Technology Transfer Culminates in the Formation of Metalise it ... America

28th January 2009: A technology transfer agreement has recently been formalised between AT 3D- SQUARED and National RP Support (NRPS) Inc, USA. Under the terms of this new agreement NRPS will license the Metalise it… technology from AT 3D- SQUARED and offer the process as a service from the company’s HQ facility in Pella, Iowa, with the brand Metalise it… America. To this end AT 3D- SQUARED will deliver all of the necessary information about the hardware as well as process treatments and provide support during the set up of the new plating unit.

The Metalise it… process, developed by AT-3D SQUARED, is a unique coating method because it was originally formulated specifically for plastic rapid prototype (RP) models. However, the process can be applied to virtually any plastic part with the required layer thickness and metal finish.

A significant advantage that the Metalise it ... process brings to RP applications is that when the composite metal material is applied to the plastic part it adds a structural coating as well as a cosmetic finish. The surface finish of plastic RP models has traditionally proved to be a limitation of the various RP technologies, but the Metalise it… process is an effective surface treatment of plastic RP parts that can drastically improve these limitations, and, in some cases, eliminate them altogether. Applying the Metalise it… process to specific parts has, to date, demonstrated improvements with mechanical properties such as strength, creep characteristics and aging stability. Other advantages that the process offers to RP models include resistance to moisture, temperature, humidity and corrosion — allowing the parts to be used in more aggressive and corrosive environments, which just would not be possible with the original plastic parts.

Commenting on the agreement between the two companies, Andrew Allshorn, a co-founder of AT 3D- SQUARED said: “I am delighted to confirm this agreement between AT 3D- SQUARED and NRPS, which will see the Metalise it ... process delivered into extremely safe hands in the USA. NRPS has a fantastic reputation for delivering a quality service backed by expert knowledge within the RP community and reflects the goals of AT 3D- SQUARED in its approach to business. I am honoured to be working with Dennis and his team to drive the globalisation of the Metalise it ... brand.”

Dennis Fogle, President of NRPS further commented: “We are excited about bringing the Metalise it ... process to North America. " We believe this innovative surface treatment will advance the rapid manufacturing industry and significantly expand the applications of RP parts. The Iowa Metalise it ... production facility will work to expand the quality process that European clients have come to expect from the Metalise it ... name. We are looking forward to providing a superior service and helping our customers develop successful new products quickly."

The Metalise it ... process will continue to be available in the UK and Europe from AT 3D- SQUARED’s sister company; 3DDC.

About AT 3D-SQUARED
AT 3D-SQUARED was established in 2007, to provide a strategic consulting and support service for companies and organisations involved with rapid prototyping (RP) and rapid manufacturing (RM) technologies. With an extensive knowledge base, AT 3D-SQUARED is able to bring together all of the components that are vital to maximising the capabilities of the technologies — software, hardware, materials and the human interface. AT 3D-SQUARED offers the Metalise it ... plating process in the UK and Europe through its sister company 3DDC Ltd.

About National RP Support, Inc.
National RP Support, Inc. (NRPS) is a global Rapid Prototyping, Maintenance & Consulting company that offers a full maintenance service for all models of 3D Systems’ stereolithography equipment. NRPS also sells and installs used SL equipment. Furthermore, the company is able to provide prototyping and tooling services through its network of leading service bureaux, including concept models right through to production tooling.