3D Systems continues to strengthen its business in the healthcare segment. Last year, it acquired the 3D virtual reality surgical simulation and training leader Simbionix for $120 million. In April 2014, it purchased Medical Modeling, which specializes in personalized surgical instruments and patient-specific 3D printed medical devices.
3D Systems to be a key partner in the NIAID event
The Rock Hill-based company announced Thursday that it has joined hands with the National Institute of Health to help advance 3D printing innovation in healthcare. 3D Systems will be a key partner in the 2015 Science in 3D Festival organized by a unit of NIH called the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). The event will be held in Rockville, Maryland on January 20-21. 3D Systems will also showcase its healthcare portfolio at the event.
The meeting will explore different aspects of 3D printing, 3D modeling, visualization and surgical simulation technologies. 3D Systems EVP Kevin McAlea said that 3D Systems was committed to working with the federal government to improve healthcare delivery and drive innovation for novel therapies. The company has revolutionized the hearing aid industry with 3D printed ear shells, and 3D printing of millions of dental aligners to work with physicians on personalized surgical procedures.
3D Systems is in the investment phase
Last year, the National Institute of Health launched 3D Print Exchange to provide an interactive and open platform for sharing 3D modeling tutorials, 3D print files and educational material. It was aimed at advancing the availability of 3D printable health-related models to the world. The 3D Print Exchange lets almost anyone with an Internet connection to use its interactive website to search, share, download, model or print 3D models ranging from the human heart to viruses.
3D Systems has acquired over 50 companies in past few years. The company says it is currently in “investment phase” and the pace of acquisitions will normalize by the end of this year. 3D Systems shares 4.68% to close at $28.33 on Thursday.
