Is 3-D Printing as Big as the Internet?

Ping Fu, author of "Bend, Not Break," founder and CEO of Geomagic, and incoming chief strategy officer at 3D Systems , tells of her journey from being a penniless newcomer to the United States, to an incredibly successful CEO.

3D Systems is at the leading edge of a disruptive technological revolution, with the broadest portfolio of 3-D printers in the industry. However, despite years of earnings growth, 3D Systems' share price has risen even faster, and today the company sports a dizzying valuation. To help investors decide whether the future of additive manufacturing is bright enough to justify the lofty price tag on the company's shares, The Motley Fool has compiled a premium research report on whether 3D Systems is a buy right now. In our report, we take a close look at 3D Systems' opportunities, risks, and critical factors for growth. You'll also find reasons to buy or sell, and receive a full year of analyst updates with the report. To start reading, simply click here now for instant access.

The transcript below is lightly edited.

Brendan: So 3D Systems and Avi Reichental, you mentioned him earlier, he said he thinks 3-D printing could be as big as the steam engine in its day, as big as the Internet... do you agree? What do you think it will be like working with him and his leadership style?

Ping: Avi and I certainly share the same vision and passion and I like that his vision is completely aligned with what I see as the next big thing. And I do agree that this is the next big thing. And more than the next big thing, I think this is going to change our lives. This is something that we humans have been doing for thousands of years. We produce products and that starts with the person.

The Industrial Revolution changed that and now we've become one size fits all. With Internet technology combined with manufacturing design, we can create the future that is as efficient as mass production and as personable as mass customization. But it also that you don't have to ship stuff across the seas. It's less carbon footprint... with great technology that's been in place for 30 years it's not a speculation, it's a movement.

"Bend, Not Break" website

Ping Fu on Twitter

"Bend, Not Break" on Amazon

The article Is 3-D Printing as Big as the Internet? originally appeared on Fool.com.

Brendan Byrnes has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends 3D Systems. The Motley Fool owns shares of 3D Systems and has the following options: Short Jan 2014 $55 Calls on 3D Systems and Short Jan 2014 $30 Puts on 3D Systems. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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