Kimura Foundry (DMP)
Operates advanced 3D sand printing foundry producing rapid prototype and small-lot metal castings (iron, steel, aluminum, specialty alloys) via Direct Molding Process (DMP) technology with proprietary ceramic sand, enabling 5-day lead times vs. 40+ days for conventional tooling.
- CEO / Founder
- Kazutoshi Kimura
- Team Size
- 501-1000
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- $38K
- Latest Round
- Grant
- Key Investors
- Sumitomo
Technology & Products
Key Products
Advanced casting technologies, including Full Mold Casting and Direct Molding Processes (DMP). Specializes in rapid prototype and small-lot metal castings (iron, steel, aluminum, specialty alloys) using proprietary ceramic sand.
Technological Advantage
DEFENSIBLE: Proprietary ceramic sand formulation with USA and Japan patents; patented low-expansion chemistry reduces thermal distortion defects below 1% vs. industry standard 2-5%; superior surface finish reduces post-casting machining by 30-40%; complete in-house process control (design→simulation→print→pour→finish) creates switching costs and differentiation vs. outsourced pattern + foundry workflows.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Reduces prototype casting lead time from 40+ days to 5 days; eliminates pattern tooling costs and NRE; achieves superior part quality (zero veining defects) through proprietary low-expansion ceramic sand and optimized binder chemistry; delivers complete in-house A-to-Z service (design, simulation, 3D print, pour, finish, QC).
How They Differentiate
Kimura is 3x-5x larger than typical sand casting service providers by equipment count (11+ printers vs. competitors' 2-4); proprietary ceramic sand eliminates defects that plague competitors; A-to-Z service delivery (in-house simulation, casting, finishing, inspection) vs. competitors requiring external pattern shops; Grunewald partnership provides exclusive cold-cure phenolic binder technology; proven rapid lead times (5 days vs. 7-14 for competitors using commodity binder systems).
Market & Competition
Target Customers
OEMs and component suppliers in automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, energy sectors requiring rapid prototypes and small-batch production castings
Industry Verticals
Automotive; Aerospace; Industrial Machinery; Construction Equipment; Pumps & Compressors; Power Generation; Oil & Gas; Renewable Energy; Agricultural Equipment
Competitors
ExOne (foundry sand 3D printing systems & services); Velo3D (metal AM, different process/market); Humtown Products (sand tooling for foundries)
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
877 employees across 10 facilities (April 2024); 11+ 3D sand printers operating worldwide; expanded from Japan-only to USA/Germany presence (2016-2018); added 4th casting furnace (1-ton capacity) for heavier parts (2024); completed VIP Tooling acquisition to expand machining capabilities (July 2025); 99-year continuous operation with consistent foundry market presence.
Major Milestones
Founded 1927 in Numazu, Shizuoka; 1982: Hirohiko Kimura becomes 3rd generation president; 2009: Began experimenting with 3D printing for sand molds; 2014: Hirohiko Kimura becomes Honorary Chairman; 2016: Receives Asahi Medal of Honor (旭日中綶章); 2016: Yoya Fukuda launches Kimura Foundry America (Shelbyville, Indiana); 2018: Partnership with Grunewald GmbH (Germany) for DMP technology; 2020: Secures corporate/grant funding rounds with Sumitomo participation; 2022: Acquires 10th Desktop Metal sand binder jetting system; 2024: Installs 4th furnace (1-ton capacity); partners with VIP Tooling; 2025: Completes acquisition of VIP Tooling (July 15); 2026: Celebrates 99th anniversary (Feb 2)
Notable Customers
Customers across industries, including automotive and Tier 1 suppliers, large and small engine manufacturing.