ROCK HILL, S.C., Feb. 19, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 3D Systems Corporation (Nasdaq:TDSC), a leading provider of 3-D Printing, Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing solutions, announced today that Acu-Cast Technologies, LLC, of Lawrenceburg, Tenn., has reported that, as a result of its substantial investment in a complete new fleet of iPro(tm) Stereolithography Precision Centers from 3D Systems, it realized an 18% productivity gain in its Rapid Manufacturing and Prototyping activities.
With the purchase of a sixth new iPro(tm) 8000 SLA(r) Center, Acu-Cast http://www.acucast.com/ipro.asp , a leading 3D Systems' Preferred Parts Service Provider has established itself as the largest owner and operator of an iPro(tm) SLA(r) Center fleet in the world. Acu-Cast measured its part-building productivity for 45 days before and after converting and installing five iPro(tm) 9000 SLA(r) Centers and one iPro(tm) 8000 SLA(r) Center in late 2008. Acu-Cast believes that as a result of its ability to deliver 100% Pro-Parts made from 3D Systems' Accura(r) Materials on its iPro(tm) SLA(r) Centers, it realized an 11% revenue increase in January 2009.
"Our customers ask for 'Pro Parts' by name, and that is why we have continued to invest in additional iPro(tm) Centers to increase our Stereolithography capacity," said Gary Mitchell, owner of Acu-Cast Technologies. "With the iPro(tm) conversions of our four Viper(tm) Pro Systems and the purchase of two more new iPro(tm) SLA(r) Centers, we are experiencing remarkable uptime at almost 100%, increased overall output and, most importantly, a growing demand for larger high-quality parts from our customers. The ability to realize productivity and sales gains during a challenging economic period is a huge win for my business," continued Mitchell. "I believe that the performance of the Accura(r) Materials that we are using in our iPro(tm) SLA(r) Centers is contributing to our success. These materials are among the best materials on the market today."
The new generation iPro(tm) Stereolithography Centers deliver accurate, high-quality parts with unprecedented surface smoothness, feature resolution, edge definition and tolerances that rival the accuracy of CNC-machined plastic parts. The combination of the mid-frame iPro(tm) 8000 and large-frame iPro(tm) 9000 SLA(r) Centers enable cost effective production of a wide range of finely featured parts, ranging from micro parts to extra-large parts.
"It's absolutely wonderful that Gary and his team at Acu-Cast Technologies are realizing such a quick and decisive return on their investment in our new iPro(tm) Stereolithography Centers," said Abe Reichental, 3D Systems' president and chief executive officer. "I believe that, particularly during these difficult economic times, our expert Direct Rapid Manufacturing and Prototyping Solutions provide our customers with the right economical tools to reduce the cost and time needed for their product development and manufacturing activities. By investing in and harnessing our latest Additive Fabrication Solutions, Acu-Cast is once again leading the way in transforming how companies design, develop and manufacture new products timely and economically."
About 3D Systems
3D Systems is a leading provider of 3-D Printing, Rapid Prototyping and Rapid Manufacturing solutions. Its systems and materials reduce the time, cost of designing products, and facilitate direct and indirect manufacturing by creating actual parts directly from digital input. These solutions are 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.
About Acu-Cast Technologies, LLC
Acu-Cast Technologies, LLC, http://www.acucast.com/ipro.asp located in Lawrenceburg, TN, is a one-stop shop for the most accurate, high-definition Rapid Prototyping services available today. With the largest fleet of 3D Systems' next-generation iPro(tm) Stereolithography Precision Centers in the world, Acu-Cast Technologies is committed to delivering affordable, high-quality parts quickly with the convenience of instant online quoting and the personal touch of old-fashioned customer service where orders are 100% satisfaction guaranteed. In addition to Stereolithography, Acu-Cast provides an array of Prototypes and in-house services including Aluminum and Zinc Metal Castings, High Speed CNC Machining, and Plastic Castings.
More information on the company is available at www.acucast.com, or via e-mail at info@acucast.com.
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