Fraunhofer ILT expands laser‑manufacturing partnership with Korea's KIMM

The Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (Fraunhofer ILT) announced the renewal of its strategic partnership with the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM). The memorandum of understanding was signed on 16 July 2026 during KIMM President Dr Seog‑Hyeon Ryu’s visit to Aachen, Germany.

The cooperation will broaden joint research on laser‑based manufacturing technologies for sustainable industry, including electric‑vehicle components, battery production, fuel‑cell bipolar plates, and laser processing of hairpin parts. Projects also target de‑commissioning of nuclear facilities, small modular reactors, hydrogen and renewable‑energy systems, and the development of PFAS‑free functional coatings.

Both institutes aim to deepen scientist exchange programmes and strengthen Germany‑South Korea collaboration in advanced manufacturing.