3D Systems Collaborates with TE Connectivity on Innovative Solution to Additively Manufacture Electrical Connectors

Rhea-AI Summary

3D Systems (NYSE: DDD) has partnered with TE Connectivity to develop an innovative additive manufacturing solution for producing electrical connectors that meet stringent UL regulatory standards. The collaboration introduces a novel photopolymer that allows for production within weeks, significantly reducing lead times compared to traditional methods. This first-ever UL-recognized photopolymer has passed long-term thermal aging tests, displaying exceptional properties such as a flammability rating of UL94 V0 at 0.4mm thickness. With this new technology, TE Connectivity can efficiently produce complex geometries and adapt to low-volume production demands, enhancing its competitive edge in the market.

Positive

• Partnership with TE Connectivity to innovate in additive manufacturing for electrical connectors.
• Introduction of a novel photopolymer enabling production in weeks instead of months, without tooling investment.
• First photopolymer to achieve UL-recognized long-term thermal aging certification, ensuring reliability.

Negative

• None.

• Novel workflow enables production of end-use parts in weeks versus months without tooling investment
• Unique photopolymer introduced with full UL recognition capable of meeting stringent connector application needs
• First known 3D photopolymer to complete long-term thermal aging for electrical and mechanical relative thermal index (RTI) certification.
  

ROCK HILL, S.C., March 20, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) today announced its collaboration with TE Connectivity, a world leader in connectors and sensors, to jointly develop an additive manufacturing solution to produce electrical connectors meeting stringent UL regulatory requirements. The solution comprising 3D Systems’ Figure 4^® Modular, Figure 4 material, 3D Sprint^® software, and services was designed to meet TE Connectivity’s unique requirements for material performance and high tolerance, reliable printing. The foundation of the solution is a newly developed photopolymer 3D Systems engineered specifically to meet TE Connectivity’s requirements. In addition to a world-class flammability rating at 0.4mm thickness, it is the first known printable photopolymer to complete a UL^®1-recognized long-term thermal aging (RTI) study. This material combined with an optimized print process enables the necessary reliability and accuracy required for TE Connectivity’s products. Using 3D Systems’ Figure 4 technology, the combination of new material properties, speed, and accuracy allows the production of rugged industrial products for the first time, targeted at appliances, cellular and data-center applications. Additive manufacturing provides TE Connectivity freedom of design to create complex geometries that would be difficult to create using injection molding. It increases flexibility for low volume, quick turn production runs, and tooling avoidance, allowing TE to quickly demonstrate its capabilities and its customers to more efficiently meet demand.

3D Systems’ Application Innovation Group (AIG) collaborated with TE Connectivity’s team to develop a full production workflow from design to a finished connector. The program included the development and UL certification of a new Figure 4 material. UL regulatory approval has been obtained, including UL94 V0 flame rating at 0.4mm, Glow Wire Ignition (GWI) of 800°C, Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) of 600V (equivalent to a PLC of 0), and Relative Temperature Index (RTI) for long-term electrical and mechanical use of 150C and 130C, respectively.

“As 3D printing technology evolves, we’re seeing more opportunities for using it to manufacture products for customers who need a low volume of parts in a short timeframe,” said Philip Gilchrist, VP and segment chief technology officer for Communications Solutions at TE Connectivity. “Our work with 3D Systems enables us to provide our customers with functional parts in just weeks instead of months.”

“Customer-centric innovation is at the core of everything we do,” said Reji Puthenveetil, executive vice president, industrial solutions, 3D Systems. “The collaboration with TE Connectivity provided the understanding and requirements of the unique application being addressed and enabled the development of the solution. Our materials scientists and print process experts worked very closely with the TE team to formulate a material that, when used in conjunction with our Figure 4 technology, delivered on the high quality, high-reliability standards their customers have come to expect. This is yet another example of how 3D Systems is partnering with industry leaders to accelerate innovation and build competitive advantage through additive manufacturing solutions.”

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 of 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
More than 35 years ago, 3D Systems brought the innovation of 3D printing to the manufacturing industry. Today, as the leading additive manufacturing solutions partner, we bring innovation, performance, and reliability to every interaction - empowering our customers to create products and business models never before possible. Thanks to our unique offering of hardware, software, materials, and services, each application-specific solution is powered by the expertise of our application engineers who collaborate with customers to transform how they deliver their products and services. 3D Systems’ solutions address a variety of advanced applications in healthcare and industrial markets such as medical and dental, aerospace & defense, automotive, and durable goods. More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com.

About TE Connectivity
TE Connectivity is a global industrial technology leader creating a safer, sustainable, productive and connected future. Our broad range of connectivity and sensor solutions, proven in the harshest environments, enable advancements in transportation, industrial applications, medical technology, energy, data communications and the home. With more than 85,000 employees, including over 8,000 engineers, working alongside customers in approximately 140 countries, TE ensures that EVERY CONNECTION COUNTS. Learn more at www.te.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, WeChat and Twitter.

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¹ UL is a registered trademark of UL LLC

Investor Contact:		investor.relations@3dsystems.com
Media Contact:		press@3dsystems.com

FAQ

What is the collaboration between 3D Systems and TE Connectivity about?

3D Systems and TE Connectivity are developing an additive manufacturing solution for electrical connectors that meet UL regulatory requirements.

What are the benefits of the new photopolymer developed by 3D Systems?

The new photopolymer enables rapid production of parts, allowing for complex designs and meeting stringent UL standards, significantly reducing lead times.

What is the significance of the UL certification achieved by 3D Systems' photopolymer?

The UL certification indicates that the photopolymer has met high standards for flammability and long-term thermal aging, ensuring its reliability in electrical applications.

How does the new additive manufacturing solution impact production speed?

The solution allows TE Connectivity to produce functional parts in weeks, enhancing flexibility for low volume and quick turnaround production runs.