For some reason, Stratasys and HP didn't bother letting the media know they were having an online press conference this morning at 5am Pacific time, so we get to take in the recorded version now.
Here's the details on the agreement, as few as they are:
- Statasys has an exclusive agreement to build 3D printers for HP, whose Graphic Solutions Business division will sell.
- The 3D printers will become available in a few months in a few European countries: Germany, France, Italy, UK, and Spain.
- HP is doing this to move from being the leader in 2D printing to also becoming the eventual leader in 3D printing. (Historical note: their laser printers originally used engines from Canon.)
- They see millions of prospective customers in an "under-penetrated 3D printing market" (sounds painful), and specifically list Autodesk, SolidWorks, and PTC.
- Just how many will be now sold is a mystery to me, since Stratasys will be making them and admits to being able to produce just 5,000 systems a year, at most. But maybe guaranteed income from HP will allow them to increase production.
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