The 2015 International CES was bound to full of surprises and even before the doors opened to the anticipated 170,000 visitors, 3D Systems dropped something of a bomb with the news of the acquisition of botObjects. If you've been on Twitter you'll know that botObjects have not been without their share of controversy and rumour — something that TCT has been following with interest. This latest news came completely out of the blue and signals a complete change for the botObjects brand. Details of the capabilities of the ProDesk3D were hard to find, much contested and rarely seen in the press. It's going to be interesting to find out what 3D Systems have in store for the technology.
We'll be heading over to the 3D Systems stand as soon as the doors open to get more information on this release, head to the live blog to follow this and all the other news from CES.
Full release below:
3D Systems announced today that it acquired U.K. based 3D printer maker botObjectsand plans to launch the CubePro® C, a new desktop full-color 3D printer powered by botObjects’ technology. The company did not disclose the terms of the transaction, but expects it to be accretive to its 2015 results. The company invites International CES 2015 attendees to experience its revolutionary CubePro C for the first time this week at the 3DS booth, located at the Sands Expo, booth 72225.
botObjects pioneered the first 3D desktop printer using PlasticJet Printing (PJP) that offers true full-color 3D printing, significantly expanding the palette of possibilities for what designers, artists and engineers create, from prototypes to products. botObjects also invented a proprietary 5-color CMYKW cartridge system, capable of mixing primary printing colors on the fly to generate vibrant color combinations and gradient transitions.
The botObjects ProDesk3D will immediately be folded into 3DS’s new CubePro C printer family and deliver a true full-color experience at the affordable price of $4,990, with greater accuracy and speed than any comparable desktop 3D printer on the market today. The new CubePro C is capable of printing down to 25-microns layers at deposition speeds of up to 175 millimeters per second using durable PLA and ABS print materials with PVA support material.
“Joining the winning team at 3DS couldn’t have come at a better time as orders for our revolutionary full-color desktop printer continue to outstrip our resources,” said Martin Warner, co-founder and CEO, botObjects. “Together we can bring this powerful technology to more users faster.”
“We are thrilled to add groundbreaking full-color with ultra thin-layer and high-speed technology from botObjects to our expanding consumer and prosumer 3D printing portfolio,” said Avi Reichental, President and CEO, 3DS. “We are even more excited to team up with botObjects founders, Martin Warner and Mike Duma, and together democratize the availability of this powerful 3D printer and accelerate its adoption globally.”
Under the capable and experienced leadership of Martin Warner, who was named Vice President, General Manager botObjects for 3DS, the company plans to fulfill all of its current backorders for the recently introduced ProDesk3D as it concurrently transitions to the new CubePro C line and substantially expands its desktop reach globally. Until the company expands its manufacturing capacity, the CubePro C will be available in a limited release, with plans to expand distribution later in 2015. The CubePro C line joins 3DS’ desktop portfolio that includes the CubePro and Cube line of 3D printers and Sense 3D scanning products, which are ideal for a variety of professional desktops from engineers to designers and architects, as well as users at home and students at school.
Those who are not attending CES 2015 can join 3DS’ President and CEO, Avi Reichental, for a broadcast of 3DS’ extensive showing at CES 2015 by visiting http://www.3dsystems.com/ces and clicking on the link to view the broadcast starting at 4:00 PM EST on Tuesday, January 6, 2015. For more details on 3DS’ 3D printed lifestyle consumer showcase at CES 2015, please visit www.3dsystems.com/ces.
