VALENCIA, Calif., March 10, 1999 - 3D Systems Corp. (Nasdaq NMS: TDSC) today announced a machine which could pave the way to an entirely new way to communicate ideas and product concepts. The ThermoJet Solid Object Printer turns computer images into physical three-dimensional objects.

ThermoJet is a professional office printer intended for today's design engineer. But similar to the evolution of laser and ink jet printers, the company envisions the future ThermoJet to be significantly smaller and less expensive -- lending itself to personal office use, and ultimately personal home use.

"Today it's routine to create newsletters and graphic designs on PCs, and to use laser and ink jet printers to put them on paper," said Dr. Richard Balanson, 3D Systems' president and chief operating officer. "Tomorrow, with future generations of ThermoJet, we could just as easily custom-design and 'print' a chess set or a toy, create a model of a new invention, or download a file from the Internet to print out a replacement for a broken plastic appliance part. That's when we enter the realm of personal manufacturing."

ThermoJet uses the concepts and technologies of solid object imaging pioneered by 3D Systems 13 years ago, and now used worldwide in corporate design and engineering settings. But ThermoJet -- with a U.S. list price of $49,995 for single units -- produces its output quickly and affordably in an office setting.

"Certainly ThermoJet is an exciting new development simply because it makes the advantages of solid object imaging available to many more businesses," said Dr. Balanson. "Now you can finish the design work on a new product and hold a sample of that product in your hand within hours," he said. "ThermoJet offers the flexibility to make changes or modifications easily and to individual specifications -- it's a tool for mass customization."

Bold Vision for the Future
ThermoJet is the cornerstone of a sweeping new 3D Systems strategy to bring a new level of ease and productivity to solid model making. The solid object printer rounds out a series of recent hardware and software innovations intended as next-generation advents for the company that created the industry.

Last month, 3D Systems introduced its latest industrial machine, the SLA 7000, that is capable of near-production parts and is four times faster than its predecessor. Earlier, the company announced 3D Lightyear Windows NT software for its SLA line, which delivers optimum performance with a user-friendly interface.

Applications
ThermoJet's ability to turn an idea into a physical model has significant benefits. A designer who has just created a mechanical part using computer-aided-design (CAD) software can send the file to ThermoJet over an ordinary office network. Within hours, ThermoJet produces a sample in a plastic-like material that the designer can hold and evaluate. The part then becomes a real-world example of what may be difficult to comprehend when viewed as a complex CAD image on a computer screen.

In addition, ThermoJet allows designers to detect flaws immediately. Users can share samples with customer focus groups to obtain useful feedback, or generate ideas for product packaging or potential marketing programs.

The uses for ThermoJet are far-reaching and span many industries. Telecommunications companies can use it to design new cellular phones or pagers, while a sporting goods manufacturer can create a new line of golf clubs. Artists can use ThermoJet technology to print three-dimensional samples of sculptures, just as easily as orthodontists can create models of a patient's smile.

Because ThermoJet files can be sent over any network, including the Internet, the machine can be used as a "3D fax" to send models to other cities or continents in moments, for output within hours. This is especially valuable when complex designs must be communicated in a multi-national, multi-cultural environment.

"This is not virtual reality - this is physical reality," said Dr. Balanson. "And the applications and opportunities go beyond one's imagination."

Availability
Thermojet is available in limited quantities immediately, with full production commencing in April. The system will make its initial debut at the National Design Engineering Show in Chicago, March 15 through 18, and at CeBIT in Hanover, Germany, March 18 through 24.

About 3D Systems
3D Systems provides solid imaging products and services that allow users to move quickly from three-dimensional designs to finished parts, at a significantly lower cost and higher quality than more traditional methods. The company's systems utilize patented stereolithography (SLA) and 3D printing technologies, which fabricate solid objects from digital input. This process offers significant competitive advantages by substantially reducing the time and cost required to design, develop, and manufacture products. The company also licenses 3D Keltool, a commercially proven moldmaking solution that produces prototype, bridge and production tooling inserts.

Based in Valencia, California, 3D Systems was founded in 1986, and is recognized as the world technology and market leader in solid imaging.

To obtain additional information about ThermoJet and other 3D Systems products and services, call (888) 337-9786, ext. 704, or visit the company's Website at www.3dsystems.com. For investor information call the 3D Systems shareholder communications service at (800) 757-1799.

3D Systems, SLA, 3D Lightyear and ThermoJet are trademarks, and 3D Keltool is a registered trademark of 3D Systems Corp. Windows NT is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Note to Editors: Photos available upon request.

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