Photo Release -- Staples Partners With 3D Systems to Launch In-Store 3D Printing Experience in New York and Los Angeles

-Staples Tests 3D Printing as a Service With Immersive 3D Printing Experience Centers


ROCK HILL, S.C., April 14, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) announced a partnership with Staples, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPLS) in a pilot of 3D printing services in two Staples stores in New York City and Los Angeles.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=24744

Each Staples store features an immersive 3D printing experience center that lets consumers and small businesses create personalized products and use 3D printing hardware. Customers can also bring in their own 3D print-ready files to have them printed.

"3D printing offers enormous potential for small businesses, and by using Staples, they can print with the technology without having to invest in it," said Damien Leigh, Senior Vice President of Business Services for Staples, Inc. "The test with 3D Systems will help us learn about our customers' needs for a local 3D printing service, and how Staples can help them make more happen for their business through 3D printing."

"Staples' established reputation as a leader in home office and small business solutions makes them an ideal partner for testing out live, consumer-facing 3D print services," said Rajeev Kulkarni, 3DS' Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Products Division. "We have been thrilled with the retail experience and response from our audience, and the difference it makes being able to see, touch and experience 3D printing."

With the new experience centers, both small businesses and consumers are able to learn more about 3D printing through demonstration areas where they can use design software and see 3D Systems printers in action. Each store will have a 3DMe® Photobooth from 3D Systems to capture customers' facial images for the purpose of personalizing 3D products like figurines, and customers can also print personalized smart phone cases.

Each store has an expert from 3D Systems on-site, along with trained Copy & Print associates from Staples to help guide customers on their 3D printing journey. The items will be printed on site or through 3D Systems and shipped directly to their offices or home.

Staples previously announced in May of 2013 that it would be the first major U.S. retailer to carry 3D printers, with the launch of the Cube® from 3D Systems on Staples.com. The company has since rolled out 3D printing hardware and accessories in a limited number of stores, and expanded its overall product selection.

Learn more about 3D Systems commitment to manufacturing the future today at www.3dsystems.com.

About 3D Systems Corporation

3D Systems is a leading provider of 3D printing centric design-to-manufacturing solutions including 3D printers, print materials and cloud sourced on-demand custom parts for professionals and consumers alike in materials including plastics, metals, ceramics and edibles. The company also provides integrated 3D scan-based design, freeform modeling and inspection tools. Its products and services replace and complement traditional methods and reduce the time and cost of designing new products by printing real parts directly from digital input. These solutions are used to rapidly design, create, communicate, prototype or produce real parts, empowering customers to manufacture the future.

Leadership Through Innovation and Technology

  • 3DS invented 3D printing with its Stereolithography (SLA) printer and was the first to commercialize it in 1989.
  • 3DS invented Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) printing and was the first to commercialize it in 1992.
  • 3DS invented the Color-Jet-Printing (CJP) class of 3D printers and was the first to commercialize 3D powder-based systems in 1994.
  • 3DS invented Multi-Jet-Printing (MJP) printers and was the first to commercialize it in 1996.

Today its comprehensive range of 3D printers is the industry's benchmark for production-grade manufacturing in aerospace, automotive, patient specific medical device and a variety of consumer, electronic and fashion accessories.

More information on the company is available at www.3DSystems.com.

About Staples

Staples makes it easy to make more happen with more products and more ways to shop. Through its world-class retail, online and delivery capabilities, Staples lets customers shop however and whenever they want, whether it's in-store, online or on mobile devices. Staples offers more products than ever, such as technology, facilities and breakroom supplies, furniture, safety supplies, medical supplies, and Copy and Print services. Staples also offers free shipping for Staples Rewards Members, in most cases overnight. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples operates throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. More information about Staples (SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.

The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.



            
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