Wednesday manifested a significant turnaround for the feeble 3D printing sector, as an ongoing event in NYC fueled a strikingly bullish session for most of the stocks. The most impressive rally was seen in ARC Group Worldwide, Inc. ARCW, which gained over 10% to $7.30. This was followed by 3D Systems Corp. DDD and Stratasys Ltd. SSYS, both of which gained around 6% in the trading session yesterday to close at $31.95 and $61.43, respectively.

Other notable names in the space that saw favorable price movements were Voxeljet AG VJET, up around 4% to $8.89; and Materialise NV MTLS, up about 2% to $6.60.

What Actually Turned on the Active Mode?

The extensive presence of these veterans in the ongoing 3D Print Week (Apr 13-Apr 17) event in the happening New York City triggered the stocks. The event entails a series of activities displaying the future of creative and professional innovations in the 3D printing industry. This grand episode organized by Mecklermedia Corp. since Monday seems to have brought a fresh lease of life to these stocks.

3D Print Week – said to be the largest pure 3D printing show in terms of attendance – achieved 11,000 pre-registered visitors from 44 U.S. states and 53 countries.

Some Innovative 3D Ideas from Participants

Taking about the new innovation at display, 3D Systems announced the hosting of its first-ever Cubify Pop-Up Shop on Apr 16th and 17th at the 3D Print event. Through its Cubify Pop-Up Shop, 3D Systems will sell the samples and demonstrate the usage of its 3D printing offerings ranging from plug-and-play 3D printers and scanners to 3D printed fashion, decor and accessories.

On the other hand, Materialise NV has decided to put on display its latest manufacturing software and sophisticated 3D printing solutions meant for the consumer, medical and industrial markets on Apr 17 at the event.

3D Printing Industry – Future Prospects

3D Printing has the potential to revolutionize manufacturing and enliven the commercial and professional space. The market is booming and is expected to become a viable alternative across several market segments. As per an Investopedia report, the 3D printing industry is projected to grow by around 31% per year from 2013 to 2020 and reap over $21 billion in annual revenues globally.

Investors should watch out for the 3D printing space in 2015, as the industry seems to be on the brink of a major transformation, with expanding end markets and burgeoning applications for the technology.

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