May 2, 2007

ROCK HILL, SC — 3D Systems Corporation, Rock Hill, SC, a provider of 3D modeling, rapid prototyping and manufacturing solutions, announced at AudiologyNOW!, that it plans to introduce, in partnership with Dreve Otoplastik, a compact, fast, low-cost hearing aid manufacturing system based on its new Film Transfer Imaging (FTI) technology—the V-Flash™ HA 230 Manufacturing System—this fall.

The HA 230 Desktop Manufacturing System can build high-quality, three-dimensional hearing aid shells within hours. This economical hearing aid maker will enable hearing aid manufacturers to extend and expand the production of precise hearing aid components in a distributed model to their satellite operations and developing marketplaces. The V-Flash™ HA 230 Manufacturing System is based on 3D Systems’ recently announced revolutionary fourth technology platform, Film Transfer Imaging (FTI) technology.

Dreve Otoplastik, Unna, Germany, is developing materials specifically for the V-Flash™ HA 230 Manufacturing System to enhance and provide outstanding, high-quality hearing aid shells production capabilities to customers. Dreve Otoplastik will be the worldwide distributor for the V-Flash™ HA 230 Desktop Manufacturing Systems.

“The accelerated development of the V-Flash™ HA 230 Desktop Manufacturing System specifically for the hearing aid industry underscores our commitment to this marketplace,” says Abe Reichental, 3D Systems’ president and CEO. “We believe that the availability of such a system will enable our hearing aid manufacturing customers to expand their operations into developing market applications. We are proud to enhance our already successful partnership with Dreve Otoplastik, a world-class hearing aid and dental materials development and manufacturing leader, and to develop high-quality, stereolithography (SLA®)-like materials and solutions specifically for the hearing aid manufacturers.”

The V-Flash™ HA 230 Desktop Rapid Manufacturing System weighs about 100 pounds and has a maximum build volume of 6.75 by 9 inches and 8 inches tall. With standard power requirements, clean and simple operation, the HA Manufacturing System requires very little floor space. Finished hearing aid shells will exhibit stereolithography-like accuracy, precision and quality. A proprietary cartridge system allows easy use of multiple colors back-to-back and provides the ability to change materials mid-build. The company plans to make the V-Flash™ HA 230 Manufacturing System available for sale during fall 2007 through Dreve Otoplastik.

For more information, visit www.dreve.com.

SOURCE: Business Wire