3D Systems to End-of-Life the Cube, its Entry-Level Consumer 3D Printer | 3D Systems.

ROCK HILL, South Carolina, December 28, 2015 – 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) announced today that it will discontinue production of its $999 consumer 3D printer, the Cube®. The move reflects management’s plans to focus its resources and strategic initiatives on near-term opportunities and profitability.

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As part of this shift away from consumer products, management expects revenue to be impacted by less than 2% and profitability to improve. In addition, management expects to record a charge in the fourth quarter in the range of approximately $19 million to $25 million related primarily to inventory write downs and related purchase commitments.

“In connection with our ongoing review of our business and industry, we believe that the most meaningful opportunities today are in professional and industrial settings, from the product design shop to the operating room to the factory floor,” said Andy Johnson, Interim-Chief Executive Officer & Chief Legal Officer, 3D Systems. “We are focusing our efforts on enabling professionals and companies to improve their designs, transform their workflows, bring innovative products to market and drive new business models.” 

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Our take, it’s a good time to exit the $1000-level consumer 3D printer market if you’re a huge company, the big companies like 3D Systems will have a hard time being profitable with tiny margins and it’s challenging working in the communities that want more than just a cheap printer, the cost-per-acquisition is high, with support costs and returns as well (and shipping). They’re better served by some of the smaller companies. 3D Systems was suing FormLabs and earlier this year it was announced that “Investors Seek Class Action Lawsuit Against 3D Systems for Weak Earnings“.

PrintrBot is looking like the $1000 winner in the space.