A modern solution for 3D production
STEP™ (Selective Thermoplastic Electrophotographic Process) is a groundbreaking technology from Evolve Additive Solutions that combines the power of traditional injection molding with the flexibility of 3D printing. The technology is specifically developed to meet the industry's demands for high precision, repeatable quality and cost-effective volume production - without the need to invest in molds.
With STEP™, it is possible to manufacture solid plastic components with density, strength and surface quality equivalent to injection-molded parts, while the technology enables fast cycles, complex geometry and automated operation.
How does STEP™ work?
Imaging
Alignment
Fusing
STEP™
Exemplar
STEP™ technology is based on three central steps that provide control and repeatability in every layer:
- Imaging: A 2D electrophotographic print engine (based on Kodak NexPress™) transfers precise amounts of thermoplastic powder onto an imaging drum with resolution up to 600 dpi. Layer heights can be as low as 13 microns – providing a smooth finish and fine detail right out of the machine.
- Alignment: An optical system aligns each new layer precisely in relation to the previous one, ensuring high structural integrity.
- Fusing: Using heat and pressure, the layers are fused together into a dense and durable component. The result is strong, solid parts with high dimensional accuracy.
Integration into Industry 4.0 environment
STEP™ är redo för modern industriell integration. Med stöd för digitala arbetsflöden och avancerad maskinkommunikation passar teknologin väl in i uppkopplade produktionsmiljöer enligt principerna för Industri 4.0. Utrustningen är framtidssäkrad, både från hårdvaru- och mjukvarusida.
Advantages of STEP™
STEP™ offers a number of unique advantages for additive manufacturing:
- Fine details without post-processing
- Repeatable quality between prints
- Fast cycle times in series production
- Compatibility with common engineering plastics, such as ABS and other thermoplastics
- Possibility of automated material handling
- Predictable costs – no tool investment required
Contact us
Do you need quality ABS parts?
STEP™ technology is ideal for functional prototypes in production-grade materials, especially for small series where injection molding is too expensive. It offers high precision, impact resistance and short lead times – and enables the transition from prototype to production on the same machine and material.
At AM Printservice we have the expertise and technology to support you every step of the way. Contact us – and together we will see if STEP technology is right for your next project!
Read our articles about STEP™ technology:
