Coming in 2013: Cookies From a 3-D Printer

Brendan Byrnes, The Motley Fool
Updated

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 following transcript is lightly edited.

Brendan: What do you think about the consumer and the retail market for 3-D printing? Do you think that's here yet, or do you think that still has a little way to go?

Ping: I think a Kinko's-like business is already here. There is Shapeways here in the United States, and there are Kinko's-like businesses everywhere, happening everywhere around the world. There are so many of them.

So if in the future the product is software code, then you can ship product across the sea without any carbon footprint. Yet you can locally fabricate them. It doesn't mean you have to make them at home, but you could also make them in your neighborhood, which is totally exciting with a consumer product.

The other one that I think will be really interesting is that this year and next year, you will see chocolate and cookie printers.

Brendan: Really? Are we going to have a 3-D printer in each of our houses in the future? Is that where this is going? Is it going to become that widespread?

Ping: I absolutely think so. I want a chocolate printer in my home so badly.

Brendan: I can't blame you on that one. I'd like one, too.

Ping: And because it is an additive you can also put different fillings in there, and it can be any shape. It's coming.

Brendan: I'm going to hold you to that, because I want one, too.

The article Coming in 2013: Cookies From a 3-D Printer originally appeared on Fool.com.

Brendan Byrnes has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends, owns shares of, and has options on 3D Systems. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools don't 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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