3D Systems

This article relies on references to primary sources or sources affiliated with the subject, rather than references from independent authors and third-party publications. Please add citations from reliable sources. (November 2011)

This article's factual accuracy may be compromised due to out-of-date information. Please help improve the article by updating it. There may be additional information on the talk page. (July 2011)

3D Systems Corporation

Type	Public
Traded as	NASDAQ: DDD
Founded	Valencia, California, U.S. (1986 (1986))
Headquarters	Rock Hill, South Carolina, U.S.
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Abe Reichental (President & CEO) Chuck Hull (CTO)
Products	3D Printers Stereolithography Systems Sintering Systems Engineered Materials
Revenue	US$113 Million (FY 2009)[1]
Operating income	US$3.07 Million (FY 2009)[1]
Net income	US$1.07 Million (FY 2009)[1]
Total assets	US$150 Million (FY 2009)[2]
Total equity	US$105 Million (FY 2009)[2]
Employees	400+ [1]
Website	www.3dsystems.com

3D Systems, headquartered in Rock Hill, South Carolina, is a maker of rapid prototyping machines, notable for developing stereolithography and the STL file format.

History

Founded in 1986 by Chuck Hull, with the invention of the first stereolithography rapid prototyping system, 3D Systems is a global company that develops and sells systems, materials, and software for solid imaging. Its products are meant to make manufacturing processes more efficient, without requiring tooling. 3D Systems creates product concept models, precision and functional prototypes, master patterns for tooling, as well as production parts for direct digital manufacturing.

Their 3D printing, rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing technologies use proprietary processes to fabricate physical objects using input from computer-aided design and manufacturing software, or 3D scanning and sculpting devices. ^[3]

Technology

3D Systems manufacture 3D printers, SLA systems and SLS systems.

• 3D modelers or printers take digital input from three-dimensional data and creates solid, three-dimensional parts through an additive, layer-by-layer process. 3D printing is used extensively by designers during concept development and early product design to accelerate the design process and improve the quality of the final product.

• Stereolithography or SLA systems convert proprietary materials and composites into solid cross-sections, layer by layer, until three-dimensional parts are built. An ultraviolet laser cures a liquid resin layer by layer to build highly accurate parts. SLA systems rapidly manufacture parts of different geometries at the same time and are designed to produce prototypes, patterns or end-use parts of versatile sizes and applications.

• Selective laser sintering or SLS systems use high-temperature laser to melt and fuse, or sinter, powdered plastics or metal into solid cross-sections, layer by layer, until three-dimensional parts are complete. SLS systems have integrated powder delivery/recycling, part-building and finishing capability as complete rapid manufacturing systems. The systems enable productive, direct rapid manufacturing of durable and tough three-dimensional parts that have versatile sizes and applications.

Applications

A number of industries, including automotive, aerospace, consumer appliance and electronics, toys and entertainment, and medical, use 3D printing, stereolithography and sintering. ^[4]

Facilities and employees

In 2006, the company consolidated its offices, operations, and research and development functions into a new global headquarters in Rock Hill, SC, USA. About half of the headquarters’ 80,000 square feet (7,400 m²) are R&D laboratories and an 18,000-square-foot (1,700 m²) Rapid Manufacturing Center (RMC) with 3D Systems’ rapid prototyping, rapid manufacturing and 3D printing systems at work. ^[5]

3D Systems opened a 17,000-square-foot (1,600 m²) training center, 3D Systems University, in partnership York Technical College to train prospective and existing customers. ^[6]

With customers in 80 countries, 3D Systems has 400 employees in offices around the world, including France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, United Kingdom, China and Japan. The company has more than 359 U.S. and foreign patents. ^[7]

On 31 August 2009, 3D Systems acquired the key assets of Desktop Factory.^[8] On 12 May 2011, 3D Systems announced it acquired the Amsterdam-based 3D design company Freedom Of Creation (FOC).^[9]

See also

• Chuck Hull

References

External links

• Official website
• 3D Systems RMC Tour on YouTube
• V-Flash Website
• E3-2OeFweVQ on YouTube
• 3D Systems University