Solid Concepts Announces Immediate Availability Of SolidView 2002

Latest release of the leading integrated 2D/3D View and Markup Software includes new options for batch conversion of CAD data formats.

VALENCIA, California - March 18, 2002

VALENCIA, CA - March 18, 2002-Solid Concepts, Inc., the leading supplier of integrated 2D/3D View and Markup software, announced today the immediate availability of Version 2002 of the SolidView® family of low-cost, view and markup solutions that enable non-CAD users to easily view and evaluate complex designs. The SolidView family of products includes SolidView/Lite, a free 3D CAD viewer, SolidView, SolidView/Pro, and SolidView/Pro RP.

Version 2002 includes several new enhancements designed to facilitate the deployment of SolidView as an enterprise-wide viewing solution. Chief among these enhancements is the new Directory Watch Server feature that automatically converts native CAD data into SolidView's highly compact Solid File eXchange (SFX) format. SFX files can be viewed and measured using the free SolidView/Lite software available from www.solidview.com.

"With our 2002 version, companies can make up-to-date 2D and 3D design information available to everyone involved in the product development process," said Ray Bradford, senior vice president of Solid Concepts. "SFX files can be posted on the Internet or company intranet and are easily viewed and measured with our free SolidView/Lite viewer. As a result, everyone can have access to the latest CAD data, without the need for a CAD system."

In addition to the new batch conversion features, other new features in version 2002 of SolidView include:

• Auto Update - This new feature enables SolidView users to automatically update their copy of SolidView over the Internet.
• SolidView/Pro Paint - This feature allows users to apply colors to surfaces, faces, triangles, and objects
• Latest CAD interfaces - SolidView 2002 includes support for the latest versions of SolidWorks, SolidEdge, Pro/E, AutoCAD and other popular CAD systems

Special upgrade pricing for existing SolidView/Pro and SolidView/Pro RP users is available through May 31, 2002. For details, please visit www.solidview.com.

Potential customers can download a free trial copy of any SolidView product at www.solidview.com.

About Solid Concepts Inc.

Solid Concepts Inc. is a supplier of rapid prototyping and direct digital manufacturing services. Founded in 1991, Solid Concepts is a five-facility, multiple technology company known to be a solutions provider with project management and engineering expertise. Capabilities in Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Advanced Cast Urethanes, CNC and FRP rapid prototypes and custom manufactured parts allows for low-volume production of plastic, urethane, and metal components directly from design data, resulting in significant time and cost savings. Tooling and Molding capabilities bring customer projects through to completion. ISO 9001 and AS9100 certifications.

SolidView is a registered trademark of Solid Concepts Inc.

• SolidView
  SolidView® software allows you to view, rotate, measure and communicate design intent with non-CAD users—starting with our free 3D CAD viewer—SolidView/Lite.
• SLA & PolyJet
  SLA® & PolyJet™ provide accurate concept models and master patterns in record time. Complete in-house finishing capability for production-like prototypes.
• SLS
  SLS® (selective laser sintering) produces rugged Nylon 11 and Nylon 12 prototype and production parts and is ideally suited for Direct Digital Manufacturing.
• FDM
  FDM (fused deposition modeling) produces both prototype and production parts from ABS plastic, polycarbonate, and Ultem materials.
• CNC
  CNC prototypes, parts and master patterns are ideal in applications where the material property or size requirements make other prototyping techniques unsuitable.
• Cast Urethane
  Cast Urethane (a proprietary advanced casting technology and advanced formula polymers) produce strong pre-production and short-run production components.
• Composites
  Composites (fiber reinforced plastic) technology produces large, rigid, accurate panels with excellent strength-to-weight ratio and surface finish. Chose between CompositeCast™, Hand Lay-up FPR and VARTM.
• Tooling
  Tooling from Solid Concepts provides quick-turn tooling options for Chinese tooling & production, export tooling from China, and domestic tooling, all with domestic project management.
• Molding
  Injection Molding from Solid Concepts brings you the best of both worlds by providing Chinese pricing and lead times along with Solid Concepts quality and domestic project management.