Eplus3D, a provider of metal additive manufacturing systems, has supported Hankook Precision Works in deploying metal 3D printing for tire sipes production. The collaboration has moved from initial evaluation to stable, repeatable production, with systems now in operation across multiple facilities.
Tire mold manufacturing is increasingly turning to advanced production methods. Hankook Precision Works, a supplier of high-precision mold components for the tire industry, has adopted metal additive manufacturing to meet requirements for fine feature resolution, surface quality, and production consistency.
Metal additive manufacturing for tire sipes applications
Tire sipes components often require sub-millimeter features and controlled surface conditions, which can be difficult to achieve using conventional methods. Metal additive manufacturing enables the integration of complex geometries while maintaining design flexibility. For industrial adoption, consistent quality, repeatability, and production efficiency remain key requirements.
Hankook Precision Works evaluated the EP-M300 system based on part quality, data security, and cost performance. The first system was installed at the company’s China facility in September 2025, where test builds demonstrated mechanical properties and external quality comparable to other systems in its category.
Following pilot testing, the system was integrated into production. According to the company, operators were able to adapt to the machine within a short period, supported by its interface and operating environment.
Production validation and scaling
The EP-M300 systems have since been used to manufacture tire sipes printing cuffs, with approximately 100,000 components produced to date under stable conditions.
This output indicates that metal additive manufacturing can extend beyond prototyping into repeatable industrial production, where consistency and reliability are required.
As demand increased, a second EP-M300 system was deployed in February 2026. With multiple machines operating across facilities, the setup supports production continuity and increased output capacity.
Application-level support for stable manufacturing
Eplus3D supported the deployment through part-specific testing and process parameter optimization. These parameters were applied directly in production, reducing the need for post-installation adjustments.
By shortening the transition from evaluation to stable operation, this approach aims to reduce barriers to industrial adoption and supports consistent manufacturing performance.
From prototype capability to production consistency
Recent industry developments have increasingly demonstrated the transition from prototyping to full-scale production in metal additive manufacturing. In defense applications, companies such as Hadrian allowed critical defense programs to move from validated designs to full-scale production efficiently.
At the same time, efforts to improve process control, such as interlayer control systems reflect the ongoing challenge of maintaining consistent part quality. These constraints help explain why multi-machine deployment and stable output, as demonstrated in this case, remain a key step toward integrating additive manufacturing into established production workflows.
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Featured image shows metal 3D printed tire sipes components during post-processing. Image via Eplus3D.
