The LEGO Brand Group invests in 3D printing company

Evolve Additive Solutions has announced that the LEGO Brand Group has invested in the 3D printing company to support a phase of growth.

New 3D printing technology is being developed by Evolve Additive Solutions, known as Selective Thermoplastic Electrophotographic Process (STEP). The firm has received a $19 million investment from the LEGO Brand Group, Stanley Black & Decker and a third, undisclosed, party.

“Evolve has entered an exciting new growth phase as we begin commercial development of our proprietary STEP technology,” said Steve Chillscyzn, CEO of Evolve Additive Solutions.

The LEGO Group is keen to clarify that official 3D printed bricks are not going to be in the company’s short term future. “We are excited about this investment. In the LEGO Group, we have been using additive manufacturing technology for more than 20 years, leveraging the potential of this technology in fast prototyping within our design and product development process,” said Carsten Rasmussen, Chief Operations Officer.

“We have no immediate plans to launch 3D printed LEGO bricks or elements commercially. We will continue to use additive manufacturing to maintain agility in our innovation pipeline and create fast prototypes to test new and innovative play experiences.

“Injection moulding technology remains core to the large-scale production of LEGO bricks, due to the high precision, quality and safety of this technology, which the LEGO Group has been perfecting for over 60 years. The collaboration with Evolve is just another example of how we partner with leaders in technology to inspire and develop new thinking.”