It is difficult to hide a 2000 kg 3D printer. Objet did not need to keep it under wraps for long as the launch press conference took place on the opening day of Euromold. It was literally days before the merger between Stratasys and Objet was to be completed, so the then Objet CEO and now Stratasys CEO, David Reis, took the podium unable to talk about the combined companies, but very able to discuss the trends and growth in the direct digital manufacturing field.
In his talk recorded by CADplace, Mr. Reis points to several trends driving growth for his company. CADplace summarizes his thoughts as an explosion of 3D content combined with the ability to print more and more different materials. Objet itself has long been a leader in the latter with their 3D printer technology able to print over 100 materials. Additionally, companies and researchers are developing technologies to print materials ranging from plastics, to metals, to organic materials (yes, organs).
On the other hand, 3D content is exploding. In the CAD industry worldwide, 2D to 3D CAD seats are converting at a rate of approximately 1 million users per year according to MR. Reis. Large and small companies are making 3D modeling tools available on the web for all fields, not only professionals, but also consumers, and this is driving demand for printing the 3D models. And the increased used of scanning devices in areas like the medical field has produced a demand for 3D printing in areas the medical and dental fields.
The talk was followed by the introduction of the latest printer, the Objet 1000 which was present in the Objet booth at Euromold.