Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS), a government-funded research institute under the Ministry of Science and ICT, held the 2022 N-Lab. Performance Presentation to present N-Lab. research outcomes performed by KIMS and exchange opinions on materials, parts, and equipment (MPE) with experts in industry, academia, research institute, and government.

After Young-seon Lee, the Vice President of KIMS, explained the progress of N-Lab., four N-Labs, including the Department of Steels, Department of Titanium, Department of Aluminum, and Department of Metal Powder at KIMS, presented their research achievements.

△The Department of Steels presented “artificial neural network-based prediction for steel property technology” which is to create an artificial neural network model for property prediction based on steel property data accumulated through various studies. △The Department of Titanium introduced “pure titanium plate manufacturing technology for fuel cell separators and technology transfer case.” It is inventive and uniquely distinctive from conventional technology as it enables the precision forming of titanium plates. △The Department of Aluminum developed “high strength and high heat dissipation aluminum alloy generator housing parts for electric vehicles.” To develop housing materials for electrical components that require both strength and heat dissipation properties, the researchers at the Department of Aluminum developed a new alloy for casting with high strength and high heat dissipation. They also simultaneously increased strength and elongation through phase control. △ The Department of Metal Powder developed “the world’s first cost-effective permanent magnet with more than 30% reduction in neodymium (Nd), an expensive rare earth element.” It is expected to replace commercial magnets by reducing the content of neodymium and increasing the content of cerium which is relatively inexpensive.

Jung-hwan Lee, the President of KIMS said, "After Japan's export restrictions against Korea, the Korean government pays high attention to establishing R&D strategies and countermeasures and continues to support them. KIMS will also do our utmost to actively cooperate with the government's policies and to create outstanding research outcomes.”

To respond to Japan's export control of key items to Korea in 2019, the Korean government established the R&D Investment Strategy and Innovation Measures for MPE, and designated “National Research Infrastructure (3N)” which are N-Lab. (national research laboratories), N-Facility (national research facilities) and N-Team (national research consultative bodies).