3D printing giant 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) and medical technology buff Stryker (NYSE:SYK) are teaming up together in a big, big way. 
Last week (January 17), the companies jointly announced a distribution partnership for VSP^® (Virtual Surgical Planning) and craniomaxillofacial proficiencies in efforts to increase the availability of personalized surgical planning and techniques for healthcare professionals.
According to the release, the VSP technology–which was initiated by 3D Systems–received FDA market clearance “as a service-based approach to personalized surgery, combining expertise in medical imaging, surgical simulation and 3D printing.”

Surgeons initiate the process by planning online meetings with a 3D Systems biomedical engineer, which then simulates and strategizes the surgical agenda. The desired outcome is a digital plan that is transferred to the operating room through accurate 3D printed patient-specific models, guides and templates–effectively cutting down surgeon and patient time in the operating room.
“With the advancement of 3D printing, combined with the surgeon’s ability to use our Virtual Surgical Planning and anatomical modeling technologies, a patient’s life can be forever changed,” said Kevin McAlea, executive vice president, general manager, metals and health care at 3D Systems. “It provides surgeons with the ability to have a clear 3D visualization of a patient’s anatomy and to develop a customized surgical plan prior to even entering the operating room.”
Already, 3D Systems has provided the VSP or anatomical services in more than 100,000 cases. With the addition of Stryker’s Craniomaxillofacial–which provides patient-specific options–the new partnership looks to provide next level service in the healthcare industry.
While it’s not clear as to when the agreement is slated to officially begin, the joint statement indicates the deal will be specific to the US, Canada and Europe.
In the days following the announcement, shares of 3D Systems have surprisingly taken a hit, falling 4.53 percent since Wednesday to $10.22 as of Monday’s (January 22) close.  TipRanks.com analyst ratings and price targets on the company currently have 3D Systems as a “Hold”–with one buy, five hold and two sell, while the average analyst price target is currently $9.71 with a high of $11 and a low of $7 over the next 12 months.

On the other hand, shares of Stryker have responded more favorably to the partnership, rising 1.94 percent since the announcement to reach $162.52 at market close on Monday. According to TipRanks.com, analyst consensus currently has Stryker at a “Moderate Buy” based on 12 analyst ratings. Over the next 12 months, Stryker’s price target is $168, with a high of $179 and a low of $156.

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Securities Disclosure: I, Jocelyn Aspa, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.