3D Systems and Konica Minolta Join Forces

3D Systems announced it has entered into a strategic alliance with Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta) to distribute its complete 3D printing product portfolio through Konica Minolta’s nationwide network of dealers and authorized resellers, as well as its direct sales channel. This relationship marks Konica Minolta as the first original equipment manufacturer to sell, support and service 3D printing products through the traditional printer and office equipment channel in the United States.

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. is a leader in enterprise content management, technology optimization and cloud services with solutions that help organizations improve their speed to market, manage technology costs, and facilitate the sharing of information to increase productivity.

With this alliance, Konica Minolta will enter the rapidly emerging 3D printing market to provide its customers access to additive manufacturing solutions, complementing and expanding its product and services portfolio distributed through its network of dealers in the U.S., as well as its direct distribution. Konica Minolta plans to focus on high-growth industries such as manufacturing/industrial, healthcare and education applications.

“Our goal is to arm our nationwide, exceptional sales organization with the cutting-edge products and services they need to grow their businesses and gain a competitive edge,” said Kevin Kern, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. “By teaming up with 3DS, the recognized industry leader, and offering the most comprehensive suite of 3D printers materials and services, we’re able to do just that.”

Some of the first products that Konica Minolta will resell from 3D Systems include:

– ProJet® 3500 Series Professional 3D Printer – Ideal for engineering, manufacturing and mechanical environments, the ProJet 3500 Series prints high-quality, durable plastic parts with accurate and high-resolution.  This printer series is ideal for rapid manufacturing, functional testing, design communication, rapid tooling and more.

– ProJet® 660 Professional 3D Printer – The ProJet 660 targets consumer products, healthcare, education and other vertical market customers that are interested in printing full-color, photo-realistic models for product design, prototypes, assemblies and color concept models.

“We are thrilled to be able to work with an established and experienced partner like Konica Minolta U.S.A and access their nationwide network to accelerate 3D printing adoption,” said Michele Marchesan, Chief Opportunity Officer, 3DS. “Our ability to attract world class organizations like Konica Minolta sets us apart from competitors and provides a unique opportunity to serve a wider range of customers, maintain closer relationships with them and gain insights into how to better meet their needs.”

(Source: Konica Minolta)

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