The Korea Institute of Materials Science, a government-funded research institute under the Ministry of Science and ICT,

announced the results of R&BD technology commercialization which was advanced to achieve technological independence for

materials, parts, and equipment (hereinafter MPE). Started after July 2019, when Japan's export control measures were

implemented, the project consists of three stages: research institute spin-off companies, technology transfer, and technical

support.

The achievements of strengthening the competitiveness of the MPE over the past two years are due to continuous efforts by 

KIMS, related companies, and the government. Noticeable results will continue to be produced in the future in terms of

securing more key technologies and commercializing the technologies in MPE.

[Case 1] Commercialization of research outcomes by R&BD with the research institute spin-off companies

“Commercialization of high corrosion resistant and flame resistant magnesium alloy”

SENM, a research institute spin-off company of KIMS, aims to produce differentiated magnesium alloys according to the

supply and demand outlook of the domestic and overseas magnesium material market and to the analysis results of the value

chain. The magnesium material specialist will be founded in the second half of this year.

Like magnesium, the lightest metal, gradually expands its application in electric vehicle market where technological competition 

is fierce to improve the mileage of the electric vehicles, It has become more important to secure core technologies for magnesium

materials and to establish a stable value chain in advanced countries.

The high corrosion resistant and flame resistant magnesium alloy developed by KIMS has dramatically improved the problems 

of ignition and corrosion, which have long been difficult problems for magnesium alloys. SENM will manufacture ingots and

billets, which are the raw materials of high corrosion resistant and flame resistant magnesium alloy and develop a process to

turn it into parts in order to complete the core part of the domestic value chain of magnesium materials.

While high corrosion resistant and flame resistant magnesium alloy has excellent ignition resistance and is essential in the

melting and casting process of alloys, it can significantly reduce the use of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), which threatens the

atmospheric environment (global warming). This is another advantage in response to carbon credits, which are gradually

being strengthened and expanded due to air pollution.

Shin Hyuk Gi, the CEO of SENM, said, "Based on the new magnesium alloy technology transferred from KIMS, SENM will not 

only become a pioneer for technology independence for MPE but also grow into a leading company that competes with

superior technical skills in the global market.”

 [Case 2] Commercialization of research outcomes by R&BD with technology transfer

“Commercialization of composite materials hydrogen tank for Pressure Container for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle"

SUNGWOO HITECH has developed its capabilities for a long time through bold and steady R&D activities. With its R&D center

established in 1994 for the first time in the auto parts industry, the company paid off in the development of automotive bodies

and parts using new materials. In 2019, it succeeded in developing Korea's first aluminum automotive body (doors, bumpers,

etc.) which allowed to reduce the weight by about a third compared to the steel plate body, resulting in improved fuel

efficiency.

KIMS acknowledged the need to develop and diversify the supply of composite materials hydrogen tanks, which are core 

technologies to improve domestic FCEV technology and expand the market. Based on the composite material technology,

KIMS and SUNGWOO HITECH succeeded in jointly developing a composite materials hydrogen tank. With their experience and

achievements in the commercialization of type 4 compressed hydrogen tanks, both parties plan to develop hydrogen storage

systems for eco-friendly future vehicles and personal autonomous vehicles (PAVs).

Lee Jung-hwan, the president of KIMS, said, “Korean government announced its plan to supply future vehicles such as electric 

vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles: 380,000 units by 2022 and 1.33 million units by 2025.” "Developing composite

materials pressure vessel technology would not only strengthen the technological competitiveness of domestic hydrogen

vehicles, but also contribute to environmental conservation.” he added.

[Case 3] Commercialization of research outcomes by R&BD with technical suppot

“Commercialization of high-speed manufacturing technology using metal 3D printers”

As additive manufacturing technology has evolved from prototyping to high-speed manufacturing of industrial manufacturing

parts, the demand for precision pattern production of complex 3D shapes with 0.1mm precision is rapidly increasing. For

instance, in the fashion industry, demand for dramatic improvement of product manufacturing and reduced delivery time for

fast fashion, in the tire manufacturing industry, demand for small parts with complex shapes called SIPEs (thin slits on tires),

and in the plastic mold injection industry, demand for sample molds for outputting complex, precision-shaped products are

rapidly increasing.

At first, KIMS focused on listening to the demands of domestic companies (Changshin Precision, Hango Industry, etc.) in the

relevant technical field. As a result, KIMS identified that the demands of companies were corresponded: △high-speed

manufacturing (remarkably shortening mold production time, reducing manufacturing costs and improving speed), △new

materials & new technologies (strategy to respond to the diversification of materials, transition to high value-added industries),

and △required environment (developing carbon-neutral materials and process technology, improving manufacturing

environment, etc.).

Started off with the midsole mold DfAM (Design for Additive Manufacturing), KIMS applied specialized additive manufacturing

design to shortening the mold manufacturing time and developed a new idea (Prebuild-plate) to shorten production time and

simplify the post-processing. In addition, the institute will analyze defects that occur during additive manufacturing to made a

data set and to improve manufacturing methods. KIMS is constantly striving to solve the difficulties of printing precise lattice

structures of the outsole and the difficulty of shortening the mold manufacturing time due to the thickness of the outer wall.

Lee Jung-hwan, the president of KIMS, said, “As the 3D printing technology is suitable for small-scale, various types of 

production, mass production using 3D printers has been in full swing in recent years. Particularly for footwear and tire

manufacturing industries, the high-speed manufacturing technology can shorten the mold production time, which previously

took more than one month, to about one week. KIMS will continue focusing on developing and delivering the technologies for

various industries.”