These days, with new technology, 3D printers are becoming more advanced every year. Not long ago, 3D printers flowed into CWNU. I interviewed professor Moon Yong-jae, who possesses technical knowledge about 3D printers.

Q: Please introduce yourself and tell your story.

Dr.Moon: Hi, I am Moon Yong-jae, professor of Leaders in Industry-university cooperation. Fourteen years ago, I knew about RP (Rapid Prototyping). I didn’t think it was normal equipment at the time. I studied it in university and took classes using 3D printers. From 2004, I provided technical assistance to four hundred companies over ten years, making car components and military supplies.

Q: What is a 3D printer?

Dr.Moon: A 3D printer’s principle is the same as a 2D printer. A 2D printer works on the front and back, the x-axis and the y-axis, but a 3D printer also works up and down on the z-axis. Originally, 3D printers were made to make prototypes of products. In the early 1980s, a 3D systems company in America developed a printer that made a three-dimensional structure by hardening liquid plastic. At present, with technological advances, nylon and metal can also be used. A 3D printer uses FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), PolyJet, SLA (Stereo Lithography Apparatus) and SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) methods. The FDM process is a method where melted plastic filament is laminated by steady pressure. Polyjet process combines ink-jet with photo curable resin, it produces a model while the liquefied photo curable resin hardens. SLA process shapes the model by laser. The SLS process is designed to laminate layer by layer from the bottom. It needs cooling time and post-cleaning process.

Q: How does it work?

Dr.Moon: First, it does reverse engineering and modeling. Reverse engineering is a branch of software engineering. Then it is sent to a 3D printer. FDM is used in our program. It laminates layer by layer. It is put in water, and we get a finished product.

Q: How much do you utilize 3D printers?

Dr.Moon: 3D printers have flowed into CWNU for only two months. 3D printers will be used in CWNU capstone design. Capstone design allows students to perform their assignment equipment like the 3D printer. Through capstone design, I will introduce it widely to students. If they learn it, they can use it in many places.

Q: What is its commercial value?

Dr.Moon: Its commercial value is very high. With polymeric biomaterials, its value is limitless. It is really marvelous.

Q: Do you have anything to add?

Dr.Moon: Now, the 3D printer is in Korea. Researchers study endlessly in creating and modeling and developing new products. In the future we will have 3D printers in every home. I hope lots of students learn about 3D printers. 3D printers open up a new world. 3D printer will useful much than we imagine.

Jeong Eun-su  -

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