Director Son Yong of KITECH KAMICE presents Exploring pathways to advance defense industry
leveraging additive manufacturing
On February 5, 2025 (Wednesday), the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology’s (KITECH) Siheung 3D Printing Manufacturing Innovation Center (hereafter “the Center”) participated in the “2025 Gyeongnam Advanced Industry Promotion for MPE Specialists — Technology Exchange and Seminar,” held at the Gyeongnam Technopark (Gyeongnam Changwon Science and Technology Promotion Institute). The event brought together key institutions and industry representatives in Gyeongnam’s advanced materials, parts, and equipment sectors—spanning aerospace, defense, nuclear power, electric vehicles/mobility, and semiconductors—to discuss the current state and future directions of advanced industry.
The seminar was divided into two parts: Part 1 featured presentations on the direction of Gyeongnam’s MPE (Materials, Parts, and Equipment) cluster and R&D trends, followed by Part 2, which comprised simultaneous specialized sessions in the fields of aerospace, defense/nuclear power, electric vehicles/mobility, and semiconductors. Each session presented industry-specific issues, challenges, and application cases, fostering vibrant exchanges of ideas and networking among participants.
During the seminar, Director Son Yong of the Center delivered a presentation titled “3D Printing and Application Cases in Defense industry” In particular, he highlighted how additive manufacturing (AM) could enhance local industrial competitiveness by offering lightweight components and repair/regeneration solutions for discontinued parts, specifically for Gyeongnam’s strategic industries such as aerospace, defense, and nuclear power. He also introduced the Center’s role in overseeing the entire 3D printing process—from metal and polymer to bio materials—and shared examples of demonstration projects and on-site, customized technical support, generating significant interest from attendees.
Looking ahead, the KAMIC plans to continue expanding the scope of 3D printing across the domestic manufacturing landscape, supporting companies in the advanced manufacturing sector to create new value through technical assistance and ongoing partnerships. ✨👍