PR

3D Systems and GPI Expand Access and Adoption of Direct Metal 3D Printing

  • 3DS' Direct Metal Printing extends manufacturing capabilities
  • GPI's metals experience provides invaluable use case insights for joint development of markets and technology applications

ROCK HILL, S.C., Oct. 27, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) announced today a partnership with GPI Prototype & Manufacturing Services, Inc., a Midwest leader in direct metal printing, to expand access and adoption of direct metal 3D printing technologies for the manufacture of end-use production parts for industries ranging from automotive and aerospace, to healthcare and electronics. 3DS will tap into GPI's extensive experience in metal design and production to collaborate on the development of industry and technology applications.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=37148

This partnership includes the installation of 3DS Direct Metal Printers (DMP) at GPI's recently expanded production facility, including a ProXTM 300 and two ProX 200 units to support rapid growth of its metal additive manufacturing services. In addition, direct metal printing experts from GPI and 3DS will conduct research together on 3DS' DMP technology. GPI's team includes a metallurgical engineer as well as a metals applications engineer to spearhead R&D and production capabilities. Together the companies will work to advance DMP applications and development. Watch a video on GPI direct metal applications here.

"GPI has an excellent reputation and many years of experience in direct metal prototyping and manufacturing. We are delighted to be working with them to advance manufacturing innovation through access to our direct metal printing technology," said Charlie Grace, Chief Revenue Officer, Professional Products, 3DS.

"This collaboration with 3D Systems gives us expanded production capability in Direct Metal printing to meet the rapidly growing needs of our customer base," said Adam Galloway, President, GPI. "Direct Metal Printing is a game changer for manufacturing, allowing engineers to design complex components or organic geometries that have not been possible through traditional manufacturing. With the expertise of 3D Systems and GPI, our goal is to provide access to and adoption of this technology for our customers' critical applications."

Learn more about 3DS' commitment to manufacturing the future today at www.3dsystems.com.

About GPI Prototype & Manufacturing Services, Inc.

GPI Prototype and Manufacturing Services Inc. has been providing Direct Metal Laser Melting (DMLM) services since 2009. As one of the first Metal Additive Manufacturing service providers in the country, GPI has the expertise to take clients from early prototyping all the way to finished, small and medium run manufacturing. With 9 machines and 25 employees dedicated to DMLM, GPI produces prototypes and end-use parts with complex geometries not possible with traditional machining in a variety of metals including aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and cobalt chrome. Our engineers and consultants work with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies in the medical, aerospace and defense industries to students in university laboratories. Dedicated to maintaining cutting-edge technology, GPI helps clients rethink and revolutionize the way their parts are designed and manufactured. 

To further ensure the highest quality parts, GPI is pleased to be ISO 9001:2008, ISO 13485:2003, and AS9100:2009 Rev-C certified, as well as ITAR registered.

More information on the company is available at www.gpiprototype.com.

About 3D Systems

3D Systems provides the most advanced and comprehensive 3D digital design and fabrication solutions available today, including 3D printers, print materials and cloud-sourced custom parts. Its powerful ecosystem transforms entire industries by empowering professionals and consumers everywhere to bring their ideas to life using its vast material selection, including plastics, metals, ceramics and edibles. 3DS' leading personalized medicine capabilities include end-to-end simulation, training and planning, and printing of surgical instruments and devices for personalized surgery and patient specific medical and dental devices. Its democratized 3D digital design, fabrication and inspection products provide seamless interoperability and incorporate the latest immersive computing technologies. 3DS' products and services disrupt traditional methods, deliver improved results and empower its customers to manufacture the future now.

Leadership through Innovation and Technology

  • 3DS invented 3D printing with its Stereolithography (SLA) printer and was the first to commercialize it in 1989.
  • 3DS invented Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) printing and was the first to commercialize it in 1992.
  • 3DS invented and commercialized its patented, ground-breaking force-feedback haptic devices in 1993.
  • 3DS invented the ColorJet Printing (CJP) class of 3D printers and was the first to commercialize 3D powder-based systems in 1994.
  • 3DS invented MultiJet Printing (MJP) printers and was the first to commercialize it in 1996.
  • 3DS pioneered virtual surgical simulation (VSSTM) and virtual surgical planning (VSP®) as part of its portfolio of leading 3D healthcare products and services.
  • 3DS pioneered scan-based design with the release of the patented Geomagic Design X (XOR) software in 2006.

Today its comprehensive range of 3D printers is the industry's benchmark for production-grade manufacturing in aerospace, automotive, patient specific medical device and a variety of consumer, electronic and fashion accessories.

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

CONTACT: Investor Contact:Stacey Witten Email: investor.relations@3dsystems.com Media Contact: Wendy Pinckney Email: Press@3dsystems.com

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