KAMIC sets the stage for preliminary discussions on establishing a ROK-U.S.
joint 3D printing production system for defense
Ongoing discussions have been progressing since the virtual meeting between
NCDMM (America Makes), the U.S. Department of Commerce,
and the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy in October 2023
On October 14, 2024, a meeting was held at the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology’s Siheung 3D Printing Manufacturing Innovation Center(KAMIC), bringing together America Makes, the Ministry of National Defense of Republic of Korea(ROK MND), and KAMIC to discuss 3D printing technology cooperation in the defense sector. This meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration for the rapid procurement of parts and enhancing maintenance capabilities in the defense sector. Attendees included Kimberly Gibson (Director of Ecosystem Development at America Makes), Enora Rogers (Technical Commercialization Advisor at ASTM International), Major Jung Inyoung (3D Printing Officer at the Equipment Management Division of the South Korean Ministry of National Defense), Son Yong (Director of KAMIC), and several key researchers, including Lee Hyup, Ha Cheolwoo, Kim Youngwon, and Eo Durim. Brandon Ribic (Director of Technology at America Makes) and Robyn Vialva (Officer at the Air Force Research Laboratory and Government Policy Manager) joined the meeting via video conference.
[History of Korea-U.S. Collaboration on 3D Printing Technology]
Since 2023, America Makes, a subsidiary of the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) under the U.S. Department of Defense, has been collaborating with the ROK MND and KAMIC to expand 3D printing manufacturing capabilities. This ongoing cooperation has been built on the foundation of several key meetings:
- October 2023: America Makes, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held a virtual meeting.
- November 2023: Kimberly Gibson visited KAMIC
- April 2024: Kim Youngwon, Senior Researcher at KAMIC, visited the America Makes headquarters.
- July 2024: Multiple personnel from the ROK MND visited the America Makes headquarters.
- October 2024: Kimberly Gibson and Enora Rogers visited KAMIC, and a meeting was held with Major Jung Inyoung from the ROK MND.
The meeting took place from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, featuring presentations on America Makes’ 3D printing technology cooperation in the defense sector followed by in-depth discussions. Participants later toured KAMIC’s 3D printing facilities, gaining insight into the practical applications of the technology.
[Related links]
https://kamic.or.kr/en/international-korea-usa-defense-3d-printing-technical-exchange-meeting-and-seminar-at-inlex-2024/
