3D Systems’ next-gen additive manufacturing solutions

Offerings address the broadest set of customer applications with materials, hardware, software, and services.


Denver, Colorado – 3D Systems officials announce new production plastic and metal materials, expansion of its suite of workflow software, next-generation of printing systems that enable customers to scale from prototyping to production using the same materials, and a new professional services capability.

Next-generation production platforms for plastics and metals
3D Systems’ Figure 4 modular, scalable platform produces small, plastic parts with up to 15x throughput improvements versus competitive offerings, and up to 20% lower part cost than current manufacturing processes. The Figure 4 platform, based on original drawings from industry founder and current 3D Systems Chief Technology Officer Chuck Hull, will range from standalone configurations with prices starting around $25,000 to highly-customized, in-line production systems for more than $1 million.

Also released is the DMP 8500 Factory Solution, a next-generation additive metal platform for high productivity factory production of metal parts, including seamless large parts and the largest diameter parts available in the industry. It features integrated powder management and a closed-loop system to ensure uniform, repeatable part quality – providing customers with a lower total cost of operation (TCO).

Similar to Figure 4, the DMP 8500 Factory Solution has a modular design that reduces required capital equipment and maximizes use. The additive metal platform is engineered to enable manufacturers to scale, manage peak manufacturing runs, and require minimal user involvement.

Professional services group, cloud-based serviceability
Helping customers integrate additive technologies into their manufacturing ecosystem is the 3D Systems Professional Services, delivering a range of offerings from consultative services to implementation and uptime services.

The group leverages the company’s more than 30 years of domain expertise across a broad portfolio of 3D technologies and manufacturing workflow software, applications engineering expertise, and global technical support footprint.

The company also announced 3D Connect, a cloud-based software solution to deliver proactive and predictive serviceability for production environments of all scales, from standalone to hybrid manufacturing environments. Initially, 3D Connect will enable remote service and printer fleet support. The software will be integrated on new and select current systems beginning in early 2018.

Materials, SLS system
3D Systems has added to its current line of SLS production systems with the ProX SLS 6100, which delivers larger parts than competing systems and is an industry-leading TCO. Also introduced were three new nylon materials. SLS materials include DuraForm FR1200 fire retardant nylon, DuraForm EX BLK nylon 11, and DuraForm AF+ aluminum-filled nylon. ProX SLS 6100 expands the company’s family of SLS printers designed for tough, high-resolution end-use parts and functional prototypes. The system features automated material handling and advanced 3D Sprint software.

Also introduced is a rigid and engineering-grade materials for 3D Systems’ MultiJet Printing (MJP) platform, materials that are more durable for production of lower cost functional prototypes. The engineering materials offer tough, ABS-like and durable, polypropylene-like properties, with mid-low modulus, high elongation, and high impact strength. A rigid gray material offers high contrast for viewing fine details. In addition, several of its rigid materials are certified USP Class VI and pass ISO 10993 for use in medical device applications.

Entry-level industrial desktop
With the introduction of the FabPro 1000, the company is entering the industrial desktop 3D printing category. Created for engineers and designers, as well as jewelry artisans and fabricators, the FabPro 1000 easily fits on a desktop and delivers exceptional part quality and speed with lower TCO. The FabPro 1000 is up to 4x faster and delivers up to 40% lower part cost versus similar solutions.