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3DS Users Group Conference Takes Place in Santa Fe, New Mexico April 25-29, 2010

CHATSWORTH, CA / July 2, 2009 – The 3DS Users Group (3DSUG) today announced the venue for the 22nd annual 3DS Users Group Conference, taking place in Santa Fe, New Mexico, April 25-29, 2010. The 3DS Users Group Conference is the only event of its kind planned for the users by the users of 3D Systems, Inc equipment.

As always, the 3DSUG will host a Vendor Fair where attendees can meet with manufacturers, suppliers and rapid prototyping service bureaus to increase their growing network of 3DSUG peers. This year’s Vendor Fair is scheduled for the evenings of April 25 and 26 in the Hilton Buffalo Thunder. The four-day conference will feature technical presentations and hands-on training sessions. 

“3DSUG is the most technical oriented event in North America where users of SLA and SLS equipment share applications and best practices to advance these two additive manufacturing technologies,” said 3DSUG chairperson Luis Folgar. “The 2010 event is likely to draw the largest, most qualified and most diverse crowd ever as we continue to expand our content and open the doors to include new applications, better uses of equipment and certificates of completion for training sessions. It’s exciting to be a sponsor and participant of such a well-regarded event with an international audience.”

About 3DS Users Group (www.3dsug.org) 
3DSUG is a professional network of manufacturing engineers, industrial designers, product development specialists, SLA and SLS technicians. 3DSUG members are owners and operators of 3D Systems Corporation equipment who exchange technical information to help steer the direction of 3D Systems hardware and software development. The organization’s annual users group conference provides a forum for the presentation of new technologies related to the operation of 3D Systems equipment and the secondary or final applications of parts and tools made from 3D Systems equipment. Sponsors of the 2008 3DSUG Users Group Conference include Objet Geometries, DSM Somos, NCP Leasing, Curbell Plastics, Huntsman Advanced Materials, Integra Services International, Materialise USA, National RP Support, RapidTech, Applied Rapid Technologies, Gardner Publications, Laser Reproductions, Paramount Industries, Valspar, Acu-Cast Technologies, Bolt’s Engraving, BUYCastings.com, CadmiumCD, Clemco Industries, CRP Technology, DPSS Lasers, Fineline Prototyping, Invest Cast, Metalise It, Rapid Sheet Metal, Ramco Equipment, RePliForm, VacuCoat, Design World and TCT Magazine. 2008 year marked the 20^th anniversary of the 3DSUG and is noted for unveiling some of the most advanced and innovative uses of SLA, SLS and 3D Printing systems in the industry.

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CHATSWORTH, CA / June 17, 2009 – The 3DS Users Group (3DSUG) today announced their participation at the Society of Manufaturing Engineer’s (SME) RAPID Conference and Expo. 3DSUG showcased their new trade show booth while meeting with new and prospective 3D Systems equipment owners and operators in promotion of the annual 3DSUG event. 3DS Users Group Conference is the only event of its kind planned for the users by the users of 3D Systems, Inc equipment.

MORE ABOUT RAPID…

DEARBORN, Mich., June 17, 2009 — With companies around the country slashing business travel expenses and turning to teleconferencing, two recent events still managed to draw more than 1,300 attendees from around the country.

Attendees filled the exhibit hall and conference sessions with energy and enthusiasm at the Society of Manufacturing Engineers’ (SME) RAPID 2009 Conference & Exposition and 3D IMAGING Conference, which took place May 12-14 in Schaumburg, Ill.

For a number of years, these unique conferences have showcased what’s now, what’s new and what’s next in rapid manufacturing (also known as additive manufacturing) and 3-D imaging. These two advanced manufacturing processes are literally shaping the future of new product development in such key industries as medical devices, architectural design and even in Hollywood.

“Even in the midst of a depressed economy, you could feel the buzz in the air fueled by a passion for innovation,” says Todd Grimm, chair of SME’s Rapid Technologies & Additive Manufacturing Community. “People came to make changes to the way they do business and come out of this recession strong.”

Feedback indicates that attendees found solutions, ideas and contacts at this year’s events and, according to survey results, there was a high level of satisfaction with the conferences, keynote speakers, exhibitors and networking reception.

Many were there to address speed-to-market issues. One participant stated that the most important reason for learning new rapid manufacturing techniques/technologies is “to stay ahead of competition and speed up the product development cycle.”

The events were made possible by the support of EOS, the presenting sponsor; Z Corporation, the keynote supporting sponsor; and Stratasys, the reception supporting sponsor.

Attendees engaged in discussions with the founders of the rapid manufacturing and 3-D imaging processes — Marc Soucy, InnovMetric Software; Ping Fu, PhD, GEOMagic; Chuck Hull, 3D Systems Corporation; and Carl Deckard, PhD, retired.

“How many times do you get to rub shoulders with the people who actually invented or revolutionized additive manufacturing? We are honored to have had them share their vision and passion for innovation with us,” adds Grimm.

Mike North, PhD, the former co-host of Discovery Channel’s “Prototype This,” delivered a dynamic keynote address that talked about working through the toughest invention challenges. And one attendee commented that “North was one of the best keynote speakers in recent memory.”

Additionally, this year’s RAPID event brought new technical sessions that focused on rapid implant manufacturing (coordinated with Materialise), metalcasting (with the support of the American Foundry Society) and architecture.

“We designed these new sessions around the goal of giving attendees ideas which go beyond the usual design and manufacturing engineering discussions,” says Gary Mikola, SME show manager.

Attendees, however, weren’t the only ones who found value in the events. More than 80 percent of exhibitors surveyed feel the events are valuable elements to their marketing strategy and a slightly higher percentage noted that they gathered good sales leads or prospects.

“I think it’s a good sign that the economy’s on the mend when we have exhibitors walking away with the phone numbers of decision-makers ready to buy,” says Grimm.

Next Generation of Engineers

While much of the conference and exposition were devoted to keeping today’s manufacturing professionals up-to-date on new technologies, RAPID’s annual
Bright Minds Mentor Program continues to inspire the next generation of engineers. For the past six years, the program has paired hundreds of high school students with manufacturing professionals to encourage greater interest in engineering and advanced manufacturing.

This year, more than 45 students from various Chicago-area high schools and vocational schools participated in the program. They began their day with presentations from noted rapid technologies expert Terry Wohlers of Wohlers Associates. Later, the students were exposed to the entire process of direct digital manufacturing (DDM), from reverse engineering to CAD design to rapid manufacturing.

Thanks to the support of Stratasys and Z Corporation, some qualified students and their schools were given the opportunity to work on donated machines, while all students went home with design software generously donated by SolidWorks.

The next generation of engineers also included college students who participated in the annual design for direct digital manufacturing or DDM Competition. Coordinated and judged by the RTAM’s DDM Tech Group, students from the Georgia Institute of Technology submitted the winning design — a customized golf club with integrated sensors. All of the winning designs were built as DDM parts and then put on display during the event.

“We’re confident the attendees, exhibitors, sponsors and students left the event with valuable information and resources, contacts and, above all, enthusiasm for technologies that can set them up for success when the economy recovers,” adds Grimm.

RAPID 2010 Conference & Exposition and 3D IMAGING Conference

For the first time, the RAPID Conference & Exposition and 3D IMAGING Conference will be held on the West Coast as part of a strategy to attract new audiences and expand the market. The 2010 event will target applications of the technology in aerospace/defense, entertainment (films and gaming) and sports equipment. Nearly all the 2009 exhibitors plan to exhibit at next year’s event scheduled May 18-20, 2010, in Anaheim, Calif., and anticipate there will be many more new prospects.

CHATSWORTH, CA / March 21, 2009 – The 3DS Users Group (3DSUG) today announced their participation at TC Expo. The event will be co-located at NPE 2009 in Chicago, Illinois. 3DSUG will be showcasing their new trade show booth and meeting with new and prospective 3D Systems equipment owners and operators while promoting the annual 3DSUG event. 3DS Users Group Conference is the only event of its kind planned for the users by the users of 3D Systems, Inc equipment.

MORE ABOUT TC EXPO…

Faster Product Development & Rapid Prototyping Key to Economic Turnaround

CINCINNATI, OH / March 21, 2009 – The debut Time Compression Expo–which is being held June 22 to 26 at McCormick Place in Chicago, co-located with NPE 2009: The International Plastics Showcase and the MoldMaking Expo–has sold out its 3,000-square feet of floor space. 

According to Lisa Dodge, program development manager for Gardner Publications, the Cincinnati-based publisher that is the organizer of the Time Compression Expo and publisher of Time Compression magazine, “The response to our inaugural event shows that even in these trying economic times people recognize that the ability to accelerate product development is vital to market success.  The eighteen exhibitors that have purchased the floor space are all firms that can help companies significantly decrease their time to market.”*

In response to the demand, Dodge says, an additional 1,200-square feet of floor space is being added to the Time Compression Expo in the West Building of McCormick Place.

Travis Egan, publisher of Time Compression magazine, observes, “We’re finding that even though companies are cutting back on expenditures, they are still interested in finding the ways and means to improve their processes so that they can grow their bottom lines.  Rapid prototyping and other faster-to-market technologies are proving to be of vital importance to companies in all industries, ranging from consumer goods to industrial equipment.”

According to attendee statistics from NPE 2006:

• 5,951 were interested in rapid prototyping equipment
• 6,254 were interested in rapid tooling
• 3,024 were interested in prototyping services

Although NPE is held every three years, Dodge says that the Time Compression Expo will be an annual event.  One of the advantages for companies exhibiting at the 2009 event is that they obtain priority status for booth space selection for the 2010 expo.

To register for NPE2009, Time Compression Expo, and other activities including technical tracks and plant tours, go to: www.timecompressionexpo.com/attend/register.html

To learn about exhibiting at the Time Compression Expo, contact Lisa Dodge at ldodge@gardnerweb.com or 734/709-3822.

*The eighteen organizations that have booked space are: 3D Systems, Armstrong Mold, Axis Prototypes, DSM Somos, Dimension 3D Printing, EOS North America, Exact Metrology, GPI Prototypes & Manufacturing Services, Hexagon Metrology, Met-L-Flo, Metalise It. . . .America, Objet Geometries, PTI Engineered Plastics, Stratasys, The Ex One Company, Seaway Plastics Engineering, Xcentric Mold & Engineering, and 3DSUG.

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Dr. Paul Jacobs to Address 3D Systems Corporation Equipment Users at the 21st Annual 3DSUG Conference in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 16, 2009.

CHATSWORTH, CALIFORNIA / October 21, 2008 – The 3DS Users Group, Inc. (3DSUG) today announced Dr. Paul Jacobs will be the keynote speaker at the 2009 Annual 3DSUG Conference to be held March 15-19, 2009 at the Hilton Daytona Beach Florida.  Dr. Jacobs will address the 3DS Users Group March 16, 2009.

Dr. Jacobs currently works as a consultant to the rapid prototyping and direct manufacturing industries. He is well known for authoring the book Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing: Fundamentals of StereoLithography which was published in 1992.

Dr. Paul Jacobs started his career with 3D Systems Corporation in 1989 becoming the Director of Research and Development.  Dr. Jacobs, along with his peers, developed and perfected processes like AccuMax® for accuracy and machine calibration plus build styles such as WEAVE®, STAR-WEAVE®, ACES®, and QuickCast®.  Dr. Jacobs has many patents in the Stereolithography arena as well as many accolades for his work in the development and implementation of the various Stereolithography processes and applications.

“As Chairperson of the 2009 3DSUG, I am pleased that Dr. Paul Jacobs will be the keynote speaker to kick off our Conference,” said 3DSUG Chairperson Brian Bauman. “Dr. Jacobs’ presentations are always educational and inspiring and hope everyone can make it to the 2009 meeting to hear Dr. Paul Jacobs speak.”

2008 marked the 20th anniversary of the annual 3DS Users Group Conference. The 3DSUG is noted for unveiling some of the most advanced and innovative uses of SLA®, SLS® and 3D Printing systems in the industry. Over 500 3D Systems Users are expected to attend the 2009 3DSUG event.

Industry Service Announcement

Registration for the 2009 Annual 3DSUG Conference is now available online. 3D Systems equipment users, 3DSUG sponsors and vendors can visit www.3dsug.org to register online, call Guy Bourdeau at (803) 438-7701 or email treasurer@3dsug.org for more information.

About 3DS Users Group (www.3dsug.org)
3DSUG is a professional network of manufacturing engineers, industrial designers, product development specialists, SLA and SLS technicians. 3DSUG members are owners and operators of 3D Systems Corporation equipment who exchange technical information to help steer the direction of 3D Systems hardware and software development. The organization’s annual users group conference provides a forum for the presentation of new technologies related to the operation of 3D Systems equipment and the secondary or final applications of parts and tools made from 3D Systems equipment. This year marked the 20th anniversary of the 3DSUG.

About Dr. Paul Jacobs 
Dr. Paul Jacobs is Vice President of R&D of LFI Inc in Smithfield, Rhode Island. Previously Dr. Paul Jacobs worked for 3D Systems in Valencia, CA as Director of R&D.  There, he developed much of the theoretical basis of Stereolithography and also directed the R&D team that significantly improved User Part and prototype accuracy.  In 1992 he served as primary author of the first text in the field, “Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing: Fundamentals of Stereolithography” published by SME.  In 1996 he also wrote “Stereolithography and Other RP&M Technologies”, published jointly by SME and McGraw-Hill.  One of the original developers of the QuickCast process, Dr. Jacobs and Tom Mueller were awarded the Dick Aubin Distinguished paper award in 2005 by SME.  Paul Jacobs received a BS in mechanical engineering from Union College in 1960, and an MS, MA, and Ph.D. in physics from Princeton University in 1963 and 1966.

About 3D Systems Corporation
SLA®, SLS®, AccuMax®, WEAVE®, STARWEAVE®, ACES®, and QuickCast® are all registered trademarks of 3D Systems Corporation.

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