10,000 dogs leading more active lives with 3D printed knee implant

Underscores the unlimited potential of personalized medicine for all

ROCK HILL, S.C., March 10, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) today announced that more than 10,000 disabled dogs are now able to run faster, jump higher and play harder thanks to 3D printed metal orthopedic knee implants that the Company manufactured for Rita Leibinger Medical. Digitally designed and 3D fabricated titanium implants empower veterinarians to compress the treatment-to-recovery cycle of a common, but difficult-to-solve problem in dogs' legs, underscoring the power of 3D printing to improve the quality of life for all.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=31262

Watch this video to see how 3DS' printing capabilities help disabled dogs to walk and run freely, just six weeks after surgery.

The patent pending TTA RAPID™ (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement) implant effectively repairs damage to cruciate ligaments in dogs' hind legs caused by trauma, degeneration or genetics. This revolutionary treatment begins with a 3D printed implant that is inserted into the dog's lower leg, reorganizing the mechanical forces of the bones and creating dynamic knee stability without the need to repair the damaged ligament. In success, dogs – from Jack Russells to Great Danes – are able to walk and run freely six weeks after surgery.

"It is heartbreaking to see your dog in so much pain that he or she can barely walk," said Rita Leibinger, owner and founder of Rita Leibinger Medical. "With this implant we experienced faster, more successful surgery and a faster recovery period. It is gratifying to see progress like this improve the lives of these animals and their families."

The key to this ground breaking implant's success is its complex, open structure that promotes rapid bone ingrowth, with less risk of infection. Rita Leibinger Medical teamed up with 3DS to manufacture these proprietary titanium implants in its state-of-the-art healthcare manufacturing facility in Leuven, Belgium, while the surgical technique was perfected in collaboration with Dr. Yves Samoy from Ghent University in Belgium.

"With 3D printing complexity is free, which is critical to unlocking performance and efficacy in the medical field," said Kevin McAlea, Chief Operating Officer, Healthcare Products, 3DS. "Unlike traditional manufacturing, there is no penalty for complexity or scale, so we are able to produce a wide range of implant sizes quickly and economically. 3D printing is the clear choice for better functional and scalable solutions, in healthcare and beyond."

A year after an initial European release and subsequent distribution in the U.S., the Rita Leibinger Medical TTA Rapid implant is poised for worldwide release and the team is working on scaled down implants for smaller dogs and cats.

From implants to prosthetics, 3DS' personalized medical solutions are helping provide favorable outcomes and improving the quality of life for all – whether man or man's best friend. Watch a recent video of how 3DS got Derby the Dog up and running for the first time on 3D printed custom prosthetics.

Learn more about 3DS' commitment to manufacturing the future today at www.3dsystems.com.

About Rita Leibinger Medical

RITA LEIBINGER GmbH & Co. KG is a family owned and family run company. The headquarter is located in South-West Germany near the Black Forrest. The Leibinger Family has a long history and experience in the medical business starting with Rita's father Oswald Leibinger who was a highly recognized entrepreneur in human medicine. The RITA LEIBINGER business is focused on innovative veterinary medical products. Now the company is the worlds leading supplier for 3D printed Knee and Spinal Implants for companion animals. The RITA LEIBINGER Veterinary product line with its orthopedic/spinal implants is sold through a sales and distribution network to customers throughout North- and South-America, entire Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia.

About 3D Systems

3D Systems provides the most advanced and comprehensive 3D digital design and fabrication solutions available today, including 3D printers, print materials and cloud-sourced custom parts. Its powerful ecosystem transforms entire industries by empowering professionals and consumers everywhere to bring their ideas to life using its vast material selection, including plastics, metals, ceramics and edibles. 3DS' leading personalized medicine capabilities save lives and include end-to-end simulation, training and planning, and printing of surgical instruments and devices for personalized surgery and patient specific medical and dental devices. Its democratized 3D digital design, fabrication and inspection products provide seamless interoperability and incorporate the latest immersive computing technologies. 3DS' products and services disrupt traditional methods, deliver improved results and empower its customers to manufacture the future now.

Leadership Through Innovation and Technology

3DS invented 3D printing with its Stereolithography (SLA) printer and was the first to commercialize it in 1989.

3DS invented Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) printing and was the first to commercialize it in 1992.

3DS invented the ColorJet Printing (CJP) class of 3D printers and was the first to commercialize 3D powder-based systems in 1994.

3DS invented MultiJet Printing (MJP) printers and was the first to commercialize it in 1996.

3DS Medical Modeling pioneered virtual surgical planning (VSP) and its services are world-leading, helping many thousands of patients on an annual basis.

Today its comprehensive range of 3D printers is the industry's benchmark for production-grade manufacturing in aerospace, automotive, patient specific medical device and a variety of consumer, electronic and fashion accessories.

More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com.

Investor Contact: Stacey Witten Email: Stacey.Witten@3dsystems.com Media Contact: Wendy Pinckney Email: press@3dsystems.com