Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Stratasys Inc has bought IBM Corp’s rapid prototyping technology which was developed by the Thomas J Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights, New York. The deal includes patents, patent disclosures, prototype machines and documentation. Under the terms of the agreement, IBM becomes a significant shareholder in Stratasys. But specific terms were not disclosed. The rapid prototyping technology can quickly create three-dimensional models to enable designers to examine and test prototypes during product development. Stratasys said the purchase will enable the company to enhance its FDM 1600 benchtop rapid prototyping system, coupling conventional plastics and wax materials with a engineering plastics capability.
