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MERRIMACK, NH (July 17, 2017)Solidscape®, Inc., the leading producer of high precision 3D wax printers, and a subsidiary of Stratasys, Ltd. (Nasdaq: SSYS), is taking precision investment casting and rapid prototyping of complex geometries to the next level with the launch of the S500 high precision 3D printer. Designed to produce  ultra-accurate, directly castable wax patterns, the S500 high precision 3D printer along with new castable material, Midas, and dissolvable support material, Melt-I, dramatically shortens production time and can eliminate the need for expensive tooling.

The S500 is ideal for industrial casting manufacturers who produce high precision complex parts where  dimensional accuracy and superior external and internal surface finishes are critical. By significantly streamlining both front- and back-end processes, the S500 is designed to make the printing of directly castable parts and the creation of custom molds from wax patterns repeatable and scalable.

“The growing global demand we see for manufacturers to develop more short production runs of precision parts requires tools that can help them iterate design cycles quickly,” said Fabio Esposito, Solidscape President. “The new S500 high precision 3D printer and materials offer industrial companies the ability to create accurate, complex, precise wax patterns that can be directly cast in most metals and alloys, or used to create silicone or master molds eliminating the need for expensive custom tooling.”

The S500’s new Solidjet Technology builds a support structure of solid wax, allowing for organic shapes with undercuts, overhangs, thin walls and interlocking parts, and producing high-integrity castings with superior interior and exterior surface finish.

“As a premier supplier of complete-to-print, high-volume, complex thin-wall investment castings and fully-finished casting-based subassemblies and components to automotive, aerospace, and other industries, we are always inventing improved methods for casting or automating the shop floor,” said Scott Biederman, Vice President of Technology, Hitchiner Manufacturing Co., Inc., of Milford, NH.  “We were very impressed with the high level of detail of the patterns printed using the new S500, in addition to the outstanding overall service experience we have enjoyed working with Solidscape.”

Along with the printer, new materials seamlessly integrate into existing manufacturing and casting processes, avoiding the need for special burn-out schedules and equipment. Midas provides a clean burnout with no thermal expansion and is ideal for metal casting, including stainless steel, nickel and various alloys. Melt-I, the non-toxic, hand-free dissolvable support reduces stress points on shapes with thin walls and delicate details, enabling manufacturers to produce parts with intricate or complex geometries with confidence.

The S500  was demonstrated earlier this year at  the Design Engineering & Manufacturing Solutions Expo in Tokyo, Japan, June 21-23.  The new printer and materials are available for immediate purchase.

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Solidscape®, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Stratasys, Inc. (NASDAQ: SSYS), is the leader in high precision 3D printers for direct manufacturing applications. Over the years, Solidscape has set the bar for the highest standards in surface finish, accuracy and material castability, enabling customers to create intricate wax patterns for investment casting in any metal or for creating silicon or metal molds. Solidscape printers are marketed through a global network of distribution partners, and are used for casting fine jewelry, turbine blades, medical, orthopedics, consumer goods, electronics, toys and many other high precision products. Learn more at www.solidscape.com.

For nearly 30 years, Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) has been a defining force in 3D printing and additive manufacturing, shaping the way things are made. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Rehovot, Israel, the company empowers customers across vertical markets, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, education, and consumer products, by enabling new approaches for design and manufacturing. Stratasys solutions offer design freedom and manufacturing flexibility, reducing time-to-market and lowering development costs, while improving products and communication. Subsidiaries include MakerBot and Solidscape, as well as Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, which offers 3D printed parts on demand. Stratasys also offers Expert Services in North America and over 4 million free, 3D printable design files through its Thingiverse and GrabCAD communities. Stratasys has 1,200 granted or pending additive manufacturing patents and has received more than 30 technology and leadership awards. Online at: www.stratasys.com or http://blog.stratasys.com/. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements in this press release relating to Stratasys’ beliefs regarding the benefits customers will receive from the S500 3D Printer product are forward-looking statements reflecting management’s current expectations and beliefs. These forward-looking statements are based on current information that is, by its nature, subject to rapid and even abrupt change. Due to risks and uncertainties associated with Stratasys’ business, actual results could differ materially from those projected or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the risk that customers will not receive the benefits of the S500 3D printer outlined in this press release; and other risk factors set forth under the caption «Risk Factors» in Stratasys’ most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 9, 2017. Stratasys is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by the rules and regulations of the SEC.

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Solidscape S500 High Precision 3D Printer

Solidscape’s new S500 3D printer with base takes investment casting and rapid prototyping to the next level while eliminating the need for expensive tooling by creating ultra-accurate, directly castable wax patterns. The S500 is available now along with new generation materials, Midas™, and Melt™-I.