3D Systems Unveils ``3D Lightyear'' -- Windows NT Software That Expands Functionality of Its SLA Line.

VALENCIA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 19, 1999--

New Software Combines Ease of Use and Optimum Performance

With Low Cost of Ownership

3D Systems Corp. (Nasdaq/NM:TDSC), market leader of solid imaging systems for concept modeling, prototyping and production tooling, Tuesday announced 3D Lightyear, a new Windows NT-based software package that significantly expands the capability of its SLA product family while saving customers significant time and money.

"3D Systems' success is in delivering innovative, cutting-edge solutions that meet the product development needs of our worldwide customer base," said Charles Wilson, vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. "Our customers face intense time-to-market, quality and cost-control issues. Our unique ability to provide an integrated solution of hardware, software and materials gives our customers a distinct competitive advantage when designing and bringing new products to market."

3D Lightyear represents 3D Systems' first release of part preparation software for Windows NT systems. It combines the functionality of Maestro, its UNIX-based predecessor, with the increased productivity and cost efficiencies offered by the industry-standard Windows NT platform.

The user-friendly application package is easy to install, learn, navigate and integrate into existing networks. Every required function is available via a single screen, where the user can interact with the model itself. 3D Lightyear software is highly intuitive; offers NT "look and feel," on-line interactive help, and tutorial capabilities; and streamlines the transition process for users of Maestro software.

3D Lightyear software site licenses will be offered free of charge to all SLA users with existing software maintenance agreements, and all new SLA purchases will come bundled with the software at no additional charge. A single software license allows for an unlimited number of users, providing another significant value to customers.

Core 3D Lightyear capabilities include: part layout; data verification; repair; part support generation; file slicing into layers required for building; and conversion of files to formats compatible with SLA devices. 3D Lightyear's smaller build file structures also minimize processor and storage requirements, thus reducing file sizes by an average of 50 percent.

The software is scheduled to ship in the first quarter of this year, and is Y2K compliant.

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 -- through patented stereolithography and 3D printing technologies -- fabricate solid objects from digital input, substantially cutting the time and costs of bringing new products to market. 3D Systems was founded in 1986, and is recognized as the world leader in solid imaging.

To obtain additional information about 3D Lightyear and other 3D Systems products and services, call 888/337-9786 (toll-free), or visit the company Web site at www.3dsystems.com. For investor information, call 3D Systems' shareholder communications service at 800/757-1799.

3D Systems, 3D Lightyear and SLA are trademarks of 3D Systems, Inc. Windows NT is a trademark of Microsoft Corp.