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3D Systems: What the Company Does and Where to Find Their Work in South Carolina

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

3D Systems is a manufacturer of 3D printers and materials, with roots in South Carolina

3D Systems is a company that designs and manufactures 3D printers, software, and the materials those printers use. Founded in 1986, the company pioneered stereolithography—a method of building solid objects layer by layer from liquid resin. Today, 3D Systems makes machines for manufacturing, healthcare, jewelry, and dental work, and the company maintains significant operations in South Carolina.

The company's headquarters and major manufacturing facilities are based in Rock Hill, South Carolina, making it one of the state's notable technology manufacturers. If you're interested in seeing 3D printing technology in action or learning how it's used in real industries, 3D Systems' presence in the state means there are local opportunities to explore the field.

Key Takeaways

  • 3D Systems manufactures 3D printers and materials used across manufacturing, healthcare, dental, and jewelry industries.
  • The company is headquartered in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and operates manufacturing facilities there.
  • 3D Systems' technology is used by hospitals, dental labs, manufacturers, and jewelry makers to create custom parts and products.
  • Visiting or learning about 3D Systems can help you understand how 3D printing works and what careers exist in the field.

What 3D Systems Actually Makes

3D Systems produces several types of 3D printers designed for different purposes. Their stereolithography printers use ultraviolet light to harden liquid resin into solid shapes. The company also makes selective laser sintering printers, which use a laser to fuse powder materials together. These machines range from small desktop models to large industrial systems.

Beyond the printers themselves, 3D Systems manufactures the resins, powders, and other materials that go into those machines. They also develop software that prepares digital designs for printing and controls the printers during production. This combination—hardware, materials, and software—is what allows customers to turn a computer design into a physical object.

Industries Using 3D Systems Technology

Hospitals and surgical centers use 3D Systems printers to create models of patient organs before complex surgeries. A surgeon can hold and study a replica of a patient's heart or tumor, which reduces surgical time and improves outcomes. Dental labs use the company's printers to make crowns, aligners, and implant guides. Jewelry makers use them to create detailed metal castings from resin models.

Manufacturing companies use 3D Systems printers to produce custom parts, prototypes, and low-volume production runs. Aerospace and automotive manufacturers rely on the technology to make components that would be expensive or impossible to create with traditional methods. The technology also appears in hearing aid manufacturing, where custom-fitted devices are printed for individual patients.

3D Systems in Rock Hill and South Carolina

The company's Rock Hill campus includes manufacturing plants, research facilities, and offices. This location has made Rock Hill a center for 3D printing innovation and employment in the state. If you work in manufacturing, healthcare, or technology, 3D Systems is one of the largest employers in the region and a significant presence in South Carolina's industrial base.

The company's operations in South Carolina also mean that local schools and universities have connections to 3D printing education and training. Winthrop University in Rock Hill, for example, has partnerships with local technology companies and offers programs related to advanced manufacturing.

How to Learn More About 3D Systems and 3D Printing

3D Systems maintains a public website where you can explore their products, case studies, and industry applications. The site includes videos and technical documentation that explain how their printers work and what they're used for. If you're considering a career in manufacturing or technology, the company's website also lists job openings and describes the types of roles they hire for.

South Carolina's manufacturing sector regularly hosts tours and educational events. Contact local chambers of commerce in Rock Hill or York County to ask about facility tours or industry events where you might see 3D printing technology demonstrated. Universities in the state also host maker fairs and technology expos where 3D printing is often featured.

Career Paths in 3D Printing

Working in 3D printing doesn't require a four-year degree. Many positions start with high school diplomas or technical certifications in areas like machine operation, quality control, or materials handling. Community colleges across South Carolina offer certificates in advanced manufacturing and CNC machining, skills that transfer directly to 3D printing roles.

Engineering and software development roles do typically require bachelor's degrees in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science. Sales and customer support positions require technical knowledge but often value experience and communication skills over formal credentials. 3D Systems and similar companies in the state regularly hire for entry-level manufacturing positions, offering on-the-job training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit 3D Systems' facility in Rock Hill?

3D Systems does not offer regular public tours of its manufacturing facilities. However, you can contact the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce or the company's public relations department to ask about educational visits or industry events. Many companies host open houses during manufacturing month or career fairs.

What education do I need to work in 3D printing?

Entry-level manufacturing and machine operation roles typically require a high school diploma or GED. Technical certificates from community colleges in advanced manufacturing or CNC operation are valuable. Engineering and software roles require bachelor's degrees in relevant fields like mechanical or electrical engineering.

Is 3D printing a growing field in South Carolina?

3D printing is expanding across multiple industries, and South Carolina's manufacturing sector is investing in the technology. The presence of 3D Systems and other advanced manufacturers in the state creates ongoing demand for skilled workers in production, engineering, and technical support roles.

What's the difference between 3D Systems and other 3D printer companies?

3D Systems is one of the oldest and largest 3D printing companies, with a focus on industrial and professional applications rather than consumer products. They specialize in stereolithography and selective laser sintering, which are used for high-precision work in healthcare, aerospace, and manufacturing.