Solidscape Sells to 3D Printer Maker, Stratasys
Merrimack, NH, May 3, 2011 - Solidscape®, Inc., manufacturer of high-precision 3D printers, announced today the terms of its sale to Minneapolis-based Stratasys, Inc. (NASDAQ: SSYS) also a manufacturer of 3D printers and other additive manufacturing systems. Stratasys acquired Solidscape, Inc. for $38 million plus certain purchase price adjustments.
Stratasys has been the overall additive manufacturing unit sales leader for eight consecutive years. Stratasys created the process called Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM®) which has grown into the most widely used additive manufacturing process, with roughly 35% of the global installation base.
Solidscape is widely recognized as the leader of high-precision 3D printers for lost-wax-investment casting applications that require superior accuracy, ultra-fine feature detail and a smooth surface finish. The company sells into several markets and holds a dominant competitive position within the jewelry design and manufacturing industry.
"Stratasys is regarded as one of the best-run, most stable companies in the additive manufacturing industry," says Solidscape Chairman David Bothwell. "The company brings a wealth of resources to the table with its financial strength and its management team. The resources of a strong company like Stratasys give Solidscape a better platform on which to grow our business."
Solidscape's products are sought after because they are able to produce prototypes with a high level of geometrical intricacy, surface finish and castability. Stratasys FDM machines are chosen for their ability to produce close-tolerance parts that are stable and strong.
"Solidscape is a profitable company with an excellent reputation in the markets it serves," says Stratasys CEO Scott Crump. "The company's products are ideal for the manufacture of small parts that require high precision and exhibit intricate detail. Our combined range of strengths will enable us to better compete for any market opportunity. We see great synergy between our two companies."
Solidscape, Inc., Merrimack, NH, is the leader in high-precision 3D printers, materials and software for rapid prototyping and manufacturing, able to print solid models designed in CAD. Solidscape systems incorporate innovative printing technology and material properties that advance the state-of-the-art in computer-controlled fabrication of master patterns, by providing the highest standards in surface finish, accuracy and material castability. Solidscape systems are ideal for lost wax investment casting and mold making applications such as fine jewelry, dental restorations, turbine blades, biomedical products, orthopedics, consumer goods, electronics and many other high-precision products. Online at: www.solid-scape.com
Stratasys, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, is a maker of additive manufacturing machines for prototyping and producing plastic parts. The company markets under the brands Fortus 3D Production Systems and Dimension 3D Printers. The company also operates RedEye On Demand, a digital manufacturing service for prototypes and production parts. According to Wohlers Report 2010, Stratasys supplied more additive manufacturing systems in 2009 than any other manufacturer, making it the unit market leader for the eighth consecutive year. Stratasys patented and owns the process known as FDM®. The process creates functional prototypes and manufactured goods directly from any 3D CAD program, using high-performance industrial thermoplastics. The company holds more than 285 granted or pending additive manufacturing patents globally. Stratasys products are used in the aerospace, defense, automotive, medical, business & industrial equipment, education, architecture, and consumer-product industries. Online at: www.stratasys.com
