South Korean military uses 3D printing technology to manufacture aircraft and vehicle parts

In the past few years, military agencies in various countries have adopted Metal 3D Printing technology as a cost-effective solution for quickly manufacturing a wide range of components. Of course, no military organization is willing to share its secrets with other countries in the world, but reports indicate that the Korean military is also using metal 3D printing technology. According to the Associated Press, the South Korean Defense Ministry is using 3D printers to manufacture parts for the Air Force and the Army.

South Korea's innovative 3D printing technology is designed to save costs on the one hand and to reduce dependence on foreign parts on the other. These foreign parts are often not used by the country when political tensions between countries. Some discontinued parts are also difficult to obtain, and in some cases can be achieved by 3D printing. But cost-effectiveness is also undeniable. The conveyor cover made in Europe is obviously imported and is very expensive and time consuming to manufacture. The value of this part is $621, which takes seven months to manufacture. It currently takes only 4 to 5 hours of manufacturing time in Korea and costs $35.

Of course, a large number of components cannot be manufactured using metal 3D printing technology. In some cases, their structure is unreasonable, but in the case of a declining budget, cost savings are also on the agenda. According to the report, the Korean Ministry of Defense has sought to expand the range of 3D printed items in the near future. It has been reported that training aircraft parts have also been printed in 3D, saving the Ministry of Defense $2,600. Other plans, such as the manufacture of helicopter parts, are also on the agenda.

(Editor)