Shapeways Shuts Down After 17 Years of 3D Printed Glory
3D Printing giant, Shapeways, has ceased operations and filed for bankruptcy as of July 2nd.
Shapeways, for the last 17 years, has been a supplier of all sorts of 3d printed and metal sintered goods, including, but especially for our audience, a wide variety of miniatures and terrain for tabletop gaming. From sci-fi vehicles like space stations and buggies to fantasy terrain that would make even the most jaded tabletop gamer take pause, there was no end of the sheer variety you could find.
All that is no more as of this week, according to reporting from TCT Magazine, which first spotted the company’s filing and has more details on the matter, including the fact that the company has ceased operations and filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.
Here’s what we know.
Shapeways Files for Bankruptcy
According to TCT Magazine, Shapeways filed a voluntary petition for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy while also confirming that its subsidiaries had done the same, ceasing operations alongside their parent company:
According to the Form 8-K, all Shapeways C-level executives and directors have resigned from their positions, while ‘neither the company nor any of its subsidiaries have officers or employees.’ A Chapter 7 trustee will now be appointed by the Bankruptcy Court to administer the Company’s bankruptcy estate, including liquidating the assets of the Company. Once a Chapter 7 trustee is appointed, an initial hearing for creditors will be scheduled and the Notice of Bankruptcy Case Filing will be sent to known creditors.
Alongside the filing, Shapeways Plant Manager Jules Witte posted on LinkedIn about the process, referencing some of Shapeways’ legal troubles of the past few years, which may have led up to the filling:
While we were aware of some of Shapeways’ struggles, the bankruptcy news was a shock to everyone. Seeing the surprise and disbelief on the faces of my colleagues was truly heartbreaking. Yet, in this dark moment, the team’s response was nothing short of inspiring. Their solidarity shone brightly as team members, even those off duty, came in to spend time together and ensure our facility was left in its best state.
Shapeways has seen its stock price decline steeply since 2022, and lsst year transferred its stock from the NYSE to NASDAQ after being hit with a noncompliance notice from the former.
As Shapeways shuts down, the industry will doubtless take notice.
