This undated file photo shows a 3D printer. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan. 2 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s industry and defense ministries on Thursday signed an agreement to expand cooperation in using 3D printing technology to produce discontinued military parts.
The two ministries have been using 3D printing technology since 2017 to produce parts difficult to procure for warships and tanks, with the latest agreement paving the way for deeper cooperation, they said.
“The project has been improving the operation rate of the country’s defense system by securing parts for warships and tanks, while enhancing South Korea’s manufacturing capabilities in the 3D printing sector,” the ministries said in a joint press release.
The government will continue efforts to explore new areas where 3D printing technology can be applied and to foster a supply chain and industrial ecosystem for military equipment, they added.
“Based on the industry ministry’s assets, including infrastructure and workforce, along with its research and development experience, we expect to achieve significant results under the partnership with the defense ministry,” said Yoon Sung-hyuk, a senior industry ministry official.
(Yonhap)
