Jinju Discusses Establishing 3D Printing Center to Support Aerospace Companies

Based on Small Satellite and Space Component Testing Infrastructure
Expanding Support for 3D Printing Technology

Jinju-si in South Gyeongsang Province held an expert meeting in the city hall situation room to discuss the establishment of the "Space Industry Specialized 3D Printing Technology Integrated Support Center."

The meeting, held on the 9th, was attended by representatives from the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), and professors from Gyeongsang National University, as well as officials from 3D printing and satellite companies, who discussed the validity of promoting the center as a state-funded project and the direction of its establishment.

Group photo at Jinju City's meeting to promote the 'Integrated Support Center for Space Industry-Specialized 3D Printing Technology'.

Jinju-si already has key infrastructure in the aerospace sector, including facilities for small satellite development and a space component testing center. However, as demand for satellite manufacturing has surged recently, there is a growing need to build additional infrastructure that can respond effectively to this demand and systematically support local companies.

In particular, 3D printing-based space component manufacturing technology is attracting attention as an innovative production method that can reduce manufacturing costs and lead times, and also lower launch costs by making components lighter.

While other regions such as South Jeolla Province and Daejeon are building related infrastructure mainly for launch vehicles and defense space sectors, Gyeongnam, which is designated as a satellite-specialized zone, still lacks relevant support facilities. Taking these regional conditions into account, Jinju-si is pursuing the establishment of the "Space Industry Specialized 3D Printing Technology Integrated Support Center."

Participants exchanged a wide range of opinions on topics including: cases of applying 3D printing technology in the space industry; technological needs and challenges at company sites; the main functions and roles of the center; and the necessity of promoting the project with state funding. They particularly agreed on the need for an integrated support center that consolidates corporate support functions such as prototype production, testing and evaluation, and professional workforce training, and concurred that a phased construction plan reflecting actual corporate demand is necessary.

Based on the opinions presented at this meeting, Jinju-si plans to further refine the direction of the project and actively review the feasibility of securing next year's national funding and commercializing the project through cooperation with relevant institutions.

Kim Seongil, Director of the Space and Aviation Economy Bureau, said, "The Space Industry Specialized 3D Printing Technology Integrated Support Center will become core infrastructure for enhancing the technological competitiveness of the local aerospace industry," adding, "We will fully incorporate diverse opinions from academia and industry to develop this into an effective project."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.