3-d Systems (TDSC) Message Board

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : 3-d Systems (TDSC)

Public Reply Prvt Reply Mark as Last Read File

Previous 10 Next 10 Previous Next

To: Brian VanHiel who wrote (18)	2/3/1997 6:06:00 PM
From: Stratajema	of 132

Brian. Please don't be mistaken about 3D's Actua model. Stratasys has learned from its customers that prototypes need to be functional and durable. 3D's Thermowax material won't cut it in the marketplace. This is why Stratasys' sales have skyrocketed lately, the FDM machines can create parts using ABS and this is the prototype modeling material of choice until metal becomes available. As I mentioned before, Stratasys' sales were flat until they began offering ABS and medical grade ABS for their machines. In addition, the Actua model is less accurate than Stratasys' FDM machine. (See tolerance claims of each manufacturer.) The Actua model can also be considered to be less accurate than Stratasys' entry level Genesys modeler. I believe 3D sales reps are only claiming that the Actua produces "smoother down angles". 3D competes and sells into the tooling and service sectors while Stratasys sells to the engineering visualization/design sector. I believe the sales manager at Stratasys once remarked that they have sold about 2 machines to date to the tooling sector. The FDM machine is not meant to directly compete with the SLA machines! IMHO, 3D has a very weak product entry into the visualization/design sector. Stratasys is completing the design of their new 8000 machine which has a much larger building envelope than their FDM-1650 machine. And then there are the metal prototyping machines I suspect they are designing now. It just seems to me that 3D has a lot of catching up to do in Stratasys' niche. Just as an added note, we must remember that the SLA produced prototypes require a UV curing process which adds to the time needed to complete the task. But I will never argue with ya over the accuracy of SLA technology, as the laser is a force to be reckoned with! I will however open up for debate the issue of 3D pursuing Stratasys' market niche with a weak product. IMHO, it would be foolish for 3D to go after this niche at this late point in the game. While 3D is trying to create a machine to match the FDM, Stratasys is off building bigger prototyping machines and modelers that use metal. Regards, David

Report TOU Violation

Share This Post

Public Reply Prvt Reply Mark as Last Read File

Previous 10 Next 10 Previous Next