If you happen to go to Starfield in Hanam, Gyeonggi-do, you possibly can see a humanoid robotic intently resembling a human face. The corporate that exhibited the robotic is the eyewear model ‘Light Monster,’ which is gaining recognition, particularly among the many MZ technology. Guests who first see this robotic usually categorical admiration for the detailed options that appear to breed a human face as if it have been transferred as it’s.
The face and different components of the human-like humanoid are created utilizing a 3D printer. The corporate that carried out the 3D Printing for Light Monster is the 3D printing producer ‘GLUCK.’ GLUCK’s YouTube video showcasing the method of making Light Monster’s humanoid face by way of 3D Printing has surpassed 50 million views only a yr after its launch. The 3D printing course of, displaying the liquid resin implementing the pores and skin texture naturally, earned many feedback of astonishment and appreciation, together with like ‘scary’ and ‘creepy’ from each domestically and internationally viewers.
Since January 2023, GLUCK has additionally been energetic as a 3D printing accomplice of CAPA. With a imaginative and prescient of main innovation within the manufacturing trade by way of 3D Printing, GLUCK joined with CAPA, which goals of ‘innovating the manufacturing ecosystem.’ CAPA met with Hong Jae-ok, the CEO of GLUCK, at GLUCK’s headquarters in Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, to conduct an interview.
A younger man majoring in stage artwork falls in love with 3D printers
Hong Jae-ok, CEO of GLUCK stated, “I by no means imagined beginning a enterprise with 3D printing.” Whereas majoring in stage artwork in faculty and carving wooden as a interest, a buddy launched him to a 3D printer in the future and was shocked. The method that took a number of days to carve a chunk of wooden could possibly be completed simply and shortly with a 3D printer.
That day grew to become a turning level in CEO Hong Jae-ok’s life. He determined to delve into 3D printing and perceive it higher; he took a job as a manufacturing employee at a 3D printer manufacturing firm. As soon as he felt that he had a very good understanding of 3D Printing, in 2013, he and his buddies arrange a workshop. This was the start of GLUCK. At the moment, only a few corporations offered 3D printing providers as outsourcing, so GLUCK shortly gained recognition. There have been even prospects who got here from Jeju Island to position orders.
Constructing collaborations with Nike Hyundai, emphasizing differentiated high quality
GLUCK’s portfolio has been full of prospects from varied fields. GLUCK’s initiatives numbered over 3,500 in only one yr in 2022, from vehicles to medical providers to style.
World giants akin to Nike and Hyundai Motor additionally selected GLUCK. How was GLUCK capable of entice such main corporations? CEO Hong Jae-ok proudly states, “GLUCK’s ‘eyes’ that assess product high quality are totally different.” The truth that many workers with high-quality arts backgrounds work at GLUCK can be a aggressive benefit. Nearly all of GLUCK’s workforce consists of those that majored in high-quality arts, which has set a excessive commonplace for high quality in post-processing, colouring, and ending.
The expertise of engaged on commissions from well-known artists, assembly their requirements, and repeatedly elevating the outcomes’ high quality has been a chance for GLUCK to improve its high quality one step additional. With the power to satisfy the excessive requirements of demanding artists, GLUCK was capable of safe vital initiatives within the artwork subject and different industries. A notable instance is the manufacturing of show fashions for Nike’s sneakers and the manufacturing of jig components for Hyundai Motor.
Moreover, GLUCK acquired prime scores in reliability and precision assessments for 3D-printed tires commissioned by Korea Tire and continues to take care of ongoing collaborations.
Establishing automated and mass manufacturing techniques, increasing the two,000-square-meter manufacturing unit
GLUCK operates a manufacturing unit in Paju, outfitted with greater than 30 SLA-type 3D printers. Your entire 3D printing course of is remotely managed from the Seoul headquarters. Each step, from importing 3D mannequin knowledge to supply, is managed by way of MES (Manufacturing Execution System), and 3D Printing is carried out in response to the instructions uploaded to the web server.
Drawing on years of amassed know-how, GLUCK has constructed custom-made inner processes tailor-made to totally different industries and manufacturing functions. From {hardware} and software program setup, materials setting, 3D printing expertise management to washing techniques and post-curing circumstances, GLUCK has optimized every course of based mostly on an enormous database. Having a standardized course of permits GLUCK to attenuate lead instances by shortly making use of the method of an analogous product for brand spanking new prospects.
GLUCK’s power lies in its automation system and its capability for large-scale output and mass manufacturing. The 3D printers owned by GLUCK can produce prints with a most dimension of 2000cm in width and 1000cm in peak. Because of standardized processes, GLUCK has achieved quicker manufacturing speeds, akin to delivering six to seven units of refrigerator-sized residence home equipment and over 1,100 components in only one week.
GLUCK is planning to increase its present manufacturing unit web site with a further 2,000-square-meter facility. Furthermore, by introducing AGV (Automated Guided Automobile) and RPA (Robotic Course of Automation) applied sciences, GLUCK goals to reinforce automation, enabling robots to robotically transfer printed supplies and proceed to the subsequent job after 3D Printing is full.
Institution of a specialised department ‘GLUCK Medical’ for 3D Printing within the medical subject
GLUCK can be acknowledged as a ‘Maker Area’ firm chosen by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. Maker Area refers to areas created for revolutionary, artistic, and entrepreneurial actions within the manufacturing sector. Particularly in 2019, GLUCK was designated as the primary personal firm to be reworked from a ‘common lab’ to a ‘specialised lab.’ Incorporating varied applied sciences, GLUCK applies CT (Computed Tomography) software program used for dealing with CT scan knowledge in hospitals to 3D printing design. The corporate additionally makes use of ZBrush, a instrument used for real looking expression within the artwork trade, and particular make-up strategies.
In 2021, GLUCK established ‘GLUCK Medical,’ a specialised division devoted to 3D Printing within the medical subject. GLUCK Medical primarily produces prosthetics for organs akin to fashions of organs, eyes, and noses. An instance is the profitable improvement of a ‘Coronary heart Simulator’ that can be utilized for surgical observe, created in collaboration with medical professionals from Seoul Nationwide College Hospital.
The expertise of GLUCK’s Coronary heart Simulator is acknowledged globally, with requests for deliveries coming in from 30 nations worldwide. In keeping with GLUCK, within the medical subject, the place the minimal order amount (MOQ) for mildew manufacturing was burdensome, extra requests for full product manufacturing by way of 3D Printing are growing.
Main the best way in infrastructure improvement for 3D Printing to grow to be mainstream in manufacturing
CEO Hong Jae-ok mentions that even after working GLUCK for 10 years, he nonetheless finds pleasure in his work. The joy of assembly folks from varied industries by way of outsourcing 3D Printing and never limiting himself to a particular subject is what retains him going. Regardless of having already secured many shoppers, he joined CAPA as a result of he desires to showcase the chances of 3D Printing to new prospects and those that have used different machining strategies.
The longer term that GLUCK goals of is to grow to be a ‘3D Printing Firm Builder,’ serving to merchandise made with 3D Printing and associated corporations grow to be mainstream in manufacturing. GLUCK, as a number one participant within the trade, goals to take the lead in varied industries adopting 3D Printing and hopes that this may result in new companies. Furthermore, GLUCK expressed its ambition to speculate straight in associated companies because the infrastructure for 3D Printing turns into extra superior. Under are further Q&A periods with CEO Hong Jae-ok.
Q. There are a lot of members with high-quality arts backgrounds. Is there a particular motive for this?
Identical to me, individuals who do artwork are deeply impressed after they first see a 3D printer. The method of realizing creation right into a bodily type normally takes a really very long time, however a 3D printer can implement it with high quality past expectations at a speedy tempo. People who find themselves fascinated by this innovation usually be a part of GLUCK. At one level, over 80% of GLUCK’s members have been from artwork colleges. In consequence, our high quality requirements for post-processing, coloring, and ending are larger than others.
Q. Have been you curious about mass manufacturing from an early stage?
We had already conceived of an automation system after we constructed the primary manufacturing unit in Paju in 2021. Sooner or later, RPA (Robotic Course of Automation) will grow to be much more vital as a result of we’re coping with mass manufacturing based mostly on automation techniques. (Regardless of technological developments,) many individuals nonetheless have to study if mass manufacturing is feasible with 3D Printing. Additionally, to mass-produce with 3D Printing, processing and design strategies want to vary (‘3D printable’) to be appropriate for 3D Printing. We information folks by way of these points with DfAM (Design for Additive Manufacturing) consulting.
Q. Though you have already got many shoppers, why did you be a part of CAPA and begin actions this yr?
It’s nice to have a platform the place you possibly can meet new prospects. CAPA is a singular manufacturing platform in Korea, and I’ve been uncovered to numerous info by watching varied content material that explains totally different machining strategies. I need to meet varied startups and present the potential of 3D Printing to those that have used totally different machining strategies earlier than.
Q. The CEO and all workers are having fun with their work. What’s the driving power?
My driving power is assembly folks and making an attempt new issues in new fields. At some point, I went to a hospital, the subsequent day to a automobile firm, after which met artists. I strive every little thing that may be completed with 3D Printing. I’m even sporting sneakers and glasses made with 3D Printing, and some days in the past, I began tooth correction utilizing 3D printing expertise. Even after 10 years, I discover it so attention-grabbing that I’m working exhausting.
Q. Are there plans for abroad enlargement?
We plan to determine a manufacturing unit in america in 2027 by additional enhancing the present automation system. We’ve got gained confidence in the opportunity of abroad enlargement by receiving good suggestions from prospects who’ve commissioned merchandise in america. Final yr, we additionally went on a survey journey to america with our workers. The time will quickly come when 3D printing will play a ‘game-changer’ function in manufacturing.
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