Future plans for nanometer-level technology development
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Dr. Kim Hong-joo (right) and Dr. Kim Hyung-woo from KERI who developed the drive system technology. / Provided by KERI/,
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, ‘The Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) has succeeded in indigenizing the core ‘drive system’ technology for CNC systems, which are essential for machine tools.’,
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, ‘The CNC (Computer Numerical Control) system is an electronic module that processes numerical information through a computer and automatically controls all functions of machine tools such as position, speed, and rotation. It plays a role similar to the CPU (Central Processing Unit) of a computer.’,
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, ‘The CNC system for machine tools has a high dependence on imports, with over 95% being imported from Japan and Germany.’,
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, ‘The core of the CNC system is the drive system. Since 2020, KERI has been working on the development of drive system technology through the ‘Smart Control Device Technology Development Project for Manufacturing Equipment Systems’ in collaboration with domestic industry and academia. The need for technological independence of CNC systems arose when the materials, parts, and equipment industries were hit by export restrictions from Japan in 2019, which showed signs of including machine tools in the list of restricted export items.’,
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, ‘In particular, the drive system must maintain a constant speed and position for any load placed on it. The precision of the operation reaches a level of tens of micrometers (㎛), which requires measurement of errors that cannot be confirmed by the naked eye or by hand using laser or 3D scanning equipment.’,
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, ‘KERI successfully met all these demanding conditions required by the drive system and succeeded in developing domestic technology. Leading companies in the machine tool industry, such as Hyundai Wia and D&Solutions, have successfully conducted field verification.’,
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, ‘Through the indigenization of drive system technology for CNC systems, KERI expects to generate an annual import replacement effect of about 3 trillion won, reducing technological dependence on foreign products.’,
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, ‘KERI plans to advance the precision of the drive system to the nanometer level in the future. Furthermore, it will introduce an upgraded smart drive system technology incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, and proceed with the verification of industrial robots driven by this technology.’,
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, ‘Dr. Kim Hong-joo, Director of the Precision Control Research Center at KERI, said, “The drive system of machine tools is a crucial component that determines the productivity, precision, and quality of machined products.” He also mentioned, “As precision machinery forms the basis for not only traditional manufacturing but also future industries such as future mobility and robotics, the technological competitiveness of equipment and devices used in machining will determine the national competitiveness in the future.”‘,
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Spindle motor that makes up the drive system for machine tools CNC systems. / Provided by KERI/,
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