3D Systems expands reseller pact with Canon

3D Systems, a leading 3D printer player, said Friday that it expanded a pact with Canon to sell more of its high-end systems.

TechPro Research: 3D printing: A primer for business and technology professionals

The deal, made with Canon Marketing Japan, comes as Hewlett-Packard is expected to enter the 3D printing market in June. HP has said it expects to focus on enterprise systems initially---just like Stratasys and 3D Systems.

Under the partnership, Canon will sell 3D Systems' complete line of ProJet professional systems, which are used for jewelry and dental applications; CubeX, an entry-level desktop 3D prototyping system; and Geomagic software. Canon has been selling 3D Systems manufacturing printers since Oct. 2013.

In a statement, Canon said that it is planning to combine its "mixed reality technology" with 3D printing. Canon's mixed reality gear combines virtual reality with designs to see how parts and concepts fit together. 3D Systems' gear would bring those virtual prototypes into the real world.

Here's a look at Canon's mixed reality technology:

And output from Pro Jet.

More:

• 3D Systems CEO touts '3D Printing 2.0' as it attempts to pre-empt HP
• Stratasys acquires two additive manufacturing companies
• Stratasys Q4 strong, aims to take MakerBot, 3D printing mainstream 
• 3D printed drone ushers in era of disposable aircraft 
• 3D printing market set to rocket to $16.2B over next four years 
• 10 innovations in the 3D printing realm
• 3D printing: Mainstream adoption in 2014?
• MakerBot Replicator Mini aims to bring 3D printing to wider audience

• 3D printer player ExOne sees revenue shortfall
• Adobe's 3D printing support in Creative Cloud could boost adoption
• Stratasys unveils multi-material color 3D printer
• Dell to start reselling MakerBot Replicator 3D printers, scanners
• Bioprinting human organs and tissue: Get ready for the great 3D printer debate