A Devastating Blow in the 3-D Printing War?

The following video is part of our "Motley Fool Conversations" series, in which industrials editor/analyst Isaac Pino and consumer goods editor/analyst Austin Smith discuss topics across the investing world.

In today's edition, Isaac provides insight into the 3-D printing merger launched by major player, Stratasys, which acquired Israeli-based competitor Objet this week. Objet filed for an IPO in March, so the announcement caught many investors off-guard. Objet is now abandoning the planned $75 million IPO and teaming with Stratasys to expand the combined company's international reach.

From Stratasys' perspective, this merger could open up avenues for growth that never materialized as part of its relationship with Hewlett-Packard. The marketing agreement with HP boosted the stock when announced in 2010, but the high expectations tapered off when the relationship failed to goose Stratasys sales significantly. Could a new and improved team of 3-D printing companies take over in this fast-growing industry? Isaac and Austin weigh in on the outlook below.

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At the time thisarticle was published Austin Smith has no positions in the stocks mentioned above. Isaac Pino owns shares of 3D Systems. The Motley Fool owns shares of 3D Systems.Motley Fool newsletter services recommend3D Systems, and Stratasys. Try any of our Foolish newsletter servicesfree for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe thatconsidering a diverse range of insightsmakes us better investors. The Motley Fool has adisclosure policy.

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