3D Systems Secures Multi-Unit Sale to DaimlerChrysler Corp.; Auto Manufacturer Expands Its Solid-Imaging Capabilities.Business Editors VALENCIA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 25, 2000 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 ) today announced that DaimlerChrysler Corp. has purchased five of its solid imaging machines -- two high-end 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) 7000 systems and three ThermoJet(TM) solid object printers. The multi-unit acquisition adds to 3D Systems' already prominent presence in DaimlerChrysler's design and engineering functions. DaimlerChrysler now operates 14 3D Systems machines worldwide. "Since we produce such a high volume of prototype parts, the new solid imaging systems will help us significantly cut down our fulfillment time," said Tom Sorovetz, rapid prototyping Building a part one layer at a time using a method of additive fabrication such as 3D printing. Such parts are used for concept modeling to determine if the product design meets the customer's expectations. supervisor at DaimlerChrysler's Jeep/Truck Engineering Facility. "The machines help us build multiple renditions of high-quality parts for testing. "We use the SLA system to produce thousands of parts each year for individual components and assemblies. We're able to make parts faster and more accurately, using less man-hours," Sorovetz said. "And the ThermoJet printer models we've built have been key to obtaining supplier quotes and investment castings. The models are critical to effectively communicating our ideas inside and outside our organization." The SLA 7000 system is 3D Systems' top-of-the-line solid imaging machine. It translates digital designs into three-dimensional objects by using a laser to harden liquid resin. 3D Systems' low-end ThermoJet printer works much like an ink jet printer See inkjet printer. . Instead of printing ink, the ThermoJet printer deposits layers of molten thermoplastic A polymer material that turns to liquid when heated and becomes solid when cooled. There are more than 40 types of thermoplastics, including acrylic, polypropylene, polycarbonate and polyethylene. to build up a solid object. Sorovetz said: "We're also excited about the latest durable material offered by 3D Systems -- SL 7540 -- that is sure to have a huge impact on the design and engineering community. Using this new material, we're looking to make end-use parts straight from the SLA system, which would eliminate the time and cost spent on tooling." According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. Grant Flaharty, senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing for 3D Systems, "Our integrated manufacturing solutions are helping DaimlerChrysler to condense con·dense v. con·densed, con·dens·ing, con·dens·es v.tr. 1. To reduce the volume or compass of. 2. To make more concise; abridge or shorten. 3. Physics a. and simplify its design and engineering cycle, while also facilitating rapid manufacturing Building parts out of plastic or metal one layer at a time using a method of additive fabrication such as 3D printing. Multiple pieces, either similar or dissimilar, can be built simultaneously. applications. "We believe that rapid manufacturing applications will not only have a huge financial impact on our customers, but will also facilitate 3D Systems' future growth." 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(TM) office printer and SLA(R) industrial systems that include proprietary software and materials. Product pricing in the United States begins at $49,000 for the company's low-end printer and extends up to $799,000 for its feature-rich industrial SLA system. These products offer a wide range of applications to a variety of industries. Based in Valencia, 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 888/337-9786, ext. 746. For an investor packet, call the company's shareholder communications service at 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 ability of the company to contain costs, increase recurring revenue and maintain gross revenues at a level necessary to maintain gross profit margins Gross profit margin Gross profit divided by sales, which is equal to each sales dollar left over after paying for the cost of goods sold. gross profit margin A measure calculated by dividing gross profit by net sales. , the availability and acceptance of products, including the acceptance of rapid manufacturing solutions, 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 Securities and Exchange Commission reports, including its annual report on Form 10-K Form 10-K A report required by the SEC from exchange-listed companies that provides for annual disclosure of certain financial information. Form 10-K See 10-K. for the year ended Dec. 31, 1999, and its quarterly report on Form 10-Q Form 10-Q See 10-Q. for the quarter ended June 30, 2000. Note to editors: ThermoJet is a trademark of 3D Systems. 3D Systems, SLA, Keltool and the 3D logo are registered trademarks of 3D Systems. |
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