Stratasys spin-off Evolve Additive Solutions, claims to have invented the fastest thermoplastic 3D printing available. The company’s new Selective Thermoplastic Electrophotographic Process (STEP) produces at speeds 50 times faster than for instance high-speed sintering.
Since its primary purpose is in manufacturing, STEP is capable of competing with factory floor manufacturing tech. It produces parts not just faster but also 50% cheaper and in higher volumes compared to other technologies.
Selective Thermoplastic Electrophotographic Process (STEP)
https://player.vimeo.com/video/262881562
STEP is unique in many ways. The most notable of these being that it is not an off-shoot of some existing 3D printing technology. The team behind its creation consider it to be one of the few rare AM technologies that isn’t inspired by something else. It was in development since 2011 and Evolve have been rather hush about it, until now. The original idea stretches as far back as 2009.
One of the interesting elements is the word electrophotographic. The word might seem fancy but it stems from basic laser printers. Evolve are leveraging the technology as an image section which allows them a lot of range with regards to materials. The actual building part also uses technologies that have been around for a while, just in new arrangements.
Some things are still yet unknown (mostly those to do with pricing), but the technology is promising. While a full list of materials is not available, we know it can print high-strength thermoplastics. It can also use multiple materials in a single build. Future concepts include an exit system similar to injection moulding with support removal as well. Additionally, the company has stated that 95% of support material is reusable.
At this point evolve is looking for investors so that they can go into production by about 2019. It’s not hard to see many major companies lining up offers and throwing money at Evolve.
