The ARMOR Group’s decision to withdraw its subsidiary KIMYA from the 3D printing market is a setback for the high-performance polymer industry. KIMYA was known for producing reliable filaments such as PEKK and polycarbonate, which were used in demanding applications due to their robustness and precision. Companies such as Stratasys, Ultimaker and AON3D had relied on the quality and reliability of KIMYA materials.
KIMYA’s role in specialized industries was particularly noteworthy. For example, the company developed a customized PEKK filament that was used in the railroad industry for the production of spare parts. With strict quality controls and innovative solutions, KIMYA was able to meet the requirements of the industry.
However, the limited availability of 3D printers that can work with high-performance polymers seems to be one of the main reasons for the withdrawal. Despite a growing market for printers that can process more demanding materials, challenges remain. In particular, the lack of expertise in materials science and engineering is seen as a barrier to profitably utilizing these more expensive materials.
On November 24, ARMOR Group President Hubert de Boisredon confirmed the closure of the KIMYA business in a LinkedIn statement. ARMOR had invested around 15 million euros in this area since 2017, with annual growth of 30 to 40 percent expected. Instead, market development fell short of expectations, partly due to the economic crisis and falling sales figures for new machines.
He emphasized that ARMOR will continue to invest in innovative industries that offer social benefits. The decision affects 15 employees, whom ARMOR intends to support in their transition to new positions.
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