The additive manufacturing (AM) industry is poised for a dynamic discussion as the sixth annual AM Investment Strategies 2026 webinar brings together the chief executive officers of three of its most influential players: Stratasys, Nikon SLM Solutions, and Carbon. Scheduled for November 5, 2026, this one-hour online event promises an in-depth exploration of the current business environment and the evolving competitive landscape for 3D printing technologies. The webinar will serve as a crucial prelude to the larger Additive Manufacturing Strategies (AMS) 2027 conference, slated to take place in New York City from February 23-25, 2027.
Organized collaboratively by Additive Manufacturing Research (AM Research) and Cantor Fitzgerald, a renowned financial services firm, the webcast is being offered free of charge to industry professionals, investors, and enthusiasts. The discussion will be expertly moderated by Troy Jensen, Managing Director at Cantor Fitzgerald, and will feature Scott Dunham, Executive Vice President of Research at AM Research, as a key panelist. This timely event, occurring just under two weeks before the prominent Formnext 2026 trade show, is strategically positioned to provide valuable insights and set the stage for the forward-looking conversations expected at AMS 2027. Many of the executives and analysts participating in the November webinar are also expected to contribute to the extensive program at the New York conference, further amplifying the significance of this pre-event discussion.
A Divergent Market Landscape: Growth Amidst Shifting Opportunities
The global 3D printing market is experiencing a resurgence, yet the narrative of growth is not uniform across all segments. While the aerospace and defense sectors are proving to be significant drivers for industrial metal printing solutions, companies specializing in polymer-based additive manufacturing are actively cultivating new avenues for production expansion within industries such as healthcare and consumer goods. This divergence in market dynamics underscores the importance of dissecting the industry’s business landscape, particularly with the inclusion of CEOs representing both metal and polymer AM technologies on the forthcoming panel.
Recent market data paints a compelling picture of this sustained growth. According to AM Research’s Q2 2026 3DP/AM Market Data and Analysis report, released in September 2026, the global 3D printing market achieved a valuation of $4.48 billion in the second quarter of the year. This represents a substantial 12% increase compared to the same period in the preceding year, signaling a robust recovery and expansion.
Within this overall market, metal additive manufacturing accounted for $1.81 billion, demonstrating its continued strength and adoption in high-value applications. The polymer AM sector, meanwhile, reached $2.68 billion, indicating its broad reach and versatility across a wider array of industries. Furthermore, the combined AM services market has seen significant growth, reaching $2.5 billion. This figure highlights a critical trend: an increasing portion of the industry’s business now derives from the production of parts for external clients, rather than solely from the sale of equipment, reflecting a maturing ecosystem and a greater reliance on outsourced manufacturing capabilities.
However, the pace of expansion is not uniform among all companies. Some are witnessing a surge in orders for industrial-grade printers, driven by specific sector demands, while others are prioritizing innovation in new materials and applications, or focusing on enhancing their profitability through optimized production processes. These varied trajectories make the insights from the CEOs participating in the November discussion particularly valuable, offering a multifaceted view of the industry’s current state and future prospects.
Executive Perspectives: Leaders Shaping the AM Frontier
The upcoming webinar will feature distinct perspectives from industry leaders, each representing a unique segment of the additive manufacturing market.
Yoav Zeif, CEO of Stratasys, brings the extensive experience of one of the largest and most established companies in polymer 3D printing. Stratasys reported $137.6 million in second-quarter revenue for 2026, a figure that remained relatively stable year-over-year. However, the company’s aerospace and defense business segment demonstrated impressive growth, expanding by 17%. This indicates a strong demand for their solutions in these critical sectors. Furthermore, Stratasys reported record quarterly sales of printing materials, a testament to the ongoing and sustained utilization of their installed printer base by customers. This suggests a robust ecosystem where consumables play a vital role in driving revenue and customer engagement.
Representing the rapidly growing metal additive manufacturing sector, Sam O’Leary, CEO of Nikon SLM Solutions, will offer insights into a different facet of the industry. Nikon SLM Solutions has been actively expanding its footprint in aerospace, defense, and industrial production markets, areas where large-format metal 3D printers are increasingly being adopted for the fabrication of complex and high-performance components. In its fiscal year ending March 2026, the company reported a significant 20% year-over-year growth in orders for SLM’s large-format metal printers. Demand has been particularly robust within the defense and space exploration sectors, underscoring the critical role of advanced manufacturing in these strategic industries.
Philip DeSimone, CEO of Carbon, brings a wealth of experience in polymer production applications, particularly within sectors like dental products, footwear, and consumer goods. Carbon has consistently focused on expanding its materials portfolio and forging strategic manufacturing partnerships. A notable recent development includes a 2026 agreement with DDK to bolster production capacity for 3D-printed bicycle saddles in Asia, signaling an expansion into global manufacturing hubs. The company also introduced a novel denture base resin in August 2026, designed to help dental laboratories streamline their production processes and reduce costs, showcasing their commitment to innovation in specialized medical applications.
While these companies operate in distinct market segments, utilize different core technologies, and face unique operational challenges, they are united by a common objective: to accelerate the integration of 3D printing into broader manufacturing paradigms. Their collective insights will provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s diverse pathways to growth and innovation.
Expert Analysis: Charting the Industry’s Trajectory
Providing a broader perspective on the additive manufacturing ecosystem, Scott Dunham, Executive Vice President of Research at AM Research, will offer an in-depth analysis grounded in the firm’s extensive research on market growth, competitive dynamics, and the burgeoning 3D printing services sector. AM Research is currently undertaking a significant new study focused on the AM services market. This research aims to provide a granular understanding of companies that specialize in producing 3D-printed parts for customers, the diverse range of technologies they employ, and the specific industries they serve. This investigation is particularly relevant given the increasing prominence of 3D printing services in critical sectors such as aerospace, defense, and energy, where on-demand, customized part production is becoming indispensable.
The Q2 2026 3DP/AM Market Data and Analysis report from AM Research further elaborates on the market’s segmentation. While metal AM holds a substantial share, the polymer segment’s larger absolute value indicates its widespread adoption across consumer-facing and healthcare applications. The growth in AM services suggests a maturing market where end-users are increasingly outsourcing their additive manufacturing needs, allowing them to focus on design, development, and final product assembly. This trend can reduce the barrier to entry for companies that may not have the capital or expertise to invest in in-house 3D printing capabilities.
The report also touches upon the competitive landscape, noting the strategic consolidations and partnerships that are reshaping the industry. Companies are increasingly looking to acquire or collaborate with others to broaden their technological offerings, expand their market reach, or secure critical supply chains. This consolidation is a natural evolution for an industry that has moved from niche applications to becoming a mainstream manufacturing tool.
A Sneak Peek into AMS 2027: The Premier Additive Manufacturing Event
The November roundtable is more than just a standalone discussion; it serves as a vital preview of the comprehensive agenda planned for AMS 2027 in New York City. This larger, three-day event, co-produced by AM Research and 3DPrint.com, will mark its tenth anniversary, solidifying its position as a premier gathering for the additive manufacturing community.
AMS 2027 is set to host over 100 distinguished speakers who will delve into a wide array of critical topics. These include in-depth market forecasts, exploration of cutting-edge industrial applications, analysis of investment trends and strategies, and discussions on the intricacies of supply chain management within the AM sector. A cornerstone of the New York conference will be CEO roundtable sessions, featuring prominent leaders such as Yoav Zeif, Philip DeSimone, and Sam O’Leary, alongside other key executives from major AM companies. These sessions are designed to foster candid dialogue and provide high-level strategic perspectives on the industry’s future trajectory.
The strategic timing of the AM Investment Strategies 2026 webinar, occurring shortly before major industry events like Formnext 2026, allows for timely dissemination of critical market intelligence. This pre-conference engagement ensures that attendees are well-informed and prepared for the deeper dives and networking opportunities that await at AMS 2027. The synergy between the webinar and the larger conference underscores a commitment to providing continuous, high-value engagement for stakeholders invested in the additive manufacturing revolution.
Webinar Details and Registration
The Sixth Annual AM Investment Strategies 2026 webinar is an unmissable opportunity for anyone looking to gain a competitive edge and a deeper understanding of the additive manufacturing landscape.
Event: AM Investment Strategies 2026
Sub The 6th Annual AM Investment Strategies
Description: Join Additive Manufacturing Research, Cantor Fitzgerald, and leading AM industry executives for a free one-hour online roundtable discussion on the business environment and competitive landscape for 3D printing.
Date and Time: November 5, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Interested parties can register for this insightful event by visiting the provided link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Nc-oR3mSSiuyN7IDlM9O4w#/registration. Early registration is recommended due to anticipated high demand. This webinar is poised to be a pivotal moment in shaping the discourse and understanding of additive manufacturing as the industry continues its rapid evolution.
