Chuck Hull's National Academy of Engineering Honor Signals Continued Legacy for 3D Systems Innovation

The additive manufacturing pioneer just received one of engineering’s highest recognitions. 3D Systems (NYSE: DDD) co-founder Chuck Hull was elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Class of 2025, joining 128 peers and 22 international members in this distinguished cohort. His formal induction takes place during the NAE’s Annual Meeting on October 5, 2025.

The Man Behind the Revolution

Hull’s credentials speak for themselves. Back in 1983, while serving as Vice President of Engineering at UVP, Inc., he created the world’s first 3D-printed object—an eye wash cup—using a technology he invented called Stereolithography (SLA). This wasn’t just a lab experiment; it became the foundation of an entire industry. He subsequently co-founded 3D Systems in 1986, launching the SLA-1, the first commercial 3D printer ever brought to market.

His impact extends far beyond that initial innovation. Hull holds 85 US patents and numerous international patents spanning ion optics and 3D printing. The accolades reflect his transformative influence: the National Medal of Technology and Innovation (2023), National Inventors Hall of Fame induction (2014), European Inventor Award (2014), Manufacturing Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award (2016), and The Economist’s 2013 Innovation Award.

Why This Matters for 3D Systems

NAE election honors engineers who have made “outstanding contributions” through pioneering new technology fields or major advancements in traditional engineering domains. Hull’s recognition underscores 3D Systems’ position as the leading additive manufacturing solutions provider. The company’s hardware, software, materials, and services ecosystem now touches healthcare, aerospace & defense, automotive, and durable goods sectors.

Dr. Jeffrey Graves, president & CEO, emphasized Hull’s revolutionary impact: “His pioneering work has revolutionized manufacturing and profoundly impacted healthcare delivery… 3D printing is playing a significant role in how these industries innovate.”

Market Signals: Insiders and Institutions React

Recent trading activity suggests mixed sentiment around DDD stock. Insider transactions in the past 6 months reveal nuance: Charles W Hull (EVP & CTO) sold 115,971 shares for approximately $447,648, while Jeffrey A Graves (President and CEO) purchased 60,000 shares for around $231,000. The CEO’s buying gesture counters the CTO’s selling activity.

Institutional investors show stronger conviction. Q4 2024 data reveals 92 institutional investors added DDD shares while 162 reduced positions. Notable additions include:

• UBS GROUP AG: +1,848,385 shares (+619.5%) for $6.06M
• ICON ADVISERS INC: +1,600,000 shares for $5.25M
• PENN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT: +1,589,700 shares for $5.21M
• TWO SIGMA ADVISERS: +1,216,900 shares (+553.9%) for $3.99M
• TWO SIGMA INVESTMENTS: +944,010 shares (+172.2%) for $3.10M

Conversely, some major players retreated: FIRST TRUST ADVISORS LP exited entirely (-1,398,215 shares, -100%) for $4.59M, and PINNACLE ASSOCIATES reduced by 92.5%.

What’s Next

The NAE election reinforces Hull’s legacy and 3D Systems’ narrative as a transformational force in manufacturing innovation. Yet the mixed institutional positioning and insider activity suggest the market remains cautious about near-term execution despite the symbolic win. The formal October induction provides another media moment for the company to articulate its competitive advantages in an increasingly crowded additive manufacturing landscape.

For 3D Systems shareholders, Hull’s NAE honor validates the company’s foundational IP strength—but investor focus will likely remain on whether current management can translate that legacy into sustained growth across emerging applications.