Leuven (Belgium), May 26th, 2008. In 2008, Materialise NV is looking back at 15 years of software development for the Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (RP&M) industry. One of the ways in which Materialise celebrates the 15th anniversary of its Magics software, is to pay tribute to the most outstanding applications of its RP&M software, not only Magics, but also 3-matic. For this reason, Materialise is offering the inaugural edition of the Materialise Pyramid Awards in 2008.

All Magics and 3-matic users are invited to submit a case describing their most innovative and creative use of the software in the field of RP&M. Candidates can file their case in one of two categories, either applications of Magics software, or applications of 3-matic software. The most creative and groundbreaking software applications will be selected to win prizes. The winner in each category will receive a check worth 2,000 Euro. Runners-up win 1,000 Euro, and third place winners receive an .MGX design lamp.

After evaluation by a jury, the winners will be announced at the Materialise Innovation Forum on September 17 and 18, 2008 in Leuven, Belgium. This stimulating two day conference will feature a wide range of sessions in the field of additive manufacturing and computer aided engineering (CAE).

“Over the past 15 years our customers have been extremely ingenious in applying our software to tackle an ever more diverse set of challenges. Our Pyramid Awards are a way to praise these users for their resourcefulness and for constantly challenging us in developing more specialized software solutions”, says Wim Michiels, Vice President Materialise Software. “By means of these Awards we hope to stimulate an open minded use of our software and to further increase innovation in additive manufacturing.”

All information about the Materialise Pyramid Awards, as well as an application form can be found at the Materialise website. In order to be able to win one of the prizes, papers must be received before July 14th, 2008.

About Materialise

With its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium and branches all over the world, the Materialise Group is best known for its activities in the field of rapid industrial and medical prototyping. Apart from having the largest capacity of rapid prototyping equipment in Europe, Materialise enjoys a worldwide reputation as provider of innovative software solutions. As such, Materialise has acquired the position of market leader for 3D printing and Digital CAD software in addition to being a major player in medical and dental image processing and surgery simulation. Its medical and dental products are used worldwide by famous hospitals, research institutes and clinicians. The group has several subsidiaries in Europe, Asia and the USA, and employs over 600 people in its 4 divisions.