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3D Systems, Inc. and DSM Desotech Inc. announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding to develop and jointly market non-liquid stereolithography (SL) hardware, software and materials for rapid tooling and direct and indirect in-line manufacturing processes.

"With our recent acquisition of OptoForm SARL, additional opportunities are opening up in solid imaging technology," said Grant Flaharty, senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing at 3D Systems. "We believe that the combination of 3D Systems' cutting-edge hardware and DSM's paste and composites materials – as well as metals and ceramics – will expand applications for SL technology into new areas of tooling and manufacturing."

"We expect significant product development synergies to result from this joint effort, accelerating the creation of new market opportunities," said Steve Hartig, vice president of marketing at DSM Desotech. "This cooperative effort complements our current investment in the development of Somos® materials for the solid imaging market."

The signed memorandum between 3D Systems and DSM Desotech is an initial step to more definitive documents that may be formalized in the coming weeks and months, according to Flaharty.

On Feb. 12, 3D Systems announced it acquired OptoForm, a French company that developed stereolithography systems using paste materials.

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® office printer and SLA® 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 KeltoolÒ 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 website at www.3dsystems.com or phone (888) 337-9786, ext. 763. For an investor packet, call the company's shareholder communications service at (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 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 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 materials are used by various industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical and telecommunications.

3D Systems, Inc., 26081 Avenue Hall Valencia, CA 91355 USA. Tel: 888-337-9786, ext. 763.

Source: 3D Systems

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