The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) is embarking on the commercialization of technology to produce key components for hydrogen vehicles using 3D printing.
KAERI announced on the 30th that it has established the 11th research institute corporation by contributing two patents, including "3D printing-based high-melting-point heat-resistant metal coating technology," to the company Thecentek. A research institute corporation is a company established with the approval of the Minister of Science and ICT for public research institutions to commercialize technology directly in one of five major special zones or 14 small special zones across the country.
Since the launch of Kolmar BNH, the first research institute corporation in the country in 2006, KAERI has started several research institute corporations.
Thecentek is a specialized company that develops hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (hydrogen cars) and materials, parts, and equipment for extreme environments based on 3D printing technology. It started as a startup enterprise in November 2021 and has grown into a research institute corporation this time.
Thecentek possesses technology to produce key components of fuel cells, which are an obstacle to the popularization of hydrogen cars, quickly and cheaply. The "separator" that goes inside the fuel cell guides the flow of hydrogen and oxygen, transmits the generated electricity, and prevents the two gases from mixing directly. It is a key component that helps the fuel cell operate stably, accounting for 24% of the fuel cell's unit cost.
Existing fuel cell separators had to be coated with expensive materials such as gold or platinum to prevent corrosion. Additionally, the processes of molding, machining, and coating had to be carried out separately, which was time-consuming and costly.
Thecentek's 3D printing technology can implement metal molding, machining, and coating all at once. Using the "Directed Energy Deposition (DED)" method, which melts metal powder or wire with a high-output laser and builds it layer by layer, it allows for completion without the processes of cutting or separately attaching metal like in typical manufacturing processes, reducing the time needed to one-third.
Kim Kyungho, CEO of Thecentek, noted, "Since starting as a research institute startup, I am filled with emotion after being approved as a research institute corporation after persistent efforts," and expressed his deep gratitude to the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and the relevant parties for their support in the growth into a research institute corporation.