In a groundbreaking achievement, Dr. Han Seong-Tae’s team at KERI’s Industry Applications Research Division has developed the core technology for “electron guns,” the essential component of “electron beam welders.” This advancement marks a significant shift as Korea moves towards local production, reducing reliance on imports for over 99% of electron beam welding equipment.
Electron beam welding, a critical process in various industries, utilizes the kinetic energy of electrons to join materials, offering defect-free bonding for thick materials, a feat unattainable with conventional methods. With the demand for advanced devices rising, especially in sectors like aerospace, defense, and nuclear power, the necessity for high-level electron beam welders becomes paramount.
Until now, Korea had heavily depended on imports from Germany and Japan for electron beam welding equipment, posing risks of technology leakage and hindering domestic advancement. However, Dr. Seong-Tae’s team has successfully achieved local production of electron guns and driving power systems, crucial components of electron beam welders.
KERI’s technology boasts world-class power (60 kW) and accelerated voltage (120 kV), enabling the machining of thick, large materials with unparalleled precision and efficiency. This breakthrough not only ensures Korea’s self-sufficiency in electron beam welding but also paves the way for significant developments in related industries.
As industries increasingly demand high-precision welding for complex products, electron beam welding emerges as a critical technology. Dr. Seong-Tae emphasizes its importance in opening avenues for domestic production of customized, high-tech source equipment, essential for future manufacturing needs.
Moving forward, KERI plans to develop ultra-high voltage (170 kV or more) and high-current electron guns for next-generation small modular reactors (SMRs). Additionally, they aim to enhance control technology to expand the applications of electron beam welding, including 3D printing of complex metal structures requiring exceptional strength.
