Japanese chemical firm Asahi Kasei’s North American subsidiary has stopped creating, advertising, and promoting its 3D printing filaments.
Asahi Kasei Plastics North America (APNA) entered the FDM supplies market in October 2023 with the launch of filaments constituted of XYRON, its modified polyphenylene ether (mPPE) resin. The product line later expanded to incorporate Thermylene, APNA’s line of polypropylene (PP) compounds.
Nevertheless, the Michigan-based subsidiary has now exited the filament market. Based on an Asahi Kasei spokesperson, this choice was made following an “inner enterprise choice.”
Whereas clients will not be capable of entry APNA’s line of filaments, the American enterprise will proceed to supply its Thermylene 3D printing pellet grades. These glass-reinforced supplies characteristic excessive energy, stiffness, and warmth resistance for automotive, aerospace, and industrial purposes.
Asahi’s spokesperson assured me that APNA’s choice has not affected the corporate’s different operations. The Japanese multinational will proceed providing its Cellulose Nano Fiber (CNF)-reinforced polyamide supplies for additive manufacturing.
Moreover, Asahi Kasei is increasing its attain by way of a partnership with Italian supplies producer Aquafil S.p.A. Signed final October, the memorandum of understanding will see the 2 firms develop a brand new 3D printing filament for automotive and aeronautical purposes.
Asahi Kasei Plastics North America ends filament gross sales
Asahi Kasei determined to enter the 3D printing filament market in 2023 to capitalize on what ANPA President and Chief Working Officer Todd Glogovsky known as a “quickly rising area.” In the course of the announcement, he added that the North American enterprise possessed the “individuals and skillset to develop, improve, and exceed the wants of hobbyists and OEMs alike.”
The plastics specialist initially introduced a roadmap that promised clients a flexible and “long-term dedication” within the 3D printing sector. It initially sought to focus on gross sales within the North American market which might springboard a world growth.
ANPA started by trialing its XYRON filament, which provided low warpage, excessive dimensional stability, warmth resistance, electrical insulation, and affect energy. This was adopted by a Thermylene filament boasting excessive tensile energy, chemical resistance, creep resistance, and elevated temperature efficiency.
In the course of the official filament announcement, the North American enterprise additionally outlined plans to advance assets by way of computer-aided engineering (CAE). This sought to construct on the corporate’s CAE technical companies for the engineering plastics market.
2023 additionally noticed Asahi Kasei Company Enterprise Capital (CVC) spend money on Israeli 3D printing software program agency CASTOR Applied sciences Ltd. By this transfer, the Japanese conglomerate is working to increase its CAE capabilities whereas enhancing automation and superior simulations. There isn’t a indication that Asahi is slicing again on its digital efforts inside the additive manufacturing house.
Moreover, though ANPA is exiting the 3D printing filament market, this isn’t the tip of Asahi Kasei’s FDM materials gross sales. By its new partnership with Aquafil, the agency is working to mix its CNF formulation with the Italian entity’s ECONYL Polymer chemically recycled PA6 to create a brand new filament.
The ensuing CNF/ECONYL Polymer compound will reportedly characteristic excessive formability and energy for 3D printing purposes. It has already been showcased eventually yr’s Fakuma plastics processing expo and the Formnext 2024 additive manufacturing commerce present. Based on Asahi Kasei, trial gross sales of the brand new 3D printing filament will start within the EU, US, and Japan in Q3 2025.
Corporations exit the 3D printing house
Enterprise exits are nothing new within the international 3D printing market. Final yr, international chemical manufacturing firm BASF exited the 3D printing trade after its 3D printing enterprise, BASF Ahead AM, was carved out into an unbiased firm.
Ahead AM’s carve-out got here after the enterprise’s management, led by CEO Martin Again, bought BASF’s full 3D printing portfolio. Having retained its IP and provide chain, the entity expressed its intent to fulfill future demand and fulfill its contractual obligations. Nevertheless, following the information that insolvency proceedings had commenced in the direction of the tip of 2024, Ahead AM ceased US operations final month. The agency has since partnered with RP America, a distributor and repair supplier, to make sure ongoing product availability and on-site help for purchasers within the nation.
Elsewhere, 2023 noticed International print and digital doc company Xerox promote its additive manufacturing enterprise unit, Elem Additive Options. This was bought by ADDiTEC, a US-based metallic 3D printer developer. Xerox’s choice to exit the AM house got here amid an effort to refocus strategic priorities and investments onto its core print, IT, and digital service capabilities.
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Featured picture reveals APNA’s headquarters in Fowlerville, MI. Picture through Asahi Kasei.