Dear Sirs,
I do not know about the Optofirm.
But it seems to be grass filled resin tooling system.
This system had been used in Japan during so long.
Teijinseiki and D-mec feeds the material.
User, such as Moltec or MItusubosi have a long experience, if it collect the
technology.
Best regards,
Imamura
"Mark Wynn" <mwynn@yazaki-na.com> 2001/02/14 23:02:24
$B08@h(B $B!'(B rp-ml@bart.lpt.fi
cc $B!'(B $B!J(Bbcc$B!':#B<(B $B@5?M!K(B
$B7oL>(B $B!'(B 3D announces purchase of Optoform
Does anyone have any additional information about this technology?
Or a web site?
Thanks
VALENCIA, Calif., Feb. 12, 2001 - 3D Systems Corp. (Nasdaq: TDSC) today
announced the purchase of high-tech French developer OptoForm SARL. The
acquisition of OptoForm is expected to enhance 3D Systems' ability to offer
complete solutions for short- to medium-run direct manufacturing and rapid
tooling applications.
OptoForm's technology allows the use of non-liquid photocurable materials. Their
current installed machines use ceramics, metals, paste or various other
composites. By incorporating this technology into its existing base, 3D Systems
expects to broaden the functionality of its current and future lines of product
offerings.
"Our purchase of OptoForm opens up a whole new realm of opportunities in rapid
tooling and direct manufacturing applications, which we see as the future of
this industry," said Brian K. Service, president and chief executive officer of
3D Systems. "As we integrate the technology, we expect to gain significant
process advantages in our solid imaging systems."
Service added, "In order to facilitate an immediate market impact, 3D Systems is
currently in discussions with materials partners who posses intellectual
property in non-liquid and composite materials."
Andre-Luc Allanic, Ph.D., and Jean-Phillipe Schaeffer, Ph.D., have worked in the
development of rapid prototyping and manufacturing machines for several years
and founded OptoForm in 1997. The technology uses advanced hardware, which
incorporates a highly sophisticated recoating system and a multi-blade approach
to processing the glass- and metal-filled materials. These properties allow for
the production of parts with the additional impact strength, durability and
accuracy necessary for a wide range of direct manufacturing solutions.
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 Keltool® 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 (661)
295-5600, ext. 2882 or toll-free (888) 337-9786, ext. 759. For an investor
packet, call the company's shareholder communications service at (858) 431-7933
or toll-free (800) 757-1799.
Note to editors: ThermoJet, SLA, Keltool and the 3D logo are registered
trademarks of 3D Systems.
Except for the historical information contained in this news release, the
matters discussed include forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties including: the availability and acceptance of products, including
the availability and acceptance of direct manufacturing solutions, the impact of
competitive products and pricing, dependence on key personnel and suppliers,
industry-wide domestic and international economic conditions, and other risks
detailed in the company's SEC reports including its annual report on Form 10-K
for the year ended Dec. 31, 1999, and its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the
quarters ended March 31, June 30 and Sept. 30, 2000.
Mark Wynn
Yazaki North America Inc.
Canton, Michigan
Phone: 734-983-1702
Fax: 734-983-1703
E-mail: mwynn@yazaki-na.com
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