Stratasys,
Inc. (Nasdaq: SSYS), the leading manufacturer of 3D printers and 3D
production systems, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement
with HP for Stratasys to manufacture an HP-branded 3D printer. Used by
product designers and architects, Stratasys 3D printers create
three-dimensional plastic models directly from 3D digital designs.
“We believe the time is right for 3D printing to become mainstream”
Under the terms of the agreement, Stratasys will develop and manufacture
for HP an exclusive line of 3D printers based on Stratasys’ patented
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology. HP will begin a phased
rollout of the 3D printers in the mechanical design (MCAD) market in
selected countries later this year, with the right to extend
distribution globally.
“We believe the time is right for 3D printing to become mainstream,”
said Stratasys Chairman and CEO Scott Crump. “We also believe that HP’s
unmatched sales and distribution capabilities and Stratasys FDM
technology is the right combination to achieve broader 3D printer usage
worldwide. HP has made a similar move in this market before, capturing a
dominant position in large-format 2D printers. Together we hope to
repeat this success with 3D printers.”
“There are millions of 3D designers using 2D printers who are ready to
bring their designs to life in 3D,” said Santiago Morera, vice president
and general manager of HP’s Large Format Printing Business. “Stratasys
FDM technology is the ideal platform for HP to enter the 3D MCAD
printing market and begin to capitalize on this untapped opportunity.”
HP’s Graphic Solutions Business – part of the company’s $24 billion
Imaging and Printing Group – will execute the distribution agreement. HP
is a leading provider of Designjet and Scitex large-format printing
solutions, Indigo digital solutions for commercial and industrial
printing, inkjet high-speed production solutions and specialty printing
systems.