Ministry of National Defense to Hold '4th Defense 3D Printing Competition Exhibition'

To Be Held at Daejeon Convention Center from June 18 to 20

An exhibition will be held to demonstrate the applicability of 3D printing technology in the defense sector and to promote the spread of 3D printing technology and the establishment of a production base necessary for 'logistics innovation'.

On June 2, the Ministry of National Defense announced that it will host the '4th Defense 3D Printing Competition Exhibition' at the Daejeon Convention Center in Daejeon from June 18 to 20. This year's exhibition is hosted by Daejeon Metropolitan City, organized by Daejeon Technopark and the 3D Convergence Industry Association, and sponsored by the Ministry of National Defense, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Korea Industrial Complex Corporation, and Hanbat National University.

Ministry of National Defense, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jin-Hyung Kang

The Defense 3D Printing Competition is being held for the fourth time this year. The exhibition will feature a total of 21 award-winning entries selected by industry-academia-research experts through document and in-person evaluations from among 55 submissions, including 26 excellent cases of defense 3D printing applications and 29 innovative ideas for application in the military. Award recipients will receive certificates and prize money, including awards from the Minister of National Defense, the Mayor of Daejeon, and the Chief of Staff, as well as the opportunity to participate in the exhibition.

The Ministry of National Defense selected the competition categories by considering ideas that could enhance the operational capability of existing forces and respond to changes in the future defense environment. The ministry explained that holding the exhibition will be highly beneficial in integrating 3D printing technology into the defense sector and promoting the military's 3D printing capabilities to the public, private sector, and the military.

The Ministry of National Defense stated, "In order to foster experts and enhance the military's technological capabilities, the military is conducting 'defense sector 3D printing expert training' and 'development of manufacturing technology for metal parts' in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology." The ministry added, "We will continue to make efforts to apply innovative 3D printing technology to the defense sector in order to advance as a science and technology powerhouse."