3D Systems Advances Metals and Plastics Solutions

CHICAGO, March 21, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 3D Systems (NYSE: DDD ) today announced new products and capabilities to accelerate additive manufacturing in the growing investment casting, jewelry and dental markets, while extending its leadership in precision metal production for healthcare and aerospace.

Among the announcements is expansion of the company’s industry-leading MultiJet Wax family with the new ProJet ^® MJP 2500W and VisiJet ^® M2 CAST RealWax™ material, for applications in jewelry and industrial casting. The new wax system combines the precision of the successful MJP 2500 platform with a next-generation 100% real wax material to deliver precise, durable, high-resolution patterns. 

Beyond wax, the company introduced new VisiJet materials for the MJP 2500 platform with rigid properties for applications such as snap-fit assemblies. The advancements include a breakthrough dental model material in rigid tan ( VisiJet M2R-TN ), the most optimal color for dental models to deliver superior visual contrast and precision. Other new materials include rigid black (VisiJet M2R-BK), rigid white (VisiJet M2R-WT) and rigid clear (VisiJet M2R-CL).

The company also extended its 3D Sprint™ software across the MultiJet printer family*. The software provides design, preparation and management tools to streamline the 3D printing process, saving users time and money. 3D Sprint software is available for download as a value add for 3D Systems’ customers.

“Our most recent developments expand the capabilities and innovation of our customers across key verticals to dramatically improve their digital workflow,” said Jim Ruder, Senior Vice President of Plastics, 3D Systems. “We are committed to providing solutions that deliver productivity, repeatability, durability and improved total cost of operations to drive real 3D production for our customers.”

Metals materials, capabilities extend precision metal leadership

3D Systems also introduced four new LaserForm ^® metal materials for precision metal part production in healthcare, aerospace, dental and other applications.

LaserForm materials are extensively tested and optimized for 3D Systems’ metal printers to deliver high-resolution part quality and consistent part properties. The materials are supported by a rich material database compiled from the outcomes of nearly half a million challenging builds performed by the company’s metal production facilities. The new materials include:

• LaserForm Ni625 (A) , a nickel cobalt chrome material ideal for applications requiring high temperature and corrosion resistance as well as high strength. LaserForm Ni625 (A) enables shorter lead times and reduced cost over conventional production methods in most applicable industries.
• LaserForm CoCrF75 (A) , a cobalt chrome material well suited for industrial parts requiring resistance to corrosion, wear and high temperatures. LaserForm CoCrF75 (A) is specifically suited for medical tools and devices; dental implants and prostheses; molds and dies; high wear industrial applications; and parts requiring high strength at elevated temperatures.
• LaserForm 17-4PH (A) , a stainless steel material for parts that require excellent corrosion resistance, high strength and good toughness.
• LaserForm AlSi10Mg (A) , an aluminum material for parts that require lighter weights, good mechanical properties and high thermal conductivity, particularly in industrial, automotive and aerospace applications.

3D Systems also introduced DMP Vision™ to enable process monitoring for new and existing ProX ^® DMP 320 customers. The DMP hardware and software kit enables layer by layer image data collection and analytics to help customers increase precision in their metal printing workflow. These insights provide users with helpful feedback to optimize their build strategy and regulate their builds for improved quality control, reporting and process archiving.

3D Systems will also begin bundling its innovative 3DXpert workflow software with all its direct metal printers next month. 3DXpert reduces design and print time and produces better parts by combining powerful print preparation, shape optimization, printing strategies and slicing capabilities.

“The addition of DMP Vision and 3DXpert, combined with our new LaserForm materials, enhances our ability to deliver leading precision metal solutions to customers who require the highest standards for surface finish, resolution and quality parts,” said Kevin McAlea, EVP, General Manager, Metals & Healthcare, 3D Systems.

Full-color improvements for anatomical & concept modeling

In full-color 3D printing, 3D Systems unveiled the ProJet CJP 260Plus for anatomical modeling in healthcare and concept modeling for accelerated product development.  The ProJet CJP 260Plus is the company’s most compact printer for fast and affordable full-color 3D printing, and offers full CMY color in a closed-loop powder loading, removal and recycling system. 

In conjunction with the introduction, the company is offering a program for current owners of 3D Systems’ ProJet CJP 260C to upgrade to the ProJet CJP 260Plus.

Demonstrations of 3D Systems’ new products, materials and capabilities are featured at the 2017 Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) Conference in Chicago, IL, March 19-23, in booths D8 and D8a at the Hilton Chicago.

About 3D Systems

3D Systems provides comprehensive 3D products and services, including 3D printers, print materials, on demand manufacturing services and digital design tools. Its ecosystem supports advanced applications from the product design shop to the factory floor to the operating room. 3D Systems’ precision healthcare capabilities include simulation, Virtual Surgical Planning, and printing of medical and dental devices as well as patient-specific surgical instruments. As the originator of 3D printing and a shaper of future 3D solutions, 3D Systems has spent its 30 year history enabling professionals and companies to optimize their designs, transform their workflows, bring innovative products to market and drive new business models.

More information on the company is available at  www.3dsystems.com

* ProJet MJP 3510/3500 and 3600 Series printers, all ProJet MJP 2500 Series printers and the ProJet 1200. The company plans to expand 3D Sprint to support all 3D Systems plastic 3D printers and will announce availability at a later date.

Investor Contact: Stacey Witten Email: investor.relations@3dsystems.com Media Contact: Diane Parrish Email: press@3dsystems.com