

Date: February 7, 2014

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3D printers now make it possible to create a new object by simply downloading a design file and hitting “print.”

As the cost of the new technology continues to decline, it is increasingly available to the masses. Not surprisingly, as the once “niche” industry is poised to go mainstream, 3D printing business opportunities are skyrocketing. In 2014, consumer spending on the 3D printers is expected to reach $133 million, and enterprise spending will grow to $536 million, according to research firm Gartner.

As further evidence of the industry’s growth, the first mutual fund focused exclusively on investing in 3D printing launched in late January. The fund, which is managed by Alan Meckler, the CEO of Mediabistro, includes 40 companies involved in the 3D printing industry.

There are currently four major players in the 3D printing industry: Stratasys, 3D Systems, Voxeljet, and the ExOne Company. Their stock prices all experienced ups and downs last year. Just this month, shares in both Stratasys and ExOne plummeted after the companies announced that they were unlikely to meet Wall Street’s estimates. This demonstrates the volatility presented in this nascent industry. .

The 3D printing industry is projected to grow rapidly, but it may fail to live up to the hype. As we saw in the dotcom boom and ultimate crash of the 1990s, not all “hot” technology companies ultimately live up to expectations. This industry seems more grounded in reality.

While widespread 3D printing investment frauds have yet to be reported, scammers will undoubtedly seek to capitalize on the hype. As a reminder, below are a few tips to avoid falling victim to investment fraud:

  • Any investment that sounds too good to be true probably is.
  • Don’t believe promises of “guaranteed returns” or “ no risk.”
  • Ignore high-pressure sales tactics and take the time to investigate the investment opportunity.
  • Be wary of unsolicited offers conveyed through email, social media, and other Internet sources.

If you have any questions this post or would like to discuss an investment opportunity, please contact me, Dan Brecher, or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work. 

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

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