October 31, 2024 – Arkema and Yimai Intelligent Join Forces to Revolutionize 3D Printing with High-Performance Kepstan® PEKK Material
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Arkema and Yimai Intelligent have announced a partnership to deliver advanced 3D printing solutions based on Kepstan® PEKK, a high-performance polymer. This alliance aims to enable users to rapidly manufacture PEKK printed parts with enhanced dimensional stability and improved Z-axis strength, catering to the growing demand for high-quality 3D printed components across various industries.
Yimai Intelligent, a leading player in China’s 3D printing industry, specializes in the research and production of industrial-grade 3D printers. Its brand, IEMAI3D, is globally renowned for its “Allinone” 3D printing solutions, which are compatible with a wide range of thermoplastic materials. These solutions have found widespread application in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, petrochemicals, medical, and electronics manufacturing, demonstrating Yimai’s strong technical prowess and market influence.
According to Color Masterbatch Industry News, PEKK, a vital member of the polyaryletherketone (PEAK) family, is one of the world’s highest-performing polymers. Compared to PEEK, PEKK not only offers excellent mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance properties but is also easier to print. It can be processed at lower 3D printing temperatures while exhibiting outstanding layer adhesion, resulting in printed parts with exceptional dimensional accuracy and Z-strength. Consequently, PEKK is increasingly becoming a preferred choice for replacing metal and composite components in industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical technology, and marine.
Arkema acquired the production technology for PEKK through its purchase of Oxford Performance Materials (OPM) in 2009. In close collaboration with chemical company PCAS, Arkema established Europe’s first PEKK industrial production plant in France and a larger second facility in the United States. Marketed under the brand name Kepstan® PEKK, the material is recognized for its high melting point, exceptional chemical resistance, and abrasion resistance. When reinforced with carbon fiber, it offers high stiffness and lightweight properties, making it highly sought after in the market.
Notably, Kepstan® PEKK holds a significant position in composite applications within the aerospace industry. It also plays a crucial role in sectors such as oil and gas, automotive and transportation, general industry, 3D printing, and consumer electronics, providing material solutions that withstand high temperatures and corrosion. The partnership between Arkema and Yimai Intelligent is poised to further drive the widespread adoption of PEKK material in 3D printing, delivering innovative value to users across various industries.