Stratasys, 3D Systems left behind on Elon’s space capsule
The entry of Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) into the 3D printing market isn’t the only competitive challenge facing Stratasys (SSYS) and 3D Systems (DDD), the two U.S. market leaders. When it comes to the production of supersophisticated parts — like those used in rocket engines — the leaders in metal-based 3D (DDD) printing come from Germany. Just ask Elon Musk, founder of rocket ship maker SpaceX and the CEO of electric car company Tesla (TSLA). Musk headlined the unveiling of the second version of its space capsule, Dragon Version 2, at the company’s expansive headquarters facility in Hawthorne, Calif., Thursday evening. SpaceX has a long-term, multibillion-dollar contract with NASA to provide transportation to and from the International Space Station. The new Dragon capsule, which seats seven, is expected to send astronauts to the ISS in a few years. From start to finish, the development of the capsule will cost more than $800 million, Musk said. Dragon Version 1 is for cargo delivery only.