SCICON Technologies Purchased 3D Systems' First Dual-Vat Viper(TM) Pro SLA(R) System

VALENCIA, Calif.--Dec. 2, 20057, 2005--3D Systems Corporation , a leading provider of rapid 3-D printing, prototyping and manufacturing solutions, announced today that SCICON Technologies Corporation, a leading service provider, has purchased the first dual-vat configuration of its Viper(TM) Pro SLA(R) system for its stereolithography manufacturing needs.

"We are very excited to install the very first dual-vat Viper Pro SLA system in our state-of-the-art rapid manufacturing facility," said Scott Turner, President of SCICON Technologies. "The Viper Pro represents the most advanced, flexible, and efficient solution available to our industry. The ability to have two large build chambers running different materials, all within the footprint of a conventional system, is the innovation SCICON has been looking for to enhance its already extensive portfolio of other SLA and SLS(R) systems supplied by 3D Systems.

"Having had first-hand exposure to this industry since 1988 working on the on-going development and expansion of commercial applications for stereolithography, I am delighted that 3D Systems chose SCICON to introduce the Viper Pro to the aerospace and automotive industries.

"Being a successful service provider today requires the ability to offer customers choices within critical deadlines. Our new Viper Pro SLA system will enable SCICON to expand both the number of materials we can provide and reduce our lead-times," continued Turner. "Our initial plan is to add Accura(R) 25, the new polypropylene-like material from 3D Systems to our current portfolio of Accura and Somos(R) materials. Using the new Resin Delivery Modules, we can reconfigure the Viper Pro SLA system in minutes versus taking conventional machines offline for hours to facilitate a material change."

3D Systems' new modular Viper(TM) Pro SLA(R) system is available in three configurations, including a proprietary "dual Resin Delivery Module (RDM)" configuration, which enables customers to build parts from different materials simultaneously while utilizing a single proprietary imaging and scanning module. The same system can also readily accommodate a single, extra-large RDM facilitating the manufacturing of parts as large as 1.5 meters.

The new Viper Pro SLA system enables customers to mass customize and produce high-quality, end-use parts, patterns, wind tunnel models, functional prototypes, fixtures and tools consistently and economically. Designed for lights-out 24/7 operation, the Viper Pro system facilitates maximum capacity utilization and superior part-production quality. This state-of-the-art system is loaded with new features designed to enhance functionality and improve up time, including a self-leveling recoating system, quick material change, remote machine operation capability, automatic platform changer, web camera and software that plans, monitors and records part production.

"SCICON Technologies is an ideal customer for the Viper Pro SLA system," said Abe Reichental, 3D Systems' president and chief executive officer. "As a 3D Systems' Preferred Service Provider, and InVision(TM) 3-D printer reseller, SCICON Technologies provides a broad breath of printing, prototyping and manufacturing solutions to its' customers. Armed with the powerful combination of material selection flexibility, increased throughput and high-resolution output, SCICON will be able to produce parts that meet the demands of its customer base. Producing parts ranging from medical instruments, to functional prototypes of larger automotive parts for concept vehicles, to cell phones, SCICON will be able to pass on the economical benefits it enjoys from the new Viper Pro system to its customers."

To enable uninterrupted production of consistent quality, cost effective parts and fast material changeovers, the Viper Pro SLA system features a new and innovative proprietary Resin Delivery Module (RDM) designed for use with the expanding family of 3D Systems' Accura(R) materials, which now include ABS-like Accura 50 materials and recently introduced polypropylene-like Accura 25 materials. Each RDM is an integrated, portable material delivery system that contains a resin management system. Equipped with a proprietary, self-aligning and self-leveling recoating system, the removable RDM system automatically adapts and adjusts for changes in operating conditions. The newly developed proprietary resin management system automatically detects and cross checks for proper resin type in the system. Built-in quality-management features extend the useful life of material by filtering and re-circulating material, thus creating consistent operating conditions during build and idle cycles. The system also tracks and reports material yield, as well as volume calculations, notifying the user when to replenish the material.

In keeping with its commitment to deliver the most comprehensive portfolio of rapid manufacturing solutions to the marketplace, 3D Systems plans to offer several SL resin providers a license under its RDM (Resin Delivery Module) technology.

"We are fortunate to team up closely with SCICON Technologies to deliver to Scott Turner and his team additional expert rapid manufacturing solutions that enable them to succeed, improve their overall performance and enhance SCICON's overall competitive posture. SCICON Technologies enthusiastic vote of confidence in this leap-frog technology validates our drive to develop and deliver alternative manufacturing solutions for a growing list of successful automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics and numerous other industrial and high-tech applications in partnership with our preferred service providers," concluded Reichental.

About 3D Systems Corporation

3D Systems is a leading provider of rapid 3-D printing, prototyping and manufacturing solutions. Its systems and materials reduce the time and cost of designing products and facilitate direct and indirect manufacturing by creating actual parts directly from digital input. These solutions are used for design communication and prototyping as well as for production of functional end-use parts: Transform your products.

More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com, or by phoning 888-337-9786, ext. 2882 (or 661-295-5600, ext. 2882 from outside the United States), or via email at moreinfo@3dsystems.com.

About SCICON Technologies

SCICON Technologies Corporation is a prominent service bureau established in 1989 that was selected to join 3D Systems' Preferred Service Provider program as a charter member. SCICON brings value to its clients by using the latest technology to accelerate, and improve the product development process. SCICON's product offerings include solid modeling, rapid prototyping, urethane castings, metal castings, rapid tooling, as well as complex machining. The Value Added Reselling (VAR) team at SCICON specializes in bringing the highest quality in CAD software and InVision(TM) 3-D Printer sales.

SCICON thrives upon pushing itself to greater advancements in the technology. SCICON was involved with the early development of stereolithography and is still forging on today. Their vast compilation of experience has brought SCICON to work with leaders in all types of industries, ranging from medical instruments to cellular phones.