Metal additive manufacturing continues to gain ground in demanding industrial applications. Eplus3D and Hankook Precision Works have consolidated their collaboration to produce tire mold sheets using 3D printing. What began as an evaluation phase has evolved into stable, repeatable production, demonstrating that the technology can meet sub-millimeter precision and surface quality requirements that conventional methods cannot match.
Sub-millimeter precision in sheet production 🔧
Tire mold sheets require geometric features below the millimeter and a controlled surface finish. Hankook, a specialist in high-precision components, adopted additive manufacturing to overcome the limitations of traditional machining. Eplus3D's technology enables fine details and repeatability in each part, a critical factor for the automotive industry. The process eliminates intermediate steps and reduces dependence on complex tooling, facilitating the production of batches with consistent specifications.
From prototype to workshop: when 3D stops being a hobby 🚗
At first, some thought 3D printing was only for making keychains or dragon figurines. But it turns out it is also useful for manufacturing components that must support the weight of a car and even roll. Hankook and Eplus3D have shown that it is possible to move from the experimentation phase to series production without anyone having to blow hot air on the print bed. Who would have thought it: the same machines that make decorative plastic parts now produce molds that shape real tires.