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Technology Stocks : Stratasys (SSYS)

SSYS 9.450

-4.0%

3:59 PM EST

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To: Stratajema who wrote (99)	3/27/1997 2:39:00 AM
From: Stratajema	of 316

To All: Here is a link to the web site of privately-held Sanders Prototype Inc. This company manufactures and sells a prototyper that is HIGHLY accurate and comes very close to rivaling the accuracy of 3D Systems' laser technology. sanders-prototype.com The first generation Sanders machine was slow and had a build envelope of 6"x6"x6". This machine was typically purchased by companies prototyping very small parts, like jewelry manufacturers. However, it appears their new second generation machine has higher throughput and is gaining wider acceptance due to its larger build envelope of 12"x6"x9". In addition to the superior accuracy of Sander's machine, the method of removing support structures is very innovative. (Having dissolvable support structures was needed because I suspect the fine detail the machine produces would have been compromised by having break-away support structures.) A major weakness of Sanders' machine is that only one-type of build material is available and this material has less hardness than ABS. One must not underestimate the preference for ABS among those evaluating the purchase of a prototyper. While the accuracy of the Sanders machine is enviable, I have learned from end-users such as Brian that a higher quality surface finish on the part is generally preferred today over marginal increases in accuracy. Just the same, the specs on the Sanders machine reveal it is a leader in accuracy. Sanders Prototype is a privately-held company and should not be underestimated since the owners have very big financing behind them. I have been told that the players behind Sanders were once the players behind Calcomp and Lockheed-Sanders. While I am impressed with Sanders, history reveals that the company with "superior" technology is not always the "winner", otherwise, most of us would be using Apple Computers instead of Wintel boxes. In addition to a company's technology platform it is very much a marketing and strategy game. In fact, some management gurus would say it is all in the marketing. <g> And we all know that marketing and product strategies are chosen by managers. So my advice is to focus more on the players behind a company and less on the gee-whiz technology. I still believe Stratasys will remain the dominant player in the concept modeling market. Good luck to all with your investments. - David

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