The Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials (KIMM), based in Changwon City, South Korea, has developed a groundbreaking magnetic Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology capable of producing high-performance motors. This innovation eliminates the need for traditional molds, allowing the fabrication of complex motor structures with enhanced performance.
The technology has been successfully applied to create axial flux motors, known for their high torque and efficiency in confined spaces, making them ideal for robotics, electric vehicles (EVs), and other mobility solutions. Notably, a 500W-class additively manufactured motor was developed, achieving an output density exceeding 2.0 kW/L—an impressive benchmark in motor performance.
A collaborative effort led by Dr. Taeho Ha of KIMM’s Department of 3D Printing, along with Dr. Taehun Kim from the Korea Institute of Materials Science and Professor Wonho Kim from Gachon University, spearheaded this innovation. The teams devised a comprehensive technological framework encompassing design, materials, processes, and equipment for magnetic material AM. This framework facilitates the creation of motors capable of delivering higher outputs within the same dimensional constraints.
Traditional motor manufacturing, reliant on electrical steel laminations or powder forming, is plagued by design limitations, high costs from mold production, material waste, and environmental concerns. KIMM’s magnetic AM technology addresses these challenges, enabling cost-effective, small-batch, multi-variety production while enhancing performance.
Dr. Taeho Ha emphasized the potential of this innovation:
“This magnetic 3D printing technology represents an innovative leap beyond traditional manufacturing methods, unlocking new possibilities for next-generation high-performance motors. Moving forward, we plan to expand into advanced industrial fields by integrating this with 3D printing technologies for high-functional materials.”
The research was supported by KIMM’s Basic Research Program for the development of Additive Manufacturing equipment for next-generation high-performance motors, alongside funding from the Nano & Materials Technology Development Program under the National Research Foundation of Korea.
This development underscores KIMM’s commitment to pioneering solutions that drive the future of industrial and mobility technologies.
