Is Apple Entering The 3D Printing Space?
For years, investors have quibbled over whether or not 3D printing would ever live up to the hype. When the technology first hit the markets, many believed it would explode into a household staple and reform the way things are made in several sectors.
The technology has been slow to catch on for consumers, and although advancements in materials have made 3D printers more commonly used to make replacement parts or prototypes, the space has been relatively slow-moving.
However, it appears that 3D printing is about to gain another entrant, and this one could shake up the space. show that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) applied for a 3D printing patent on December 3. The news shook the 3D printing space as speculation about what an Apple 3D printer would look like began.
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Printing In Color
According to the patent, Apple is planning a 3D printer that is capable of printing in multiple colors. The system has a "color application head" that is able to spray each material as it is laid down.
If the firm does go ahead and manufacture such a device, it could expand the use-case for 3D printers as it would make it possible to print things like plastic toys for children. While 3D printing in color is a possibility at the moment, the process is difficult and expensive.
Good For Consumers
The patent application could represent a major shift for the space, something that would be positive for consumers but likely negative for established 3D printing firms like 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE: DDD) and Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ: SSYS). While the patent application doesn't mean The Fruit is definitely going ahead, Apple's entrance into the 3D printing market could bring desktop 3D printers into the mainstream and help the industry finally live up to its initial hype.
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