Evolve Additive Solutions on its STEP Technology for Agile Production

Among the well-known advantages of additive manufacturing is the digitization of production: the ability to quickly produce on-site and on-demand, with only the necessary material. This is also why AM is seen as a way to unlock Agile Manufacturing, i.e. a way of creating and producing things in a more flexible and adaptable way than traditional methods. To do this, companies must be able to change or alter the production process quickly and easily to better meet customer needs and demands. With this in mind, in 2017, the company Evolve Additive Solutions was born, first incubated in Stratasys before becoming an autonomous entity. With its innovative STEP (Selective Thermoplastic Electrophotographic Process) technology and 3D SVP™ (Scaled Volume Production) platform, Evolve aims to overcome the barriers still present in additive manufacturing to take it to the next level, achieving mass production and results comparable to injection molding. To find out more, we had the pleasure of interviewing Joe Allison, CEO of the company, who not only told us about Evolve and its mission, but also about his long journey in the world of additive manufacturing.

3DN: Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your background and your connection to 3D Printing?

Joe Allison, CEO of Evolve Additive Solutions

Hello, my name is Joe Allison. I studied mechanical engineering and received my Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern California. Straight out of college I started working as a CAD/CAM applications engineer and after about four years doing that, the first 3D printer was introduced by 3D Systems. I was so intrigued and excited by the new technology at the time, I pursued a job there and worked as an R&D engineer for 3D Systems from 1988-1991.

In pursuit of an even greater career and life for myself and my family, I followed my entrepreneurial passions and founded Solid Concepts – one of the earliest, and over time one of the largest, 3D printing service bureaus in the world. I led Solid Concepts as its CEO for over 23 years before selling it to Stratasys in 2014. I have enjoyed dedicating more than 35 years now to spearheading the practical demonstrations of new software, printing and manufacturing processes, and materials to meet the requirements of new, challenging applications.