South Korean aerospace startup Innospace Co. announced on Thursday that it will establish a new advanced manufacturing division to produce its own launch vehicle engines and core components using three-dimensional (3D) printing manufacturing technology.

3D printing is considered a key technology in the aerospace and defense industries, which require small-lot production of a wide variety of products.

It can also integrate product manufacturing into a single process, resulting in cost savings of up to 50 percent compared to traditional manufacturing methods, the company said.

The new division has already completed quality reliability verification by applying shipment inspections in accordance with the international standard, the ISO/ASTM 52941-20, which defines criteria for metal additive manufacturing equipment for aerospace applications - a first in Korea, it said.

Innospace aims to stabilize the production of launch vehicle engines and key components using 3D printing technology within the year, while also building a data-driven quality management system and reducing manufacturing costs and lead time.

It also said that it has completed process development and initial production for 13 components, including first- and second-stage oxidizer pumps and rotating parts for its small launch vehicle HANBIT.

“Applying 3D printing manufacturing technology to achieve component lightweighting will reduce launch vehicle weight and increase payload capacity, allowing us to offer customers more transport opportunities at a lower cost, which will positively impact our future revenue,” said Innospace Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kim Soo-jong.

“3D printing manufacturing technology can also be expanded beyond aerospace and defense to high-value industries such as automotive and semiconductors. It is expected to contribute to enhancing our business competitiveness moving forward,” he added.

[ⓒ 매일경제 & mk.co.kr, 무단 전재, 재배포 및 AI학습 이용 금지]