- Scalable, automated, fully integrated platform delivers first true end-to-end factory solution for metal additive manufacturing - Platform produces industry's largest diameter metal parts, opening new applications for Aerospace, Industrial and Automotive manufacturers - Expanded materials portfolio broadens applications for metals production - Enables manufacturers to scale and deliver leading operational efficiency in a factory environment

DENVER, Nov. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, 3D Systems (NYSE: DDD) announced a next-generation additive metal production platform designed to allow manufacturers to easily scale their additive manufacturing and integrate seamlessly into the factory floor.

Based on the company's trusted Direct Metal Printing (DMP) precision metals technology, the DMP 8500 Factory Solution is the first truly scalable, automated and fully integrated metal additive manufacturing solution. It features an efficient and fully integrated workflow - from powder in to part out - to produce repeatable, high-quality parts with a lower total cost of operation (TCO).

With the largest diameter build size in the industry able to produce metal parts up to 500 mm x 500 mm x 500 mm, the system is engineered to open up new applications in additive manufacturing for companies in Aerospace, Industrial and Automotive industries.

The modular design of this metal additive manufacturing solution reduces required capital equipment and ensures maximum utilization as manufacturers scale production. The DMP 8500 Factory Solution is comprised of function-specific modules designed to maximize efficiency by optimizing utilization of each module, including:

Removable Print Modules (RPMs): These sealed modules for powder and part transport between printer, powder, and transport modules enable a continuous production workflow and maximizes powder quality throughout the process.
Printer Modules are designed to withstand the rigors of 24/7 production cycles enabling maximum printer uptime and output.
Powder Management Modules (PMMs) efficiently de-powder parts on build platforms, automatically recycle unused powder materials, and prepare the RPM for the next build.
Transport Modules enable efficient movement of the RPMs between printer and powder modules - reducing production time.
"The industry is at a point where companies are looking to scale up their metal 3D printing production, bridge the chasm, and move onto the factory floor," said Vyomesh Joshi, president and chief executive officer, 3D Systems. "The DMP 8500 Factory Solution was developed by experts with deep knowledge and experience in factory solutions and takes metal printing technology to a new level of economic efficiency for our customers."

The DMP 8500 Factory Solution will integrate 3D Systems' innovative 3DXpert™ software. This all-in-one software efficiently prepares and optimizes parts for streamlined direct metal production of functional parts.

The new platform is planned for availability in Q4 2018. For more information, please visit 3dsystems.com/dmp8500.

Proven LaserForm® Materials Portfolio Expanded

The printer is only one piece of 3D Systems' end-to-end precision metals solution. Building upon 30 years of experience developing next generation materials, the company also expanded its leading portfolio of ready-to-build precision alloys, formulated to deliver unrivaled part quality and consistent part properties, build after build.

LaserForm Maraging Steel (A), a metal that can be machined, welded and hardened, was added to the portfolio. The new material is ideal for injection molding and tooling applications.

The company also introduced an upgrade to customers with an existing parameter set license for specific LaserForm metal materials which helps them achieve faster build times. The new Extra High Productivity Parameters for LaserForm Ti Gr5 (A) and Ti Gr23 (A) enable users to achieve high-speed metal printing with proven DMP quality. A high level of consistent, repeatable part quality is maintained, while build time is reduced by more than 30 percent resulting in lower part cost.

About 3D Systems
3D Systems provides comprehensive 3D products and services, including 3D printers, print materials, on demand manufacturing services and digital design tools. Its ecosystem supports advanced applications from the product design shop to the factory floor to the operating room. 3D Systems' precision healthcare capabilities include simulation, Virtual Surgical Planning, and printing of medical and dental devices as well as patient-specific surgical instruments. As the originator of 3D printing and a shaper of future 3D solutions, 3D Systems has spent its 30-year history enabling professionals and companies to optimize their designs, transform their workflows, bring innovative products to market and drive new business models.

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