- World leader in production solutions for additive manufacturing demonstrates latest innovations for Healthcare, Aerospace, and Automotive industries

ROCK HILL, S.C., Nov. 19, 2019 — (PRNewswire) — At Formnext 2019, 3D Systems (NYSE: DDD) is showcasing its new, application-specific production solutions for the Healthcare, Aerospace, and Automotive industries. The company has the unique ability to architect solutions specific to customers' needs through a combination of its breakthrough materials, hardware platforms, software, and professional services - creating a path forward to integrating additive into traditional production environments. As a result, manufacturers are able to achieve design freedom, increase agility, scale production, and improve overall total cost of operation.

"In 2016, I shared my vision and strategy for how 3D Systems would make 3D production real.  It would require customer collaboration and innovation, with the experience and expertise of our people as a driving force," said Vyomesh Joshi, president and chief executive officer, 3D Systems. "Today, we're executing on that strategy to position 3D Systems as the premier production solutions company in the industry. In fact, we have already surpassed 175 million production parts created by our customers, and we are on our way to 200 million parts created in 2019 using 3D Systems' solutions." 

3D Systems' customers realizing the benefits of the company's production solutions span a range of industries including Healthcare, Dental, Aerospace, Automotive, and Durable Goods.  Some examples include:

• Align Technologies incorporates 3D Systems' technology to help produce more than 430,000 Invisalign aligners per day – the single highest volume additive workflow in the world.
• NuVasive – an orthopedic device company – that capitalized on 3D Systems' production solutions to move from design to market of Modulus^® (now a full implant line) in just over one year.
• Delft Aerospace Rocket Engineering team at the University of Delft partnered with 3D Systems to develop an innovative rocket exit nozzle as a single part, 3D printed in titanium. Firing tests of the completed nozzle proved to be successful, placing them one step closer to achieving their mission of sending a rocket into space.

Production Solutions Accelerating Adoption of Additive Manufacturing

3D Systems partners with customers to help them progress through their additive manufacturing journey and accelerate the adoption of additive within their existing production environments. This process begins with the customer's application in mind; designing the best possible solution to achieve their needs and successfully address challenges.

3D Systems encourages customers to begin their additive manufacturing journey by engaging with one of its Customer Innovation Centers (CIC). There, a customized production workflow solution will be designed to accelerate the development of advanced applications by providing customers with access to bespoke solutions, domain expertise, and state-of-the-art technology.  The process begins with the company's software as the core to the overall solution. Customers will be able to scan and digitize solutions – if digital files do not exist – and then prepare their CAD file to optimize it for 3D printing. This preparation step includes importing part data, orienting the part on the build plate, optimizing the geometry and creating optimal supports to ensure the final part matches the design intent. From this point, the part is created using 3D Systems' additive manufacturing hardware platforms. After printing, it is post-processed and 3D Systems' software comes into play again to inspect the part.

At 3D Systems' booth (Hall 12.1, Booths D03, D11, D19) at Formnext 2019, the company will demonstrate four production solutions designed specifically for the Healthcare, Aerospace, and Automotive industries, and are intended to serve as an example of the work done with customers:

• Automotive: 3D Systems production solutions are helping automotive manufacturers develop lighter weight parts to drive down manufacturing costs, design and produce innovative assemblies that reduce part counts, provide greater strength and efficiency, and create realistic prototypes that can remove months from the product development process. In its booth, the company will showcase workflows for an in-door bracket and a washer fitting which includes integrated channels for a temperature sensor cable and zip tie. The workflow for the in-door bracket includes:
• Geomagic^® Design X™ (digitize), 3D Sprint^® (prepare), ProJet^® MJP 2500 (prototype), ProX^® SLS 6100 (produce), Geomagic^® Control X™ (inspect), and 3D Connect (manage).

For the washer fitting the workflow includes:

• Geomagic^® Design X™ (digitize), 3D Sprint^® (prepare), Figure 4 Standalone (prototype), Figure 4 Modular (produce), Figure 4 UV Cure Unit 350 (post-process), Geomagic^® Control X™ (inspect), and 3D Connect (manage).
• Aerospace: Aerospace and defense customers are able to realize unprecedented manufacturing productivity improvements such as: increased speed and reliability of quality assurance and validation processes; lowered fuel costs through lightweighting and parts consolidation; increased manufacturing productivity through innovative 3D printed casting patterns, 3D data recovery, injection-mold design, and direct metal printing of airworthy parts. The aerospace workflow includes additive and subtractive technologies from 3D Systems, and partner GF Machining Solutions, that result in an end-use Titanium bracket. This integrated workflow includes:
• 3DXpert^® (design & prepare), DMP Flex 350 (print), DMP Inspection and Geomagic Control X (inspect), Cimatron^® and 3DXpert (CNC prep), and partner GF Machining Solutions' HSM 200 U LP (machine), and CUT AM 500 (separate).
• Healthcare: 3D Systems partners with surgeons, healthcare professionals, and medical device manufacturers to offer a range of precision healthcare solutions, including 3D printed anatomical models, virtual surgical planning, patient-specific surgical guides, instrumentation and implants. As part of the healthcare workflow, the company will produce a spinal cage implant to demonstrate how these customers can improve productivity, lower cost, and enhance the overall patient experience. The unique workflow developed to produce the spinal cage integrates:
• 3DXpert (design & prepare), DMP Flex 350 (print), Geomagic Control X (inspect), Cimatron^® and 3DXpert (CNC prep), and partner GF Machining Solutions' HSM 200 U LP (machine).

On Demand Manufacturing Services Provide Supply Chain Flexibility

Whether a customer is just beginning their additive manufacturing journey, or they need additional production support, 3D Systems' On Demand manufacturing services facilitate supply chain flexibility. Leveraging the same production solutions available direct to customers, 3D Systems On Demand can provide single part production, or hundreds of parts, within days.  By selecting 3D Systems as a production partner, customers gain access to a global network of industry-leading facilities and nearly four decades of experience in 3D printing and advanced manufacturing solutions.

At Formnext 2019, 3D Systems On Demand will showcase examples of the additive and subtractive manufacturing services offered. Visitors are encouraged to come consult with the On Demand experts to learn how to best leverage services for rapid prototyping, functional prototyping, appearance models and low-volume production.