The sole survivors – which chemical giants still believe in AM?
The Atomic Layers: S10E25 (00292)
Atomic Layer of the Day:
The past year and a half has been marked by the departure of major chemical corporations from the AM sector. Mitsubishi Chemical, Braskem, BASF. On top of that, other companies have exited too – though not necessarily associated with the chemical industry, such as Jabil or Armor Group (Kimya).
It gives the impression that large chemical and manufacturing conglomerates have turned their backs on AM and the unfulfilled promises the industry has made over the years. They threw away their toys and left the sandbox.
Of course, it’s not that simple… Most chemical companies around the world are still involved in 3D printing, as they supply vast amounts of raw materials for the production of 3D printing materials. Mitsubishi Chemical, for instance, still offers pellets used in LAFM/FGF technologies and can even be considered a market leader in this area. But they’ve exited the filament and general 3D printing market.
BASF cut ties with Forward AM (which went bankrupt shortly afterward anyway), but it still plays a key role as a raw materials supplier.
The most dramatic case was Braskem, which pulled the plug not only on its own 3D printing efforts but also on the recently acquired and well-regarded taulman3D.
Well, that’s business. It is what it is…
The truth is, if more people were buying 3D printers and using more 3D printing materials, the big chemical companies wouldn’t even consider leaving the market.
But still, there are those who believe in AM and are not giving up. What’s more, it seems that at least some of them are actually making good money from it.
Here’s a short list of companies where AM is still a source of pride — not an embarrassing footnote on a résumé (like being a “content creator” on OnlyFans).
1. EVONIK (Germany)
Evonik Industries AG is a German chemical conglomerate headquartered in Essen and ranks among the global leaders in specialty chemicals. It operates worldwide in precision chemistry, sustainable raw materials, and advanced materials. The company focuses on markets such as pharmaceuticals, food, mobility, and advanced manufacturing.
In 3D printing, Evonik is one of the leading material suppliers for additive manufacturing. It specializes in the development of polyamide powders (e.g., PA12, PA613), TPA elastomers, and filaments for SLS, MJF, and FFF technologies. Under the INFINAM brand, it also offers photopolymer resins for industrial use. The company emphasizes quality, sustainability (e.g., bio-circular PA12), and collaboration with technology partners to support AM’s development as a true production tool.
2. ARKEMA (France)
Arkema is a global chemical group headquartered in France, specializing in advanced materials, specialty chemicals, and coatings. Its operations are focused on three segments: high-performance materials, adhesives (Bostik), and coatings & additives.
In 3D printing, Arkema plays a leading role as a supplier of high-performance materials, especially polyamide 11 (PA11). This bio-based polymer, derived from castor oil, is primarily used in SLS and MJF technologies. Arkema also offers photopolymer resins (Sartomer) and develops open collaboration platforms to support AM as a mature manufacturing tool.
3. SABIC (Saudi Arabia)
SABIC (Saudi Basic Industries Corporation) is one of the world’s largest chemical conglomerates, headquartered in Saudi Arabia. The company operates in petrochemicals, specialty chemicals, plastics, and metals, serving key industries such as automotive, construction, packaging, medical, and aerospace.
In 3D printing, SABIC offers advanced thermoplastic materials, including polycarbonates (PC), polyetherimide (PEI, branded as ULTEM), and PBT and PPE, primarily for FFF and large-format industrial printing. SABIC develops its AM offering in close collaboration with industry partners and equipment manufacturers (most notably Stratasys).
4. LUBRIZOL (USA)
Lubrizol is a global chemical company headquartered in Wickliffe, Ohio (USA) and part of the Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate. It specializes in oil additives, specialty chemicals, and advanced polymers, serving sectors such as automotive, industrial, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and plastics.
In the field of 3D printing, Lubrizol is active through its ESTANE 3D brand, offering high-performance thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomers for FFF and PBF technologies. One of the more interesting results of Lubrizol’s collaboration with the AM industry is the varioShore TPU material developed in partnership with ColorFabb. This filament, based on Lubrizol technology, uses a micro-foaming effect that allows variable hardness and density depending on the printing temperature. This enables the creation of soft, lightweight, yet durable parts—such as shoe insoles.
5. GRUPA AZOTY (Poland)
Grupa Azoty is the largest chemical company in Poland and one of the leading players in the chemical industry in Central and Eastern Europe. Headquartered in Tarnów, it operates in the fields of mineral fertilizers, specialty chemicals, and engineering plastics. Its product portfolio includes caprolactam, polyamides, melamine, OXO alcohols, plasticizers, and dyes. The group serves sectors such as agriculture, automotive, textiles, construction, and packaging, and actively invests in innovation and sustainable development.
In the 3D printing space, Grupa Azoty is developing its own brand, Tarfuse, offering technical FFF filaments based on PA6, and composites with carbon and glass fibers. A particularly notable development direction is the ENVI material—a biodegradable filament based on thermoplastic potato starch. This is an innovative alternative to traditional synthetic materials, designed with environmentally friendly applications in mind. ENVI is characterized by a low carbon footprint, easy biodegradability, and compatibility with standard FFF printers.
You’ll be able to learn more about the companies shaping the 3D printing materials market in the upcoming VoxelMatters report, which I had the pleasure of co-authoring!
Atomic Layer from the Past:
05-25-2017: Phrozen Make was successfully funded on Kickstarter.
News & Gossip:
Peak Technology has acquired Jinxbot 3D Printing, known for rapid prototyping and engineering support. The merger combines Jinxbot’s creativity with Peak’s manufacturing capabilities, creating a comprehensive offering for OEMs. The goal is to accelerate the transition from prototype to production in advanced industrial sectors.
Additive Manufacturing UK (AMUK) has appointed Craig Pyser, CEO of AMufacture, as its new chair following Stewart Lane’s departure. Pyser brings extensive experience in 3D printing and aims to help shape the sector’s future. AMUK, founded in 2014, promotes the UK as a global leader in additive manufacturing.
From the weird and not-so-serious category: British company DEEP has unveiled an ambitious plan to enable humans to live underwater by 2027. Using advanced 3D printing, they aim to construct subaquatic habitats capable of withstanding extreme pressure. The first prototype, called Vanguard, will be a 28 m² unit designed for three people at a depth of 100 meters. Larger habitats, called Sentinels, will support six people and reach depths of 200 meters. DEEP envisions 28-day underwater missions and plans to launch ten such projects globally within the next decade. By 2050, they hope to witness the birth and upbringing of the first human entirely under the sea.
I think you just forgot one of the most important for 3D Printing right now, that is Lehvoss, from Germany. From behind the curtains it is the supplier for both Chinese and biggest companies on 3D Print market. They are making a ruge difference here in South America on local business helping local manufacturers and spreading the word on new materials
Has material import effected this? Tariff estimation and logistics... say from Vietnam, for example. I haven't done research on things like recycled materials quality or conflict mineral/China logic board fallout, or simply competition shock... too much offering too soon.