Film transfer imaging to build hearing aid shells

Film transfer imaging is to be used to produce a compact, fast, low-cost hearing aid manufacturing system, which can build high quality 3D hearing aid shells within hours.

3D Systems Corporation, a leading provider of 3D modeling, rapid prototyping and manufacturing solutions, announced at the annual audiology show in Denver Colorado, USA, that it plans to introduce, in partnership with Dreve Otoplastik, a compact, fast, low-cost hearing aid manufacturing system based on its new film transfer imaging (FTI) technology, the V-Flash HA 230 Manufacturing System, this fall.

The HA 230 Desktop Manufacturing System can build high-quality, three-dimensional hearing aid shells within hours.

This economical hearing aid-maker will enable hearing aid manufacturers to extend and expand the production of precise hearing aid components in a distributed model to their satellite operations and developing marketplaces.

The V-Flash HA 230 Manufacturing System is based on 3D Systems' recently announced, revolutionary fourth technology platform, Film Transfer Imaging (FTI) technology.

This innovative and advanced technology enabled the development of this industry specific, fast and compact hearing aid-maker, a solution that the company expects will surpass all other current 3D hearing aid manufacturing systems on the market.

Dreve Otoplastik, a hearing aid and materials manufacturer with world-class experience, knowledge and success in these market applications, is developing materials specifically for the V-Flash HA 230 Manufacturing System to enhance and provide outstanding, high-quality hearing aid shells production capabilities to customers.

Dreve Otoplastik will be the world-wide distributor for the V-Flash HA 230 Desktop Manufacturing Systems.

"The accelerated development of the V-Flash HA 230 Desktop Manufacturing System specifically for the hearing aid industry underscores our commitment to this marketplace," said Abe Reichental, 3D Systems' president and chief executive officer.

"We believe that the availability of such a system will enable our hearing aid manufacturing customers to expand their operations into developing market applications.

We are proud to enhance our already successful partnership with Dreve Otoplastik, a world-class hearing aid and dental materials development and manufacturing leader, and to develop high-quality, stereolithography (SLA-like materials and solutions specifically for the hearing aid manufacturers." The V-Flash HA 230 Desktop Rapid Manufacturing System weighs about 100 lb (45.4kg) and has a maximum build volume of 6.75 by 9in and 8in tall (180x228x200mm).

With standard power requirements, clean and simple operation, the HA Manufacturing System requires very little floor space, maximizing the users' facility utilization.

Finished hearing aid shells will exhibit stereolithography-like accuracy, precision and quality.

A proprietary cartridge system allows easy use of multiple colours back-to-back and provides the ability to change materials mid-build.

The company plans to make the V-Flash HA 230 Manufacturing System available for sale during fall of 2007 through Dreve Otoplastik.

More information on this revolutionary new Manufacturing Systems is available at www.dreve.com.

* About 3D Systems Corporation - 3D Systems is a leading provider of rapid 3D printing, prototyping and manufacturing solutions.

Its systems and materials reduce the time and cost of designing products and facilitate direct and indirect manufacturing by creating actual parts directly from digital input.

These solutions are used for design communication and prototyping as well as for production of functional end-use parts: Transform your products.

* About Dreve Otoplastik - Dreve Otoplastik sets standards for the fitting of hearing aids to the human ear.

It develops and produces high quality, state-of-the-art medical devices and delivers innovative, quality and biocompatible products.

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