Key Takeaways
- Hyundai Motor Group has launched a joint Additive Manufacturing Solution Center (AMSC) with Kia in South Korea
- The AMSC is located at the Namyang R&D center, which spans over 3 million square feet and employs over 10,000 workers
- Hyundai has been utilizing 3D printing since 1996, but the new facility marks a significant expansion of their additive manufacturing capabilities
- The company is applying AM technologies to various applications, including vehicle components, equipment consumables, and manufacturing tools
Introduction to Additive Manufacturing at Hyundai and Kia
Hyundai Motor Group, which includes Hyundai and Kia, has taken a significant step in advancing their additive manufacturing capabilities with the launch of the Additive Manufacturing Solution Center (AMSC) in South Korea. The AMSC is situated at the company's largest R&D center globally, the Namyang facility, which covers an area of over 3 million square feet and employs more than 10,000 workers.
Expansion of Additive Manufacturing Capabilities
Hyundai has been using 3D printing since 1996, but the establishment of the AMSC marks a substantial expansion of their additive manufacturing capabilities. The facility features over half a dozen different AM processes, evenly distributed across both metal and polymer. According to Hanwoo On, senior manager of the Additive Manufacturing Solutions Team at Hyundai Motor Group, the company is "rapidly internalizing [AM] technologies through a growing range of applications across the Group."
Comparison of Additive Manufacturing Technologies
| Technology | Material | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) | Polymer | Vehicle components, equipment consumables |
| Stereolithography (SLA) | Polymer | Manufacturing tools, prototypes |
| Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) | Polymer | Vehicle components, equipment consumables |
| Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) | Metal | Vehicle components, manufacturing tools |
| Electron Beam Melting (EBM) | Metal | Vehicle components, equipment consumables |
Industry Trends and Applications
The renewed interest in additive manufacturing tooling applications from automakers is driven by supply uncertainty related to materials and production workflow delays. Hyundai's expansion of their additive manufacturing capabilities is a strategic move to stay ahead in the industry. With the AMSC, the company aims to apply AM technologies to various applications, including vehicle components, equipment consumables, and manufacturing tools.
Bottom Line
The launch of the Additive Manufacturing Solution Center by Hyundai and Kia marks a significant milestone in the adoption of additive manufacturing technologies in the automotive industry. With over 25 years of experience in 3D printing, Hyundai is poised to leverage their expertise to drive innovation and efficiency in their manufacturing processes. As the industry continues to evolve, the application of additive manufacturing technologies is expected to play a critical role in shaping the future of automotive production.