Step Lab

What Step Lab does

Step Lab, legally STEP Engineering S.R.L., is an Italian industrial engineering company founded in 2011 and headquartered in Resana, Treviso, Italy, that designs, manufactures, and services electrodynamic mechanical testing systems. The company's technology approach is built around linear motor-based actuators rather than conventional hydraulic architectures, a design it claims delivers 90% energy efficiency, eliminates harmful hydraulic emissions, and reduces operating noise and maintenance burden. Its product portfolio spans dynamic and fatigue testing (UD Series linear motor systems at up to 100 kN and tens of g acceleration, and EA Series electromechanical systems at up to 200 kN), shock absorber testing (HUD/XUD high-dynamic benches, LUD shock dynos, KUD durability rigs, and EOL end-of-line systems), DW Series drop weight towers, multi-actuator systems supporting up to eight actuators, static and creep testing machines from 200 N to 268 kN, ultra-high frequency systems to 1000 Hz for DMA, NVH, and HCF applications, footwear and prostheses testing systems, torsional and high strain rate systems, and robot-based testing rigs. Supporting components include linear motor actuators, electromechanical actuators, climatic chambers ranging from -70 degrees C to 180 degrees C, specimen grips, extensometers, and proprietary test controllers and interface software developed in-house. Static testing machines carry ISO, ASTM, and EN compliance certifications.

The company's revenue model combines three documented streams: (1) capital equipment sales of complete test systems with bundled installation and commissioning, (2) in-house testing laboratory services providing mechanical, fracture, and material characterization on a fee basis for clients without in-house capacity, and (3) recurring maintenance, calibration, and upgrade services tied to the installed base. Step Lab operates a direct enterprise field sales motion with no reseller or e-commerce channel, running its Italian headquarters for EMEA and global accounts and STEP LAB CORP., its wholly-owned US subsidiary in Cornelius, North Carolina, for North American sales and support. Customer segments are horizontally diversified across automotive OEMs and tier suppliers, EV battery manufacturers, universities and research institutions, sports equipment and footwear makers, and medical device manufacturers, with applications spanning fatigue testing, fracture toughness (ASTM E399), shock absorber validation, NVH, crash simulation, and regulatory certification.

The company is privately held under founder/owner control (Marco Salvador identified as owner in the privacy policy, with Roger Baesso listed elsewhere as owner and founder), with no disclosed external institutional investment, M&A activity, or leadership transitions in the input data. Headcount sits in the 11-50 range, and there is no disclosed revenue. The company website is localized into nine languages including Italian, English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean, indicating international commercial intent. Its competitive positioning leans on energy efficiency, environmental compliance, and the breadth of testing applications served by a single linear-motor-based platform, while its primary commercial risks are concentration in capital-equipment project sales, currency exposure between Italian manufacturing and US distribution, and the absence of disclosed recurring revenue scale to underwrite a services-led growth narrative.

Name

Step Lab

Legal name

STEP Engineering S.R.L.

Website

https://step-lab.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Step Lab (STEP Engineering S.R.L.) is an Italian manufacturer of electrodynamic mechanical testing machines using linear motor-based actuators, selling capital equipment, in-house testing services, and calibration and maintenance to automotive, EV battery, university, sports, and medical customers across Europe and North America.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Materials Testing Equipment

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Laboratory Apparatus & Furniture (3821)

akta.pro primary industry

General Lab Equipment (Centrifuges, Incubators, Shakers, Ovens) (HLAGAIAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Lab Automation, Instrument Control & Workflow Orchestration Software (HLAGAJAG)

Keywords

• Electrodynamic testing machines
• Materials testing equipment
• Shock absorber testing
• Mechanical testing systems
• Dynamic fatigue testing

Headquarters

HQ city

Treviso

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Electrodynamic Testing Equipment Sales: Sale of electrodynamic testing machines, electromechanical systems, drop weight towers, climatic chambers, and proprietary control electronics to enterprise and institutional buyers. Revenue is generated through project-based equipment sales with installation, commissioning, and customer support services bundled into enterprise contracts.
2. Testing Laboratory Services: In-house testing laboratory providing mechanical testing, fracture testing, and other material characterization services to clients lacking in-house testing capabilities.
3. Maintenance, Calibration, and After-Sales Support: Ongoing maintenance, calibration, and technical support services for installed equipment, providing recurring service revenue from the installed base.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Step Lab (STEP Engineering S.R.L.) manufactures electrodynamic and electromechanical testing machines for static, dynamic, fatigue, impact, and shock-absorber testing of materials and components. The portfolio is built around linear motor-based systems, drop weight towers, climatic chambers, and proprietary control electronics/software, complemented by in-house testing laboratory, calibration, and maintenance services.

Product overview

Step Lab (STEP Engineering S.R.L.) is an Italian manufacturer of electrically actuated mechanical testing machines with over 90% energy efficiency and zero harmful emissions. The product portfolio centers on three main testing system families: Dynamic Test Systems (UD Series linear motor-based systems for high-dynamic tests up to 100 kN with tens of g acceleration; EA Series electromechanical systems for low/medium dynamic tests up to 200 kN), Damper Test Systems (HUD/XUD high/ultra-high dynamic, LUD shock dynos, KUD durability, and EOL end-of-line systems with peak loads up to 120 kN), and Static Test Systems (creep testing machines from 200 N to 268 kN). Supporting products include DW Series drop weight towers for impact testing, Multi-Actuator Test Systems supporting up to eight actuators for complex structural testing, UHF Series ultra-high frequency systems reaching 1000 Hz for DMA/NVH/HCF applications, Footwear Testing Systems with forces up to 1600 Nm, High Strain Rate Systems, Torsional Testing Machines, and Robot-Based Testing Systems. The company also offers Components and Accessories including linear motor actuators, electromechanical actuators, climatic chambers (-70 degrees C to 180 degrees C), specimen grips, and extensometers. All systems are controlled via proprietary Test Controller/Measurement Control Electronics and interface software developed in-house. Services include Testing Laboratory, Calibration, and Maintenance/Upgrading.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Dynamic and Fatigue Test Systems (UD and EA Series, Multi-Actuator) UD Series linear motor-based electrodynamic actuators for high-dynamic tests with loads up to 100 kN and accelerations of tens of g, EA Series electromechanical actuators for low/medium dynamic tests up to 200 kN, and Multi-Actuator systems supporting axial-torsional, multi-axial, and planar-cruciform configurations for comprehensive structural testing.
• Shock Absorber Testing Machines (HUD/XUD, LUD, KUD, EOL) Family of damper and shock absorber test benches: HUD/XUD for high and ultra-high dynamic testing, LUD shock dynos with peak dynamic loads up to 120 kN, KUD durability systems for long-term fatigue testing, and EOL end-of-line systems for production line quality control.
• Impact Testing Machines (DW Series Drop Weight Towers) Drop weight towers that simulate high-velocity impact events for material characterization and product validation, with large sample volume and accessories including load cells, anti-rebound systems, and impactors.
• Static Testing Machines Electromechanical static testing machines covering loads from 200 N to 268 kN, certified to ISO, EN, and ASTM standards, including creep testing machines for sustained-load conditions.
• Ultra-High Frequency Test Systems (UHF Series) Testing systems reaching frequencies up to 1000 Hz for Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH), and High Cycle Fatigue (HCF) testing of materials and components.
• High Strain Rate Systems High-speed deformation testing systems for evaluating material behavior under rapid loading conditions.
• Torsional Testing Machines Testing systems for torsion and torsional fatigue testing of materials and components.
• Robot-Based Testing Systems Automated testing systems based on robotic platforms for complex and repeatable testing scenarios.
• Footwear Testing Systems Testing machines for evaluating performance and reliability of footwear including everyday shoes and ski boots, plus prostheses testing variants, powered by brushless motors delivering forces up to 1,600 Nm and speeds up to 300 degrees/s.
• Climatic Chambers Environmental chambers with adjustable temperature range from -70°C to 180°C and precise humidity control, available as stand-alone units or integrated with mechanical testing machines.
• Test Controller and Measurement Control Electronics Proprietary electronic control platform and interface software for managing single- and multi-axis tests, providing precise load, displacement, and environmental control during testing procedures.
• Testing Laboratory Services In-house material and product testing services using Step Lab equipment, commissioned by customers requiring precision mechanical and fracture testing without purchasing capital equipment.
• Calibration Services Factory and on-site calibration services ensuring data accuracy, integrity, and traceability through a digital rapid interface system for installed Step Lab equipment.
• Maintenance and Upgrading Services Field service engineering for repairs, maintenance, and system upgrades on installed testing machines, available through standard or enhanced service contracts or on-demand.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% energy efficiency vs. conventional hydraulic testing systems
• +2 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Instron (Illinois Tool Works): Global leader in materials testing systems (static and dynamic), directly competing with Step Lab across mechanical testing equipment. Instron offers a broader catalog and global service network, but Step Lab differentiates with electrodynamic linear-motor technology versus Instron's predominantly electromechanical/servo-hydraulic heritage.
• MTS Systems (Amphenol): Major supplier of mechanical testing and simulation systems, particularly strong in servo-hydraulic and high-performance dynamic testing for automotive and aerospace. Overlaps directly with Step Lab's dynamic, fatigue, and damper testing product lines, though MTS operates at a much larger scale.
• Shimadzu Scientific Instruments: Large diversified analytical and testing instrument maker with significant presence in materials testing machines. Overlaps with Step Lab in static and fatigue testing, particularly for automotive, electronics, and academic customers, and offers a much broader instrument portfolio.
• ZwickRoell: European-headquartered manufacturer of static and dynamic materials testing machines with broad industry coverage. Competes with Step Lab in static testing, creep testing, and standards-compliant material characterization across automotive, medical, and academic segments.

Direct peers

• Sincotec: German manufacturer of servo-hydraulic and electromechanical testing machines for fatigue, static, and component testing. Closely comparable in European enterprise customer base and in competing product lines (fatigue and component testing) to Step Lab.
• Hegewald & Peschke Meß- und Prüftechnik: German manufacturer of universal testing machines and component testing systems for materials, automotive, and medical applications. Comparable to Step Lab in target verticals and product category, with similar mid-sized European specialty positioning.
• Tinius Olsen: Specialized manufacturer of mechanical testing equipment including tensile, compression, impact, and fatigue systems. Closely comparable to Step Lab in target customers (materials labs, universities, industrial QA) and product category, though with a more electromechanical/servo-hydraulic orientation.
• ADMET Inc. US-based manufacturer of materials testing machines, including electrodynamic and servo-hydraulic systems for fatigue, tensile, and compression testing. Directly comparable to Step Lab in product offering and enterprise customer base, particularly in automotive and aerospace fatigue testing.
• Bose Corporation (ElectroForce Systems): Bose's ElectroForce product line includes linear-motor-based dynamic testing systems for materials and biomedical testing. Direct competitor to Step Lab's UD Series linear motor systems, with particular overlap in biomedical, EV, and academic research applications.

Emerging players

• Imateq: Spanish startup developing electric (non-hydraulic) testing machines with a focus on energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Emerging niche competitor to Step Lab in the electrodynamic testing segment, targeting the same value proposition.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/STEPLab
• Facebookfacebook.com/step.lab.macchine
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/step-lab
• Instagraminstagram.com/step__lab

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Step Lab