3D Systems Provides Competitive Tools for Penske Racing

    VALENCIA, Calif.--Jan. 17, 2002--3D Systems Corp. announced it has joined forces in a technology and marketing alliance with Penske Racing for its NASCAR Winston Cup programs.
    Penske Racing uses 3D Systems solid imaging technology to build prototype parts for Winston Cup Series cars driven by Rusty Wallace and Ryan Newman. The process enables Penske engineers to produce new parts easily and quickly from computer-aided design (CAD) data -- a necessity for making quick adjustments to improve the performance of their cars between racing events.
    As part of the marketing alliance, Penske uses an SLA(R) 5000 system and a ThermoJet(R) solid object printer from 3D Systems. The machines, in use and on display at Penske Racing headquarters in Mooresville, N.C., create concept models, visual aids and wind tunnel models, as well as aid in the production of final assemblies fitted on the racecars.
    "3D Systems' advanced technology allows us to be extremely flexible with our vehicle design and manufacturing," said Nelson Cosgrove, lead engineer for Penske Racing. "ThermoJet printer models are used as direct tooling for investment castings that are finish-machined and put into service on our racecars. We can make numerous changes to parts between production runs without major tooling costs."
    Ideal for building concept models, the ThermoJet printer sprays layers of thermoplastic material to create solid objects. For Penske's production and testing process, the high-end SLA 5000 system builds parts using a laser that hardens liquid plastic layer by layer, forming three-dimensional models from digital designs of engine components, aerodynamic surfaces and other complex part geometries.
    "Penske Racing competes 36 weekends a year, and each of our teams has seven two-day test sessions. This does not allow for long-lead research and development," Cosgrove said. "With the SLA 5000 system, we are able to produce prototypes of body, chassis and powertrain components. It's all about having flexibility to respond to design changes in the shortest time, and 3D Systems is an integral part of our process."
    According to Cosgrove, the SLA system allows Penske Racing to create highly detailed components for the aerodynamic research program. "Many of the pieces that we create for the wind tunnel model have integrated pressure tappings, which allows us to measure pressure changes in components that would have been impossible with other manufacturing methods.
    "Stereolithography has some clear advantages over carbon fiber or fabricated aluminum components when it comes to flexibility and ease of manufacturing," Cosgrove added. "The SLA 5000 system gives Penske Racing the tight accuracy required for scale model testing, giving us an immediate competitive advantage."
    "The Penske Racing alliance is a high-profile example of our global mission to provide strategic technology to market leaders in all industries," said John Murray, senior director of global business development for motorsports. "The Penske teams consistently have proven their competitiveness by blending creativity and technology. They are known for embracing cutting-edge processes that give them unique competitive advantages -- a strategy that matches with the versatility and speed of our systems. We look forward to celebrating many more Penske Racing team wins."

    About 3D Systems

    Founded in 1986, 3D Systems provides solid imaging products and solutions that help reduce the time and cost of designing products and facilitate direct and indirect manufacturing. Its systems utilize patented technologies that create physical objects from digital input.
    3D Systems currently offers the ThermoJet(R) solid object printer, SLA(R) systems (stereolithography) and SLS(R) systems (selective laser sintering), as well as related software and materials. Product pricing in the U.S. ranges from $49,995, for the ThermoJet printer, to $799,000 for the high-end SLA 7000 system. The company licenses the complementary 3D Keltool(R) process, a method for producing steel mold inserts, and currently is developing systems that use composite paste materials for direct manufacturing. 3D Systems recently merged with DTM Corp. and acquired Rapid Prototyping Chemicals (RPC) Ltd. of Marly, Switzerland.
    More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com, or by phoning 888/337-9786, extension 805, or 661/295-5600 internationally. An investor packet can be obtained by calling 800/757-1799.

    About Penske Racing

    Penske Racing South Inc. campaigns the Miller Lite Ford Taurus, which Rusty Wallace drives in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. The 1989 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Champion has earned 54 career victories and 35 pole positions.
    Penske Racing South also fields the Alltel Ford Taurus driven by 24-year-old Ryan Newman, who will compete for the Rookie of the Year title in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series in 2002. Newman, a recent Purdue University engineering school graduate, earned six NASCAR Busch Series, one NASCAR Winston Cup and one ARCA pole position, and one NASCAR Busch Series win in his preparatory season with Penske Racing.

    Note to Editors: ThermoJet, SLA, SLS, Keltool and the 3D logo are registered trademarks of 3D Systems.

    Certain statements in this news release may include forward-looking statements that express the expectation, prediction, belief or projection of 3D Systems. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance and achievement of 3D Systems to be materially and adversely different from any future results, performance or achievement expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements contained in this release and that may affect the company's prospects in general include, but are not limited to: the funding of amounts of capital adequate to provide for the working capital needs of the company; actions of competitors and customers; reliance on single or limited suppliers; and other factors as are described in the companies' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including annual reports on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2000, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, June 30 and Sept. 30, 2001, and 3D Systems' current reports on Form 8-K filed on April 6, April 10 and Sept. 4, 2001.