Korea PIM Accelerates Development of Next-Generation Autonomous Driving Camera Module Materials

Korea PIM, the nation's leading company in MIM (Metal Injection Molding) technology, announced on the 12th that it has begun prototype testing of core materials for next-generation autonomous driving camera modules for global electric vehicle companies. MIM is a technology that enables ultra-precise design and freeform shape realization. Korea PIM has secured the world's first mass production technology for aluminum-based MIM to be used in next-generation autonomous driving camera modules.

Since early last year, Korea PIM has been developing core materials for next-generation autonomous driving camera modules in collaboration with global top-tier camera module specialist Company A. After multiple sample tests, the two companies have completed the production of new camera module prototypes to be applied to autonomous vehicles of global electric vehicle companies.

Korea PIM is currently conducting tests based on the next-generation autonomous driving camera module prototypes with Company A. The tests are expected to be completed within this year. Korea PIM plans to respond to mass production of autonomous driving camera modules for global electric vehicle companies as early as this year.

For the commercialization of fully autonomous driving technology, improved camera image quality and continuous operation are required. During the process of enhancing camera performance, heat generation issues have emerged. Demand for aluminum-based materials with excellent heat dissipation properties is increasing. Korea PIM maximized the density of aluminum within the MIM process to secure superior physical properties and succeeded in applying aluminum-based MIM for the first time in the world.

A Korea PIM official stated, “In the commercialization process of next-generation autonomous driving camera modules, our MIM technology and references have been recognized, and we are developing products for application to global electric vehicle companies. Our key competitiveness lies not only in possessing MIM technology capable of ultra-precise design and complex shape realization but also in having already succeeded in applying aluminum MIM.”

He added, “Since the final customer, a global electric vehicle company, has high demand for the new product, we expect large-scale sales from a single product upon commercialization. We will conduct rapid testing of the new product with Company A to maximize performance growth in the autonomous driving sector.”

The securities registration statement (equity securities) submitted by Korea PIM took effect on the 4th of this month. Korea PIM will finalize the public offering price through demand forecasting targeting institutional investors from the 17th to the 21st of this month. Subscription will be accepted over two days, the 25th and 26th of the same month. The scheduled listing date is April 4, and the lead manager is IBK Investment & Securities.