3-d Systems (TDSC) Message Board

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Technology Stocks : 3-d Systems (TDSC)

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To: Brian VanHiel who wrote (20)	2/4/1997 12:57:00 PM
From: Stratajema	of 132

Brian, >> As for bigger, an SLA 500 still has a slightly larger build envelope than an 8000.<< You are missing the point and are comparing apples to oranges. 3D's SLA 500 may have a slightly larger build envelope than a Stratasys 8000 but these machines don't compete with each other and are aimed at different target markets. The SLA machine is sold to tooling shops and manufacturing centers while the 8000 machines will be sold to the engineer visualization/concept market in aerospace and auto industries. You need to compare 3D's Actua line against Stratasys' Genisys, FDM and 8000 machines. 3D's SLA machines have a different target market. >>Right now the only disadvantage of Actua is that it has not developed a stronger material.<< The other key disadvantage is it's accuracy. The Actua modeler has a stated accuracy of 20 thousands, while the Stratasys FDM machine has an accuracy of 5 thousands. (This difference is considered sizeable in the model building world.) Even Stratasys' entry level Genisys machine has an accuracy of 13-15 thousands. The Actua competes against the Genisys machine and not the FDM machine. >>Where do you hear anything about metals developement at SSYS? Their process is not very conducive to metals processing.<< I'm not privy to Stratasys' development plans but I know the way their leader thinks and he is not about to let another company gain market share with a metal prototyping machine. (A prototyping machine that uses metal is already under development by a company in the Boston area.) The use of metal material is a natural evolution to Stratasys' product line. Such a machine could use something akin to solder but will probably use a special metal slurry. >>The only applications for which metal RP is currently valuable is in the creation of a few parts of complex shape (such as injection molds or aerospace castings).<< Anything truly new and innovative can create new market opportunities. For creating tooling molds, metal is the preferred choice for durability when a high number of parts need to be created. So visitors here may ask "What the hell is the point of this somewhat technical argument?" It's very important because 3D is going to have to expend a lot of R&D dollars to develop products for Stratasys' niche. This means those nice EPS estimates could be too high if 3D's top line revenue growth slows. We must keep a watchful eye on 3D's revenue and development plans. With high-technology in general, companies have to spend more and more just to stand in place and be competitive. But don't let me or anyone else posting here be the judge, let the customers be the judge. Watch the top-line revenue growth of these two companies like a hawk and you will find the answer. Regards, David

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