3D SYSTEMS/DSM FORM OPTOFORM TO DEVELOP EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS.3D Systems Corp. (Nasdaq:TDSC TDSC Thai Development Support Committee TDSC Time Domain Signal Coding TDSC Test Driver System - Charlie TDSC Time-Domain Spreading Code ) and DSM 1. DSM - Data Structure Manager. An object-oriented language by J.E. Rumbaugh and M.E. Loomis of GE, similar to C++. It is used in implementation of CAD/CAE software. DSM is written in DSM and C and produces C as output. Desotech Inc. have formed OptoForm LLC (Logical Link Control) See "LANs" under data link protocol. LLC - Logical Link Control , a joint venture that will focus on the development and commercialization of new equipment and materials for rapid tooling and direct and indirect in-line manufacturing processes. The materials will include ceramics, composite tooling materials and toughened plastics. This technology is expected to open up new markets aimed at producing more functional parts. Research and development activities are taking place in both 3D Systems' facility in Valencia and in DSM Desotech's Somos(R) facility in New Castle, Del. The joint venture initially is placing three OptoForm Engineering Evaluation Units at customer locations to facilitate continued technical development of materials, hardware and software. The OptoForm units will be utilized for technical evaluation of tough plastics, ceramics and composite tooling materials for the automotive, aerospace and tooling industries. Full commercialization of this technology is expected during the last half of 2002 and the beginning of 2003. As the technology matures, both companies believe it will rival the importance of their present stereolithography-related businesses. "With the acquisition of OptoForm SARL SARL South African Radio League SARL Société Anonyme à Responsabilité Limitée (French: limited liability company) SARL Salem Animal Rescue League (Salem, NH) SARL Sociedade Anónima de Responsabilidade Limitada in January 2001, 3D Systems began the development of a product line known as DCM DCM abbr. Distinguished Conduct Medal (direct composite manufacturing)," said Grant Flaharty, executive vice president at 3D Systems. "The agreement with DSM Desotech is expected to allow both companies to focus efforts on the development of solutions for the tooling and manufacturing industries. "We believe we can make great strides with the OptoForm technology," Flaharty added. "We expect that the joint venture will enable us to bring a fully commercialized OptoForm system to market more quickly." "We are very pleased to announce the agreement with 3D Systems," said Steve Hartig, vice president of marketing at DSM Desotech. "By sharing our expertise, and with both companies' strong intellectual property position in this area, we will have a focused effort to meet the demands of the marketplace, and we can expect significant product development synergies to result." This joint venture agreement is subject to government review and satisfying all filing requirements. About 3D Systems Founded in 1986, 3D Systems provides solid imaging products and solutions that help reduce the time and cost of designing products and facilitate direct and indirect manufacturing. Its systems utilize patented technologies that create physical objects from digital input. 3D Systems currently offers the ThermoJet(R) solid object printer, SLA (1) (StereoLithography Apparatus) See 3D printing. (2) (Service Level Agreement) A contract between the provider and the user that specifies the level of service expected during its term. (R) systems (stereolithography The first 3D printing technology, which was pioneered by Chuck Hull of 3D Systems. See 3D printing. ) and SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) See laser sintering and 3D printing. (R) systems (selective laser sintering See laser sintering and 3D printer. ), as well as related software and materials. Product pricing in the U.S. ranges from $49,995, for the ThermoJet printer, to $799,000 for the high-end SLA 7000 system. The company licenses the complementary 3D Keltool(R) process, a method for producing steel mold inserts, and currently is developing systems that use composite paste materials for direct manufacturing. In August, 3D Systems merged with DTM DTM dermatophyte test medium. Corp. More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com, or by phoning 888/337-9786, extension 803, or 661/295-5600 internationally. An investor packet can be obtained by calling 800/757-1799. About DSM Desotech DSM Desotech is a global leader in the development and manufacture of ultraviolet light and electron beam (UV/EB) curable cur·a·ble adj. Capable of being cured or healed. materials, and operates as a business unit of DSM -- a highly integrated group of companies with worldwide interests in life science products, performance materials and chemicals. DSM reported sales of EUR EUR In currencies, this is the abbreviation for the Euro. Notes: The currency market, also known as the Foreign Exchange market, is the largest financial market in the world, with a daily average volume of over US $1 trillion. 8.1 billion in 2000 and employs a total workforce of some 22,000, in more than 200 operations throughout the world. In 1999, DSM Desotech announced its acquisition of Dupont Somos -- now DSM Somos. Somos is currently the world's second-largest materials supplier to the rapid prototyping industry, providing stereolithography liquids and selective laser sintering powders used for the creation of three-dimensional models and prototypes directly from digital data. Somos' patented Protofunctional(TM) materials are used by various industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical and telecommunications. For more information, visit http://www.dsmdesotech.com and http://www.dsmsomos.com or call 661/295-5600, ext. 2910 |
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