Jeffrey Graves on R&D strategy
From $DDD 3D Systems Q1 2026 Earnings Conference Call · · EARNMOAR
“It was a bet a few years back that we should hang on to R&D spend and refresh our portfolio. And it turned out it was a good bet. We refreshed our entire product line in time for 3D printing to start regaining traction in the market. So, I'm really pleased about that. Now, look, it's green shoots. It's early days, but what gives me comfort is it's broad across the markets that are really embracing 3D printing. And for us, I think for everyone, dental is a big driver. It's going custom. It's going 3D printing. MedTech is really expanding nicely, especially in orthopedic space. And then you've got aerospace and defense, which really benefits from 3D printing. So, I look at that and say it spans health care and industrial primarily on the high reliability markets. 3D printing is really starting to take off.”
On , Jeffrey Graves, President, Chief Executive Officer & Director at 3D SYSTEMS CORP, spoke about R&D strategy during $DDD 3D Systems Q1 2026 Earnings Conference Call on EARNMOAR.
About Jeffrey Graves
During 3D Systems' first quarter 2026 earnings conference call on May 12, 2026, Jeffrey Graves stated that the additive manufacturing industry is beginning to emerge from a multi-year trough, which he attributed to global economic and geopolitical challenges that had curtailed customer capital spending. He said the company's sustained investment in research and development during that period has allowed it to introduce a refreshed portfolio of products, including direct metal printing systems and polymer offerings. Graves noted that with U.S. and EU regulatory approvals, the company has expanded its addressable market for dental applications to more than 60 million edentulous patients, describing this as a multi-billion dollar opportunity as dental labs transition to digital workflows. Graves reported that the company expects over 20% growth in its aerospace and defense markets in 2026, equating to approximately $35 million in revenue, driven by space, naval, and propulsion applications, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles and precision munitions. He highlighted the company's two complementary approaches to manufacturing high-reliability metal components, direct metal printing and another process, both of which he said are seeing rising demand. Graves described the company's decision to maintain R&D spending during the downturn as "a good bet," adding that the refreshed product line has positioned 3D Systems for growth as 3D printing regains traction in the market.