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3D Systems Begins Trials of Robust Prototyping Resin Aimed at Applications Requiring Durable Engineering Plastics
Contact: VALENCIA, Calif., April 23, 1998 - 3D Systems Corporation (Nasdaq-NMS:TDSC) reported today that it has begun market trials of a new, durable resin for use with its line of rapid prototyping systems. Developed by Ciba Specialty Chemicals, Inc. in collaboration with 3D Systems, the resin is expected to be commercially available around mid-year. The new material is capable of making prototype parts and assemblies having robustness approaching commercial engineering plastics, important for form, fit and functional testing of new products in development. In addition to durability, the resin is optically clear and resistant to humidity. Such characteristics are especially important in industries such as automotive, electronics, computers and consumer products, where many components are made of ABS plastic, noted for its high strength and durability. The new resin is a photopolymer sensitive to ultraviolet light. Designed for use in 3D’s largest prototyping systems, the SLATM 3500 and SLATM 5000, the resin is exposed to computer-controlled laser imaging to rapidly produce highly accurate mechanical parts directly from digital input, without traditional tooling. "We believe this material will help expand the applications of rapid prototyping," according to Dr. Richard D. Balanson, the company’s president and chief operating officer. "Here you have a material that can withstand the rigors of real-world use, such as snap-fitted casings, yet hold the fine detail, surface finish and many of the physical characteristics you would expect from an injection molded part." 3D Systems and Ciba have a 10-year history of joint development and marketing of photopolymers used in rapid prototyping. Recently, the companies introduced Cibatool SL 5210, a new specialty resin designed for applications that rely on part stability under harsh environmental conditions such as extreme heat and humidity, a requirement for under-the-hood assemblies in the automobile industry. 3D Systems develops, manufactures and markets rapid prototyping systems. 3D's products fabricate solid objects using digital input from CAD/CAM computer systems, rather than traditional tooling, substantially reducing the time and costs of bringing new products to market. Major applications include prototyping and tooling for products in a variety of manufacturing industries worldwide, including automotive, aerospace, medical, computer, electronic and consumer products. Except for the historical information contained in this news release, the matters discussed include forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as the timely development, functionality and acceptance of new products, the impact of competitive products and pricing, and other risks detailed from time to time in the company's SEC reports, including its Form 10-K. |
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