3-D Systems’ 4th-Quarter Loss Put at $2.82 Million

3-D Systems Inc., citing the economic recession, reported a fourth-quarter loss of $2.82 million compared with a year-earlier loss of $2.68 million.

3-D Systems is a Canadian company whose primary unit is Valencia-based 3D Systems, which makes equipment that combines a computer, laser and chemicals to rapidly make prototype models of industrial parts and other products.

The recession weakened demand for 3-D Systems’ machines during much of last year, although its orders began improving in the fourth quarter. In the quarter ended Dec. 31, the company’s sales rose 32%, to $4.68 million from $3.54 million.

For all of 1991, however, 3-D Systems lost $9.36 million--including $1.8 million in one-time charges--compared with a $1.75 million loss the previous year. Its annual revenue fell 22%, to $19.5 million from $25 million.