Hankook Precision Works advances tire mould technology with 3D printing centre

Seoul – Mould manufacturer Hankook Precision Works has established a 3D printing technology centre with the aim to advance additive manufacturing in the tire industry.

Co-launched with Korean 3D printing company Terraworks, the centre is located at the Hankook Engineering Lab, in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, the company announced 17 Aug.

Spanning 660 square metres and employing 15 experts, the unit aims to enhance precision tire mould parts technology as well as its domestic market share through developing and mass-producing new products.

The new products, said the Hankook & Co. subsidiary, include kerf products – fine grooves on the tire surface – and new tire moulds.

According to the manufacturer, demand for 3D printed kerf is currently on the rise, as it can “maximise” product-specific performance, such as low noise, grip and handling, it added.

In addition, the company’s 3D printed moulds, which are currently being verified for mass production, can “greatly shorten” the tire manufacturing process compared to existing moulds.

The mould maker said it intended to continue to invest in and expand its 3D printing technology with new businesses.

Operational since 1973, Korea Precision Works is a mould manufacturer supplying tire moulds, tire curing containers and precision parts using it own casting technology.