3D系统and Planetary Resources, Inc. announced today that 3D Systems has joined Planetary Resources' core group of investors and will be a collaborative partner in assisting Planetary Resources to develop and manufacture components of its ARKYD Series of spacecraft using its advanced 3D printing and digital manufacturing solutions.
Planetary Resources already has multiple contracts to develop miniaturized and responsive technologies with far-reaching applications to space assessment, accessibility and resource recovery with a primary goal to mine near-Earth asteroids for raw materials, ranging from elements used in rocket fuel to precious metals, through the development of innovative and cost-effective robotic exploration technologies. The companies see additive manufacturing technologies as enabling to the development of future space infrastructure.
Dr. Peter H. Diamandis, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, Planetary Resources, Inc., said, "We are absolutely thrilled to partner with 3D Systems, the world's pioneer and leader in 3D printing and advanced manufacturing, as we pursue our vision to expand the resource base beyond Earth. 3D Systems has a long history of inventing, advancing and democratizing manufacturing – and our vision of mass producing the ARKYD 100, 200 and 300 line will greatly benefit from their thinking and technology."
3D Systems首席执行官Avi Reichental表示：“我们很高兴能与Planetary Resources的工程团队非常紧密合作，以使用高级的3D打印和制造技术来提高功能，同时降低其Arkyd航天器的成本。”“在成功中，我们将创建航天器的智能手机，并将曾经是一个老式的劳动密集型过程转换为非常可扩展且负担得起的东西，将民主化，将访问空间的访问权限，从太空收集到的数据和从地球资源中收集的数据科学家和公众。我们很高兴加入行星资源团队。”
In connection with this investment, 3D Systems announced the formation of 3D Systems Ventures, a new investment arm that will identify, seek and manage its seed investments in promising enterprises that will benefit from or be powered by the company's leading technologies. The venture arm will be headed by Hugh Evans from T. Rowe Price who will join 3D Systems as the Vice President Corporate Ventures.
Learn more about the company's printers, parts and software atwww.3dsystems.com.
来源：http://www.3dsystems.com/