Seeing profits in 3D

Cutting-edge technologies hold out exciting possibilities but for investors the rewards can be elusive

- GREG HOFFMAN

Search YouTube for videos about 3D printing and you’ll find all sorts of things. There’s talk of spacecraft carrying 3D printers to print their own spare parts and tools in an emergency, production of complex prosthetics and even working artificial human organs.

This exciting technology has captured the imagination of many Australian investors, with tens of millions raised by companies listed on the ASX that are focused on 3D printing (or “additive manufacturing”) in recent years.

New technologies always present opportunities and threats. Whether it’s railroads in the 1800s, aviation, and television in the 1900s, or the internet in our current century, there are always big winners and big losers. But who will they be when it comes to 3D printing? Will it be those companies selling the services to others, or the companies that are their customers? Or perhaps it will be centered around certain industries like aerospace, vehicle manufacturing or defense?

Those attracted to this technology now have access to a number of investment choices across those various categories. ASX-listed companies involved in 3D printing in one way or another include Titomic (TTT), Amaero (3DA), AML3D (AL3), Aurora Labs (A3D), 333D (T3D), PPK Group (PPK), Oventus (OVN), and PWR Holdings (PWH). Some of these companies have raised significant sums of money from investors but are yet to produce any meaningful revenues in relation to their market valuations.