Dec 8 - RedEye Unveils Full-Scale Custom Chopper Prototype

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RedEye Unveils Full-Scale Custom Chopper Prototype

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LAS VEGAS, NV, Dec 8, 2008 - RedEye, a business unit of Stratasys (NASDQ: SSYS), unveiled the world's first full scale custom motorcycle, created entirely from using rapid prototype parts, at Autodesk University 2008.

Autodesk University (AU) is the annual user conference & exhibition for Autodesk, Inc, the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. The custom chopper was unveiled during the AU Design Innovation welcome presentation. The purpose of the session is to give engineers and designers a compelling glimpse of the future of design innovation and see some of the technologies that are changing the way design is done across the world.

During the welcome presentation, Autodesk featured on large-screen monitors a contiguous process showing the timeline from initial concept through design, to rendering, ultimately leading to physical design verification in the form of a true full-scale Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) prototype chopper, which was lowered from the ceiling on cables. Autodesk celebrated this achievement with an announcement that it is now possible to generate 3D prints like the motorcycle directly from within AutoCAD, one of the world's leading design and documentation platforms. This web service links to RedEye over the web, allowing prints to be created then sent back to the AutoCAD user.

"The audience was awestruck during the presentation by first viewing the initial model and rendering on a large screen to seconds later watching the full-scale prototype slowly emerge from stories above," says Stratasys CEO Scott Crump.

The prototype chopper included many fully functional parts, including: articulating steering, illuminating headlights, and rotating wheels, demonstrating how the FDM process can give designers the functionality they look for in quality production parts. Built using ABS M30 high-strength, production-grade thermoplastic, the chopper components were tough enough to suspend the bike from two stories above. Furthermore, the chopper's exterior vibrantly displayed the designer's true vision of color for each part.

"It's easy for RedEye to build accurate, large-scale prototypes like this because it employs 100 additive fabrication systems in its facilities -- more than any other service bureau worldwide," says Crump. "We're proud to be a part of this project that showcases our technology to designers and engineers worldwide."

About RedEye

RedEye by Stratasys, Inc., is the leading digital manufacturing provider of prototypes and production parts worldwide. With 100 systems in its centers, RedEye builds functional models and low-volume production parts made from thermoplastic materials, such as ABS, polycarbonate, ISO-certified PC and a high heat and chemical resistant polyphenylsulfone. From digital 3D CAD files, RedEye builds durable, functional and repeatable models and parts. For instant online quoting or more information, visit www.redeyeondemand.com.

About Stratasys Inc.

Stratasys Inc., Minneapolis, manufactures additive fabrication machines for direct digital manufacturing (a.k.a rapid manufacturing), 3D printing, and rapid prototyping. It also offers part manufacturing services through its RedEye RPM business unit. According to Wohlers Report 2008, Stratasys supplied 44 percent of all additive fabrication systems installed worldwide in 2007, making it the unit market leader for the sixth consecutive year. Stratasys patented and owns the process known as fused deposition modeling (FDM). The process creates functional prototypes and end-use parts directly from any 3D CAD program, using ABS plastic, polycarbonate, PPSF, and blends. The company holds more than 180 granted or pending additive fabrication patents globally. Stratasys products are used in the aerospace, defense, automotive, medical, education, electronic, and consumer product industries.

For more information, visit www.Stratasys.com.

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