3D Systems Introduces New Solid Imaging System; Viper si2 System Combines Versatility and Affordability.

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

VALENCIA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 5, 2001

3D Systems Corp. (Nasdaq:TDSC) today announced the latest breakthrough in its SLA(R) solid imaging product line -- the Viper si2(TM) system, which combines the versatility of its high-end machines with the affordability of its entry-level industrial system.

The Viper si2 system is the first from 3D Systems to offer standard and high-resolution build modes in one package. The new machine builds parts as large as 10 cubic inches and runs on a Windows NT(R)-based operating system with Buildstation(TM) software, enabling maximum ease of use.

"The next step in our products' evolution is here with the Viper si2 system," said Grant Flaharty, senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. "This system will provide designers and manufacturers a versatile platform for producing small- to medium-size parts for a wide variety of uses."

Flaharty added, "This machine is ideal for making highly detailed patterns for injection molding and investment casting. We expect its low cost of ownership will make it more attractive as well."

Part of the Viper system's appeal is its "smart laser," developed in-house by 3D Systems, as well as its newly integrated digital scanning system that allows higher productivity. The solid-state laser provides a constant 100 milliwatts of available power throughout its lifetime and is guaranteed for 7,500 hours of operation.

"The Viper si2 system name reflects our redesign of everything from the laser optics and electronics to the external enclosure, making it the most usable, reliable solid imaging machine on the market," Flaharty said. "We see great potential for this system, along side the SLA 7000 system, in a wide variety of applications, especially customized manufacturing."

The Viper si2 system will be available with two Vantico-developed materials for part building: the highly accurate and humidity-resistant SL 5510 material; and SL 7540 material, the durable polypropylene mimic. In addition, all future developments in stereolithography materials will be compatible with this system.

3D Systems has included the newly upgraded 3D Lightyear(TM) 1.2 software for the Viper system's part-building preparation. The software was designed specifically for greater ease of use in choosing build parameters.

Currently on display this week at the National Design Engineering exhibition in Chicago, the first Viper si2 SLA systems will be available to ship in June. The company also plans to show the new system this month at the CeBIT high-tech exhibition in Germany; the Eurostampi tradeshow in Italy; and the 3D Systems Stereolithography Users Group conference in Florida.

About 3D Systems

3D Systems provides solid imaging products and services that substantially reduce the time and cost required to design, test and manufacture products. The company's systems utilize patented technologies that create physical objects from digital input.

3D Systems currently offers the ThermoJet(R) office printer and SLA(R) industrial systems, which include proprietary software and materials. Product pricing in the U.S. begins at $49,995 for the company's entry-level printer and extends up to $799,000 for its feature-rich industrial SLA system.

The company also licenses the 3D Keltool(R) process, a complementary application that produces injection molding and die casting inserts from SLA system master patterns.

Based in Valencia, Calif., 3D Systems was founded in 1986 and is recognized as the world technology and market leader in solid imaging. For additional information, visit the company's Web site at www.3dsystems.com or phone [phone], ext. 2882 or toll-free 888/337-9786, ext. 763. For an investor packet, call the company's shareholder communications service at 858/431-7933 or toll-free 800/757-1799.

Except for the historical information contained in this news release, the matters discussed include forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties including: the availability and acceptance of the company's products generally, commercial acceptance of new products, manufacturing or operational issues that may arise with new products, the impact of competitive products and pricing, dependence on key personnel and suppliers, industry-wide domestic and international economic conditions, and other risks detailed in the company's SEC reports including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 1999, and its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, June 30 and Sept. 29, 2000.

Note to Editors: Viper si2, Buildstation and Lightyear are trademarks; and ThermoJet, SLA, Keltool and the 3D logo are registered trademarks of 3D Systems.