3D Systems creates first 3D-printed PEEK facial implant

Published 08/04/2025, 13:38
3D Systems creates first 3D-printed PEEK facial implant

ROCK HILL, S.C. - 3D Systems (NYSE: DDD), currently valued at $275 million and operating with a challenging financial health score according to InvestingPro data, has achieved a medical milestone by producing the world's first 3D-printed facial implant made from PEEK material that complies with the Medical Device Regulation (MDR), the company announced today. The implant was created using the company's EXT 220 MED 3D printer and was successfully used in a surgery at the hospital on March 18, 2025.

The patient-specific device was designed and manufactured on-site at the hospital, exemplifying the potential for tailored healthcare solutions. Prof. Florian Thieringer and Dr. Neha Sharma led the biomedical engineering team that developed the implant, which was made from VESTAKEEP® i4 3DF PEEK by Evonik.

This advancement in point-of-care additive manufacturing allows for the immediate development of customized treatments, which can lead to faster responses and improved surgical outcomes. The production process benefits from the cleanroom-based architecture of the EXT 220 MED printer and simplified post-processing workflows.

Stefan Leonhardt, Ph.D., director of medical devices at 3D Systems, highlighted the transformative power of 3D printing in clinical settings. Since its launch in August 2023, the EXT 220 MED has been utilized in over 80 successful cranial implant surgeries, demonstrating the technology's integration and effectiveness.

Market Research Future estimates that the 3D-printed maxillofacial implant market, valued at more than $2 billion in 2024, will grow to over $4 billion by the end of 2034. The adoption of advanced technologies like 3D printing is expected to drive this growth by offering cost-effective, efficient solutions. Despite the market potential, InvestingPro analysis shows 3D Systems faces challenges with revenue declining nearly 10% in the last twelve months and negative EBITDA of $99 million. InvestingPro subscribers have access to 13 additional key insights about DDD's financial health and market position.

3D Systems has been a pioneer in personalized healthcare, planning over 150,000 patient-specific cases and manufacturing more than two million implants and instruments. The company operates world-class, FDA-registered, ISO 13485-certified facilities in Littleton, Colorado, and Leuven, Belgium.

This report is based on a press release statement and contains no endorsements of the claims made.

In other recent news, 3D Systems has finalized the sale of its Geomagic software suite to Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence Division for $123 million. This transaction is expected to bring in approximately $100 million in proceeds, which will be used to strengthen the company's balance sheet and invest in future growth initiatives. The company reported fourth-quarter 2024 earnings, revealing a larger-than-expected loss with earnings per share (EPS) of -$0.19, missing the forecast of -$0.10, and revenue of $111 million, which was below the expected $115.6 million. Cantor Fitzgerald maintained its Overweight rating on 3D Systems with a price target of $5.00, despite noting a 21% decrease in revenue for the Healthcare Solutions segment.

Additionally, Craig-Hallum analyst Greg Palm lowered the price target for 3D Systems to $2.50 from $4.00, while maintaining a Hold rating, citing ongoing challenges but recognizing potential financial improvements from recent strategic moves. The company is focusing on cost reduction and operational efficiency, with plans to achieve breakeven EBITDA by the fourth quarter of 2025. The sale of the Geomagic business is expected to improve 3D Systems' balance sheet notably. These developments are part of 3D Systems' efforts to navigate a challenging macroeconomic environment and position itself for future growth.

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