Evolve Additive Solutions Showcases STEP Technology, New CEO Jeff Blank, and Multi-Material Printing at RAPID + TCT 2024

Evolve Additive Solutions is set to make a significant impact at RAPID + TCT 2024, where the company will spotlight the remarkable production capabilities of its proprietary STEP (Selective Thermoplastic Electrophotographic Process) technology. This highly anticipated event follows the recent launch of STEP Parts Now, an innovative on-demand additive parts service designed to meet the growing demands for rapid prototyping and high-volume manufacturing. Evolve’s presence at the exhibition, located at booth 2645, is a collaborative effort with its key partner and largest customer, Fathom Digital Manufacturing, a recognized leader in advanced manufacturing services. Together, they aim to demonstrate STEP’s unparalleled ability to produce high-fidelity thermoplastic parts at scale, matching the quality and mechanical properties typically associated with injection-molded ABS components. Attendees will also gain exclusive insights into the soon-to-be-released multi-material co-printing capabilities of Evolve’s SVP™ (Scaled Volume Production) 3D printer, showcasing its groundbreaking potential to simultaneously print both hard and soft materials within a single build. This advancement represents a significant leap forward in additive manufacturing, opening doors to previously unachievable part functionalities and design complexities.

RAPID + TCT 2024 will also serve as the public stage for Evolve’s new CEO, Jeff Blank, as he officially takes the helm. Blank is scheduled to present on STEP technology and company developments across multiple stages at Rapid + TCT. His public debut underscores the strategic importance of this event for Evolve, making it an essential destination for anyone interested in exploring the transformative possibilities of Evolve’s innovative 3D printing solution. Let’s delve deeper into Evolve’s latest announcements and what attendees can expect from their presentations and demonstrations at the show.

A New Era of Leadership: Welcoming CEO Jeff Blank to Evolve Additive Solutions

Evolve Additive Solutions recently announced the appointment of Jeff Blank as its new Chief Executive Officer, a pivotal move signaling continued innovation and strategic growth for the company. Blank’s arrival builds upon the successful foundation laid by his predecessor, Joe Allison, a distinguished industry veteran who will remain an integral part of Evolve’s future as Chairman of the Board of Directors, continuing to guide the company’s strategy and expansion efforts. This carefully orchestrated leadership transition ensures continuity and leverages the deep expertise of both executives.

Jeff Blank brings a rich tapestry of experience to his new role, commencing with a robust background in 2D printing product development, a field known for its stringent requirements for precision and efficiency. He then transitioned into the dynamic world of 3D printing and additive manufacturing, where he amassed significant achievements as an engineering and operations executive. This extensive and diverse experience, combined with his positive influence during his tenure at Evolve prior to becoming CEO, ensures strong, consistent leadership and a seamless transition. The company views this appointment as a natural and highly anticipated progression, poised to accelerate Evolve’s mission to industrialize additive manufacturing. Blank’s strategic insight and operational acumen are expected to be instrumental in navigating the challenges and opportunities of scaling advanced production technologies.

Reflecting on his commitment to Evolve, Jeff Blank shared his enthusiasm: “I joined Evolve two years ago because I believe in the combination of our technology and people – and their unique abilities to address critical gaps in scaling additive manufacturing for production.” He added, “Evolve, and our STEP Technology, are at the beginning of an incredible journey to deliver immense value in manufacturing. My vision is that soon we will see STEP on factory floors right alongside injection molding machines.” This statement encapsulates Blank’s ambitious vision for STEP technology: not merely as a niche solution, but as a mainstream production method directly competing with, and complementing, traditional high-volume manufacturing processes like injection molding. His leadership is anticipated to drive Evolve towards achieving this transformative goal, cementing STEP’s position as a game-changer in the global manufacturing landscape.

Unveiling Groundbreaking Innovations: Evolve’s Presence at RAPID + TCT 2024

Evolve Additive Solutions’ participation at RAPID + TCT 2024 is poised to be a pivotal moment, showcasing the truly transformative potential of STEP technology for industrial production. This premier event serves as an invaluable platform for exhibitors to introduce their latest innovations, advanced materials, and forthcoming commercial capabilities. Evolve is particularly enthusiastic about demonstrating its ability to scale multi-material co-printing – a capability that currently positions STEP as the only additive process on the market able to achieve this feat with high-performance thermoplastic materials. This unique offering allows for the creation of complex parts with varying material properties within a single build, significantly streamlining production and enabling unprecedented design freedom. Imagine printing a product that seamlessly integrates rigid structural elements with flexible seals or grippers, all in one go. This not only reduces assembly steps and costs but also expands the realm of what’s possible in product design and functionality.

A cornerstone of Evolve’s presentation will be its highly successful partnership with Fathom Digital Manufacturing. Sharing the same booth, Evolve and Fathom will jointly highlight how STEP technology facilitates scalable production for intricate applications across diverse sectors. Through compelling real customer stories and practical application demonstrations, they will illustrate STEP’s distinct advantages. This includes applications in demanding industries such as automotive, where rapid iteration and high-performance materials are crucial; medical devices, requiring precision and biocompatibility; fluid management systems, where reliable seals and complex internal geometries are essential; and even specialized areas like emblem plating, where fine detail and surface finish are paramount. These demonstrations will clearly articulate how STEP surpasses the limitations of other additive processes and even traditional manufacturing methods like CNC machining and injection molding, offering solutions for complex geometries, cost-effective customization, and accelerated production timelines that were previously unattainable.

Deep Dive Sessions and Keynote Contributions from Evolve’s CEO

For attendees eager to gain a deeper understanding of STEP technology and its groundbreaking capabilities, Evolve’s new CEO, Jeff Blank, will deliver a dedicated Tech Hub presentation. Scheduled for Tuesday, May 25th, at 3:30 PM PDT, his session is titled “Utilize STEP Technology to Achieve High Fidelity Plastic Parts at Scale.” During this insightful talk, Blank will meticulously elaborate on how STEP technology effectively harnesses the benefits of additive manufacturing to produce parts that mirror the fidelity, exceptional quality, and mechanical properties of injection-molded components. He will delve into the technical nuances that allow STEP to bridge the gap between additive flexibility and traditional manufacturing performance. Furthermore, real-life case studies will be presented to illustrate how STEP accelerates the time-to-market for new products, serving as a robust bridge solution for companies transitioning from prototyping to mass production. This session promises to offer valuable strategic insights for manufacturers looking to optimize their production pipelines and gain a competitive edge.

In another significant appearance at RAPID + TCT, Evolve will have the distinct honor of opening the keynote address by the renowned industry analyst, Terry Wohlers. This highly anticipated session, taking place on Thursday, May 27th, at 1:00 PM PDT, will feature Wohlers discussing the current state of the additive manufacturing industry, recent trends, new developments, and future strategies. Jeff Blank will commence this session with a concise but impactful 10-minute talk, providing an overarching introduction and overview of STEP technology to a broad audience of industry leaders and innovators. His presentation will set the stage, emphasizing STEP’s unique position and potential within the rapidly evolving landscape of 3D printing. Attendees are encouraged to learn more about Evolve and STEP technology by visiting their official website HERE.

The Future of Additive Manufacturing with Evolve STEP

Evolve Additive Solutions’ comprehensive showcase at RAPID + TCT 2024, coupled with the introduction of new CEO Jeff Blank, marks a crucial moment for the company and the broader additive manufacturing industry. With its STEP technology, Evolve is not just offering another 3D printing solution; it is presenting a scalable, multi-material platform capable of producing injection-molding quality thermoplastic parts. This signifies a fundamental shift, moving additive manufacturing beyond prototyping and into the realm of true high-volume production. The ability to co-print hard and soft materials in a single build promises to unlock new design possibilities, enhance product functionality, and streamline complex manufacturing processes, ultimately driving significant cost and time efficiencies. As Jeff Blank envisions STEP operating alongside traditional injection molding machines on factory floors, Evolve is positioning itself at the forefront of the next industrial revolution, making advanced additive manufacturing accessible and integral to global supply chains.

Will you be witnessing Evolve’s innovations at RAPID + TCT 2024? What aspects of their STEP technology and multi-material capabilities are you most excited to learn about? Share your thoughts and expectations in a comment below or connect with us on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here to receive the latest 3D printing news directly in your inbox. You can also explore all our insightful videos on our YouTube channel for more in-depth content and demonstrations.

*Cover Image: Chrome plated STEP ABS part by Evolve Additive Solutions

*All Photo Credits: Evolve Additive Solutions