Korean Register (KR) has awarded a manufacturing process certificate to AM Solutions, a South Korean 3D printing company, for its laser wire directed energy deposition (LW-DED) technology used in additive manufacturing for metal repairs. This certification marks a significant milestone in Korea, as it verifies the safety and reliability of using 3D printing for repairing damaged metal structures, expanding the application of additive manufacturing from component production to maintenance.
Additive manufacturing is gaining traction in sectors like aerospace and shipbuilding due to its ability to create complex parts quickly. However, its industrial adoption has been limited by certification challenges, high costs, and low demand. To address this, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) introduced Recommendation No. 186, which facilitates the safe use of additive manufacturing in marine and offshore applications.
KR has since updated its guidelines and established a comprehensive certification framework that includes materials, processes, and repair methods. The LW-DED process allows targeted repairs by melting metal wire with a laser and depositing it layer by layer, significantly reducing repair time and costs. The certificate presentation took place on July 28 at AM Solutions’ facility in Daejeon, attended by various industry representatives.
