3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions Partnership to Redefine the Factory of the Future

ROCK HILL, S.C., Aug. 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- 3D Systems (NYSE: DDD) and Georg Fischer AG (FI/N: SIX Swiss Ex) GF Machining Solutions today announced a partnership that will enhance metal parts production and redefine how manufacturers think about their manufacturing environments. GF Machining Solutions is one of the world's leading providers of complete solutions to the precision machining industry and to manufacturers of precision components. By combining the strength of 3D Systems' innovation and expertise in additive manufacturing with GF Machining Solutions' renowned leadership in precision machining, this partnership will enable manufacturers to more efficiently produce complex metal parts within tight tolerances, and reduce total cost of operation. The integrated solutions planned will deliver a new concept in factory automation that includes software for enhanced part design, 3D printers, materials and automated material handling, electrical discharge machining (EDM), milling equipment and advanced post-processing technologies. These new design and manufacturing options can lead directly into improved existing products, new designs, new business models, and new markets. The companies plan to debut the first combined solution as a result of this partnership in conjunction with IMTS 2018, September 10-15, 2018, Chicago (3D Systems Booth#431608, GF Machining Solutions Booth #338754).

The partnership between 3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions is rooted in their common focus of providing end-to-end solutions. For more than 30 years, the companies have cemented their reputations as industry leaders and innovators. 3D Systems' Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Charles "Chuck" Hull invented 3D printing which gave rise to the company and an industry. Today, 3D Systems delivers end-to-end 3D printing solutions that redefine manufacturing workflows for customers in the aerospace, healthcare, automotive, dental and durable goods industries. GF Machining Solutions – in addition to building a reputation for its precision machining solutions – has demonstrated its market dominance with advanced automation and post-processing technologies. 3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions have a presence in more than 50 countries, which includes production facilities, research and development centers, and broad sales and service networks encompassing internal teams as well as channel partners.

"We are excited about this new partnership of two industrial leaders," said Yves Serra, chief executive officer, Georg Fischer. "With the combined experience and expertise of 3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions, we are well positioned to bring to our customers new manufacturing solutions based on 3D printing."

"The 3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions partnership brings together two customer-centric innovators to redefine manufacturing and create the factory of the future," said Vyomesh Joshi, president and chief executive officer, 3D Systems. "As industry leaders, both companies share the same vision for transforming manufacturing. We are looking forward to delivering integrated technology solutions to provide our customers with significant competitive advantage through reduced production time, faster time to part, and overall lower total cost of operation."

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made in this release that are not statements of historical or current facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from historical results or from any future results or projections expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In many cases, forward looking statements can be identified by terms such as "believes," "belief," "expects," "may," "will," "estimates," "intends," "anticipates" or "plans" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are based upon management's beliefs, assumptions and current expectations and may include comments as to the company's beliefs and expectations as to future events and trends affecting its business and are necessarily subject to uncertainties, many of which are outside the control of the company. The factors described under the headings "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as other factors, could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected or predicted in forward-looking statements. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not, and should not be relied upon as a guarantee of future performance or results, nor will they necessarily prove to be accurate indications of the times at which such performance or results will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included are made only as the date of the statement. 3D Systems undertakes no obligation to update or review any forward-looking statements made by management or on its behalf, whether as a result of future developments, subsequent events or circumstances or otherwise.

About 3D Systems
3D Systems is the originator of 3D printing and an innovator of future 3D solutions. It has spent its 30-year history enabling professionals and companies to optimize their designs, transform their workflows, bring groundbreaking products to market and drive new business models. This is achieved with the Company's best of breed digital manufacturing ecosystem. It's comprised of plastic and metal 3D printers, print materials, on demand manufacturing services and end-to-end manufacturing software solutions. Combinations of these products and services address a variety of advanced applications- ranging from Aerospace, Automotive, and Consumer Goods to Medical, Dental, and Jewelry. For example, 3D Systems' precision healthcare capabilities include simulation, Virtual Surgical Planning, and printing of medical and dental devices as well as patient-specific surgical instruments. More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com.

About Georg Fischer (GF)
GF comprises three divisions: GF Piping Systems, GF Casting Solutions, and GF Machining Solutions. Founded in 1802, the Corporation is headquartered in Switzerland and is present in 34 countries with 136 companies, 57 of them production facilities. Its 15,835 employees generated sales of CHF 4,150 million in 2017. GF is the preferred partner of its customers for the safe transport of liquids and gases, lightweight casting components, and high-precision manufacturing technologies. You will find further information at www.georgfischer.com.

SOURCE 3D Systems

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