Hurry up! Don’t miss your chance to make a nomination for the prestigious 3D Printing Industry Awards 2023. Exciting news from Evolve Additive Solutions, the Minnesota-based 3D printer manufacturer, as they announce a strategic partnership with alphacam GmbH, a leading German 3D printing service provider. This partnership opens up new possibilities for alphacam to offer Selective Thermoplastic Electrophotographic (STEP)-manufactured parts as a service to customers across Europe.
Introduced by Evolve in 2017, STEP 3D printing technology revolutionizes the speed and efficiency of engineering-grade thermoplastics printing. With an impressive 50 times faster speed than SLS 3D printing, STEP enables a shorter time to market through its “toolless” production capabilities. Partnering with Evolve, alphacam adopts the Scaled Volume Production (SVP) platform, powered by STEP technology, to produce and deliver fully dense, high-fidelity thermoplastic parts. The SVP 3D printer also boasts features like part serialization and hands-free post-processing. alphacam, with its 25 years of additive manufacturing experience, is confident that the SVP-3D printed parts will possess exceptional surface finish and properties comparable to injection molding.
The increasing demand for STEP parts in Europe, particularly in automotive, consumer electronics, medical device, retail, and fluid and airflow applications, has made this partnership an ideal match. Jeff Hanson, Evolve’s Senior Vice President of Go-to-Market, expresses enthusiasm about alphacam’s rich history and leadership in additive manufacturing, which makes them the perfect partner to bring STEP technology to various European industrial sectors. Michael Junghanss, alphacam’s Managing Partner, echoes this sentiment by stating that STEP technology is uniquely positioned to deliver on additive manufacturing’s quest for production quality and scale, and alphacam is thrilled to offer this value to their customers.
alphacam unveiled its new STEP offering during its second annual alphacAM EXPO and customer open house, held on September 27, 2023. Customers can now access STEP parts production directly through alphacam, marking another significant step in Evolve’s mission to establish STEP production centers worldwide.
Evolve, as a former subsidiary of 3D printer OEM Stratasys, has been working tirelessly to expand and scale its STEP 3D printing technology since its spin-off in 2017. The company has secured investments from notable names like LEGO and Stanley Black & Decker to develop this cutting-edge technology. The electrophotography-based additive manufacturing (EPSD) process leverages engineering-grade thermoplastics and utilizes electrophotographic imaging and deposition. The feedstock is deposited layer by layer onto the build via a moving belt until the desired shape is formed. STEP’s optimization for fast production allows for a remarkable 40 layers per minute printing rate. Furthermore, Evolve’s patented technology enables the production of commercial-grade parts and unique products that traditional manufacturing methods cannot achieve.
This partnership with alphacam is Evolve’s second collaboration in its ongoing effort to establish global STEP production centers. In 2021, Evolve partnered with Fathom Digital Manufacturing, an on-demand manufacturing service provider, making Fathom the first provider of STEP technology in North America. Fathom combines Evolve’s technology with its extensive portfolio of advanced manufacturing systems, including plastic and metal additive manufacturing, CNC machining, injection molding and tooling, precision sheet metal fabrication, and design engineering. Their STEP offering aims to address supply chain challenges faced by clients in North America.
In a recent development, Evolve launched a Production Assessment Program in March to support high-volume additive manufacturing. This program allows clients to collaborate with Evolve’s team of engineering experts to analyze and validate their 3D printing applications on the STEP-powered SVP platform. Clients receive high-fidelity parts and a summary report containing production validation data.
The growth and potential of STEP technology are undeniable, and Evolve Additive Solutions continues to lead the way with its strategic partnerships and innovative solutions. Stay updated with the latest news in the 3D printing industry by subscribing to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter. You can also follow them on Twitter, like their Facebook page, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel for exclusive content. If you’re interested in a career in the additive manufacturing industry, visit 3D Printing Jobs to explore available roles and kickstart your journey.
Image Source: Evolve Additive Solutions
Title: Revolutionizing Manufacturing: Unveiling the Power of 3D Printing
Introduction:
In recent years, the world has been witnessing remarkable advancements in technology that have redefined various industries. One such innovation that has caught the attention of professionals and enthusiasts alike is the groundbreaking 3D printing system. This revolutionary manufacturing technique has the potential to reshape the way we create and produce products. In this blog post, we will delve into the extraordinary world of 3D printing, exploring its limitless possibilities and the impact it is set to have on various sectors.
Chapter 1: The Birth of a Game-Changer
Imagine a world where you could take digital designs and turn them into tangible objects, layer by layer, with utmost precision. This vision became a reality with the advent of 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing. It all started when Evolve Additive Solutions unveiled their cutting-edge 3D printing system, captivating the imagination of innovators and disruptors around the globe.
Chapter 2: Breaking Free from Traditional Manufacturing Constraints
Traditional manufacturing methods often struggle with time-consuming processes, high costs, and limited flexibility. 3D printing, on the other hand, offers a breakthrough alternative that eliminates these constraints. By employing a layer-by-layer approach, the system grants designers and engineers the freedom to create complex shapes and intricate parts that were once considered impossible. This newfound flexibility opens the door to unparalleled creativity and innovation across industries as diverse as healthcare, aerospace, automotive, and more.
Chapter 3: Transforming the Healthcare Landscape
One of the sectors that stands to benefit immensely from 3D printing is healthcare. With the ability to create customized medical devices, prosthetics, and implants, this technology has the potential to revolutionize patient care. By tailoring products to individual needs, medical professionals can enhance treatment outcomes and patient comfort, all while reducing costs and improving efficiency.
Chapter 4: A Game-Changing Solution for Aerospace
The aerospace industry, with its strict regulations and demands for lightweight yet sturdy components, has found an ideal match in 3D printing. By utilizing this technology, manufacturers can produce intricate parts with reduced material waste and increased strength. This not only accelerates the production process and reduces costs but also opens up new opportunities for designing complex geometries that were previously unattainable.
Chapter 5: Driving the Automotive Industry Forward
In the realm of automobile manufacturing, 3D printing presents a range of exciting possibilities. From rapid prototyping to creating lightweight components, this technology allows carmakers to iterate designs quickly and efficiently. With the ability to produce on-demand parts, the automotive industry can reduce inventory costs and respond rapidly to market demands. This paves the way for increased customization options, improved fuel efficiency, and ultimately, a safer and more sustainable future for transportation.
Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Future
As we wrap up this exploration of the game-changing 3D printing system, it becomes evident that this revolutionary technology has the power to reshape industries as we know them. From healthcare to aerospace, from automotive to consumer goods, the limitless possibilities of 3D printing are only just beginning to unfold. We find ourselves at the brink of a manufacturing revolution, where innovation and efficiency converge, propelling us into a future of endless creativity and unprecedented opportunities.
“Why did the 3D printer go to therapy? Because it had too many layers of unresolved issues!”
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