SLS(Selective Laser Sintering) method based 3D printer that uses molding sand has been invented for the first time in South Korea.

By making most of the open source for SLS method based metal printer, price was reduced up to 1/10 of the foreign product. It seems the invention will bring much development in domestic 3D printer industry and casting business as well.

Research professor Joo of Busan University revealed on the 3rd that they have created general version of SLS 3D printer the past year and have provided H University with the printers for educational and research purposes.

Professor Joo had made an online community and triggered viral interest of 3D printer via open source. He had opened a educational space for the community members and shared the open source and technology of the 3D printer.

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<Professor Seunghwan Joo of Busan University made the SLS method based molding sand 3D printer. It uses laser to melt the plastic that is coated over the surface of the molding sand. It can work through and create detailed molding sand frame. >

He has been researching on industrial metal printer since end of 2013 after joining the 3D Matrix development team as CTO (chief technology officer). When the 3D Matrix started becoming stagnant in research development, he decided to continue the research on his own.

After professor Joo had provided H University with the trial product, he had received too many request and demand from others. So he established a corporate body named ‘Wallybot(tentative name)’ and plans to commercialize the 3D printer industry through it.

By utilizing open source, the powder feeding system operates by itself and by using low power laser, the price has been reduced drastically down to 1/10 of the foreign products. Previous foreign printers are asking for 1.5 million USD per printer but the testers of the domestic one is being produced at somewhere ten thousand USD range. After commercializing, it is planned to be sold between 100~200 thousand USD.

Professor Joo said, “By installing high powered laser (over 400W) we can create a metal printer that can melt and coat metal materials right away. After attracting enough investors and installing high powered laser with 500x500mm size, we plan to commercialize the industrial 3D metal printer.”

Desk Editor & Senior Reporter Kim,Soon-ki soonkkim@etnews.com