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With substantial investment and time, three-dimensional (3D) printing, which was once imaginable only in realms of science fiction, has well and truly become a reality. 3D printing, which refers to a number of manufacturing technologies generating a physical model from digital transformation, is essentially an additive technique. This technology holds huge potential for the pharmaceutical and medical companies, as it will allow these companies to create more specific drugs and enable rapid production of medical implants.
Let’s take a look at how 3D printing is shaping the MedTech space, while making it a lucrative sector for investors looking for long-term gains.
How is 3D Printing Changing the Game in MedTech?
In recent times, 3D anatomical models – tailored to a patient’s specific needs – are gaining prominence as useful tools in the present day practice of precision medicine and personalized treatments.
Although 3D printing is still under development, it has been implemented in countless innovative ways in the medical space that stands to gain significantly from this technology. In the near future, there is a probability of 3D-printed implantable organs becoming a reality, thereby lowering the waiting lists and increasing the number of lives saved.
No doubt, 3D printing has garnered a positive response from the companies in the MedTech space within healthcare. Per a report by Market Data Forecast, the global 3D printing medical devices market (estimated at $1.48 billion in 2018) is projected to reach $5.59 billion by 2023 growing at a CAGR of 30.5%.
MedTech’s 3D Printing Feats so Far
Although most of the sectors within MedTech are making substantial efforts to create innovative products in the growing and lucrative 3D printing market, we will take a look at two sectors making most of the trend.
3D printing has had a huge impact on the dental space, in terms of increased efficiency, costs reduction and quality improvement. Orthodontic models, dentures and crown and bridge models are some of solid dental models revolutionizing the dental industry. Per a report by Markets and Markets, the dental 3D printing market (valued at $1.39 billion in 2017) is expected to see a CAGR of 23.2% and reach $5.06 billion by 2023.
Another sector grabbing attention is the orthopedic space, where 3D printing is finding increasing application in the development of customized surgical implants. Through 3D printing, manufacturers are being able to develop implants of customized sizes and shapes in a short time, improving efficacy and lowering the overall cost of surgeries. Per a report by Research and Markets, orthopedic 3D printing devices market is expected to witness a CAGR of around 26% by 2023.
3 Stocks Gaining Prominence in 3D Printing
Stryker Corporation SYK is one of the early adopters of the 3D printing technology and has become a leader in 3D printed titanium implants. The company has been making efforts in the expansion of its Tritanium cages, including FDA-approved Tritanium TL Curved Posterior Lumbar Cage. This is a 3D-printed interbody fusion cage intended for use as an aid in lumbar fixation.
This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company has a long-term earnings growth rate of 9.8%. For 2019, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $14.87 billion, indicating an improvement of 9.3% from the year-ago period. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.