South Korean steel producer POSCO launches first environmentally friendly free-cutting steel

South Korean steelmaker POSCO announced through a press release in August 2020 that the company successfully started mass production of lead-free free cutting steel in June and is now looking for customers in the automotive and IT industries. The new material is called POSCO Graphitic Steel for Machinability (PosGRAM) and is the world’s first graphite-based free cutting steel. Free-cutting steel is often offered as rod-like material and enables fast machining in appropriate machines and cleaner surfaces than conventional steel. It is typically used for metal parts of vehicles and IT products that have complex geometries or have particularly high accuracy requirements.

 

 

Current steels of this type often contain lead, which is cheaper than other additives but poses health and environmental problems. During alloying in the steel mill, toxic lead vapors are released from the molten metal and special equipment must be used to extract and capture the vapors. As a result, lead-alloyed free-cutting steels are no longer produced in large quantities. Due to increasing environmental concerns, global standards have been adopted, including by the EU, which reduce the amount of lead in steels to 0.1 percent. However, since no adequate substitutes for lead have yet been found for free-cutting steel, up to 0.35 percent lead is permitted here.

POSCO reiterated the significance of mass production of PosGRAM, which replaces lead with graphite without sacrificing processing speed. PosGRAM has clean and even surfaces in any cutting direction and can be used in electromechanical components because it is easy to magnetize. POSCO has been researching the development of graphite free cutting steel since 2017 and began mass production in 2020. The company has been selling the steel to some customers since June. Annual global demand for free-cutting steel is an estimated 1 million tons, half of which is lead-based products. Previously, there was no company in South Korea producing lead-free free-cutting steel, so they imported an average of 23,000 tons annually from abroad, including Japan. With the new PosGRAM steel, POSCO expects to replace imported steels as far as possible and contribute to the competitiveness of the domestic industry. Steel products in South Korea require certification with the KC mark or KC certificate, which is roughly equivalent to the European CE mark and currently applies to 730 different products. MPR International GmbH – Korea Certification is available to answer your questions regarding Korea certification at any time and without obligation.

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LG Chem produces new type of battery for Tesla’s electric cars

The share price of South Korea’s LG Chem rose 3.57 percent on Oct. 22, 2020, the day Tesla announced higher profits than the market expected. Industry experts suspect a high impact of the Tesla announcement on LG Chem’s share price. Industry insiders citing the reason as LG Chem’s development of a new battery for electric vehicles, which Tesla unveiled at the so-called “Battery Day” in September 2020 without mentioning the name of the manufacturer or supplier. Meanwhile, LG Chem is preparing for a surge in Tesla’s orders, tripling its cylindrical battery cell production capacity from the current 20 GWh to 60 GWh by 2023.

 

 

The speculation that LG Chem will develop a new battery type and become one of Tesla’s main suppliers is based on two reports. On October 21, 2020, Jang Seung-se, vice chairman of LG Chem, reported that his company is working on the development of cylindrical battery cells, which have a fivefold higher energy density and six times more capacity. These specifications exactly match Tesla’s Type 4680 battery, which Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled in September. Initially, Tesla wanted to produce the new Type 4680 battery cells itself. Afterwards, however, it turned out that this would exceed Tesla’s current production capacities and that it would also not be possible to build a new production facility within a year.

Tesla estimates that the required quantity of Type 4680 batteries in 2020 will have a capacity of 100 GWh. These could then be installed in around 1.3 million electric cars annually. LG Chem, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, currently has a total annual production capacity of 100 GWh but was able to increase this to 120 GWh by the end of 2020, according to the company. Nearly all of the cylindrical battery cells for electric vehicles that LG Chem produces are installed in Tesla models. In order to supply other manufacturers besides Tesla or to avoid shortages, LG Chem plans to expand its total annual production capacity to 260 GWh by 2023. Electric car components, which include batteries, must undergo certification for the KC mark or KC certificate in Korea. Our experts are always available to answer any questions without obligation.

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Everyday objects with OLED displays move a step closer

The eye-catcher of the exhibition is the OLED display technology that LG has installed in numerous interior design and everyday objects in the show house. The living of the future can be seen at LG’s Science Park in the South Korean capital Seoul. The technology in the bedroom is particularly innovative. Built into the footboard of the bed is a 55-inch OLED screen that hides discreetly and can be raised automatically. In the background, sensors analyze sleep behavior and quality and show the result every morning. In addition, the user can display other information such as weather, schedule and news. The screen can be adjusted in height depending on the viewing angle, offering an optimal viewing experience from any position.

 

 

The LG Display business unit is working on developing the next generation of OLED displays to expand its product range and differentiate itself from the competition. In particular, the company plans to offer screens for use in the home environment. LG OLED displays are narrower than traditional smart TVs or flat-panel displays, plus they don’t require backlighting and use innovative materials that make them more flexible and durable. LG is currently developing OLED screens from 55 to 88 inches, which are only 1 mm narrow. In the showroom, for example, there is a mirror made of an OLED screen on which users can virtually try on new clothes and then order them directly online. The living room of the show house features a curved OLED screen on the ceiling as well as screens that can change their bend or orientation depending on the viewing angle.

Through the exhibition currently taking place, LG hopes to establish strategic partnerships in the B2B sector with construction companies, home appliance manufacturers, furniture and interior design companies. Collaboration is expected to create synergy in the home interior sector and further expand LG’s competitiveness in the display industry. “The new OLED showroom is part of our innovation initiative, in which LG aims to differentiate itself from conventional TV and IT products and expand into new business areas,” said Alex Kwon, head of business development, LG OLED displays division. To be imported or sold in South Korea, electronic devices are subject to KC certification (also called KC Mark). The KC-Mark or KC certificate is roughly equivalent to the European CE mark and applies to 730 different products. KC certification, or Korea Certification, is primarily about identifying and containing a potential risk to consumer health and safety. We will be pleased to advise you on Korea Certification without obligation and to eventually carry it out for you.

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South Korean telecommunications companies reduce dependence on their core business

The three largest telecom companies in South Korea, SK Telecom (SKT), KT and LG Uplus, are looking for new business areas and growth industries outside their usual core business, the conventional telecom sector. The companies see difficulties in continuing their businesses in the telephony sector successfully in the post-Corona era and the entry into the so-called “Fourth Industrial Revolution”. According to their own statements, the aforementioned companies have already upgraded or supplemented their conventional telephony services with artificial intelligence, Big Data and cloud services.

 

 

A spokesperson for the telecom industry confirmed the shift within the companies toward providers of digital services of all kinds, such as online shopping, web and server hosting, streaming and contactless payment processing. For example, SK Telecom recently changed its company name to SKT to reduce the reference to telecommunications. KT (Korea Telecom) calls itself an “AI company” or “digital platform provider” in hopes of attracting more business customers. LG Uplus dropped the word “telecom” from its company name long ago, and its businesses in other areas outside of telephony have shown good growth rates in recent years.

SKT plans to transform itself into a global tech company with growth in media, IT security and commerce. The basis for this is the existing Information and Communications Technology division. Plans call for the new business areas to account for more than 35 percent of sales in the future. This year, the media sector has already posted a 20 percent year-on-year increase in sales. Here, SKT has bought up the provider T-broad and now offers IPTV services. The number of subscribers increased by 129,000 in the previous quarter. SKT is also planning to establish a platform for mobility and positioning services based on its popular T Map system. A strategic partnership with the cab service Uber is under discussion here.

South Korea is considered one of the most important and innovative industrial nations in the world. To gain market access to this highly technological country, products imported into South Korea must be tested and certified. The KC mark or certificate is roughly equivalent to the European CE mark and applies to 730 different products, including many electronic products. For products with a radio module, KC EMC certification is also required. MPR International GmbH has solid experience in Korea certification and competent local partners.

If you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs or KCs for explosion safety products, feel free to contact us any time.

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LG Chem further expands its leading position in the global automotive battery market

According to market observers from SNE Research, LG Chem was able to secure the top position in the global market for automotive batteries in the months January to September 2020 with a market share of 24.6 percent. The batteries delivered by LG Chem during this period had a total capacity of 19.9 gigawatt hours (GWh). Competitor Samsung SDI was able to gain a place in the global comparison and is now in fourth position with a market share of 6.2 percent or 5.0 GWh. SK Innovation rose by three places to sixth rank. The market share is 4.4 percent or 3.5 GWh. The combined market share of these three South Korean companies is 35.1 percent, more than double last year’s 16.2 percent.

 

 

While Korean battery manufacturers reported satisfactory business figures, companies from Japan and China reported a slowdown in sales. CATL from China was number one worldwide in 2019 with a market share of 26.5 percent, but lost its leading role and fell to 23.7 percent in 2020. Panasonic from Japan was second in 2019 with 25.0 percent market share, but fell to third place this year with 19.5 percent. The declines at Chinese and Japanese companies are due to weaker demand for electric vehicles in China and the U.S. during the first half of 2020. Overall, the battery capacity of all electric vehicles registered worldwide in the period January to September fell from 81.9 in 2019 to currently 80.8 GWh.

In the meantime, LG Chem announced at a shareholder meeting on October 30, 2020, that it will spin off its battery business into a new company LG Energy Solution. The shareholders have already approved the plan. The Group plans to increase LG Energy Solution’s revenues to USD 26.9 billion by 2024. Components of electric vehicles, which include batteries, must undergo certification in Korea. The KC mark or KC certificate is roughly equivalent to the European CE mark and applies to 730 different products, the scope of which changes frequently. We offer certification services for all product areas. We have developed particular expertise in the automotive, electrical, mechanical engineering, telecommunications and IT sectors.

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Rising vehicle imports in South Korea despite Covid 19 pandemic

The Association of Korean Auto Importers and Distributors announced the latest figures on November 4. In October, 24,157 imported vehicles were newly registered, an increase of 9.8 percent over the previous year. A total of 216,004 vehicles were sold in the first ten months of the year. This represents an increase of 14.2 percent over the same period last year.

 

 

Broken down by manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz was able to maintain its leading position with 6,576 vehicles, but lost 18.1 percent compared to October 2019. Mercedes benefited from new models of its E-Class, which is now in its 10th generation, as well as the new plug-in hybrid SUV GLC 300e 4MATIC. BMW follows in second place with 5,320 vehicles, an increase of around 29 percent. The other places are occupied by Audi with 2,527, Volkswagen 1,933, Volvo 1,449, Jeep 937 and Mini 890 vehicles. Japanese manufacturers were also able to make good their losses. Thanks to the popularity of hybrid vehicles, the sales figures of Lexus rose by 91 percent to 871 vehicles and Toyota by 35 percent to 553 vehicles.

The best-selling import vehicle in South Korea in October was the Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI with 1,089 units. In second place is the Volvo XC40 B4 AWD (1,017 units), followed by the BMW 520 (834 units), Mercedes E 220d 4MATIC (622 units) and finally the Mercedes GLA 250 4MATIC (585 units). Lim Han-kyu, deputy chairman of the Association of Korean Automobile Importers and Distributors, explained that the increase in vehicle imports was due to the introduction of new models and their adequate procurement by the dealers. MPR International GmbH will be pleased to advise them regarding a Korean certification in the automotive sector. We have already successfully accompanied many large automotive suppliers and also vehicle manufacturers with locations in Korea in their certification projects and have been supporting these companies for several years.

If you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs or KCs for explosion safety products, feel free to contact us any time.

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Doosan Logistics Solutions markets Geek+ robots for Korean distribution centers

Doosan Logistics Solutions Co. (DLS), the logistics and automation provider of the South Korean conglomerate Doosan Group, has signed an exclusive agreement with Geek+ to distribute autonomous logistics robots in Korean distribution centers. Geek+ is China’s leading manufacturer of logistics robots. The agreement includes the exclusive right of DLS to distribute Geek+ logistics robots in South Korea and to perform maintenance and repair work. The rapid growth of online commerce and contactless shopping highlights the importance of accessible and efficiently operated logistics centers. Founded in May 2019, Doosan Logistics Solutions offers its customers a complete solution that includes planning, setup and software for logistics and distribution centers.

 

 

Geek+ is the world’s largest provider of autonomous logistics robots with a market share of 16 percent. The company has already sold more than 10,000 robots for automated warehouses and has gained more than 200 customers since its establishment in 2015, including Walmart, Nike and Dell. The automated robots for picking and placing shipments in the warehouse increase productivity by up to 300 percent, and the robots for distributing shipments within the warehouse by up to 500 percent. The robots communicate within the warehouse using radio modules such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or 4G/5G. For products with radio technologies, KC EMC certification is required to gain access to the South Korean market. This applies to products with radio technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID or other wireless communication technologies. MPR International GmbH has solid experience in Korea certification and competent local partners.

If you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs or KCs for explosion safety products, feel free to contact us any time.

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Korean chip maker SK Hynix expects to triple sales by 2025

South Korean chip maker SK Hynix expects sales of its NAND memory chips to triple in the next five years, following the recent acquisition of the relevant business unit from Intel in October 2020. NAND memory chips, also known as flash memory, are built into memory cards, USB drives, SSD drives and smartphones, among other things. Industrial applications include scientific instruments, robots and medical devices. Flash memory offers fast access times but is surpassed by RAM or ROM memory. The advantage of flash memory is its relatively high resistance to shock and vibration, which is why it has largely replaced conventional hard drives in portable devices.

 

 

“The company will grow self-sustained in the NAND memory segment over the next three years and triple its sales in this business over the next five years,” said SK Hynix CEO Leo Seok-hee during a conference call to announce third quarter results. SK Hynix was already considered a market leader in DRAM and is now considered a global leader in memory manufacturing following the acquisition of Intel’s NAND division. SK Hynix acquired Intel’s businesses in October 2020 for $9 billion. These include the SSD hard disk drive operations and a NAND chip plant in Dalian, China. Last year, SK Hynix sold $4.5 billion of NAND storage, or 19 percent of its total $24 billion business turnover. Prior to the acquisition, Intel’s storage division reported sales of $4.4 billion in 2019.

SK Hynix intends to strengthen its global market position by acquiring Intel’s storage business and to expand and enhance its SSD product portfolio. The company also plans to balance its DRAM and flash memory businesses. Semiconductor industry analysts have seen an increase in global DRAM chip purchases, citing Huawei’s U.S. trade ban. The Chinese company secured large sums of semiconductors in the global market before the ban took effect on September 15, 2020. In the case of SK Hynix, DRAM memory sales accounted for 75 percent, while NAND flash memory achieved 24 percent. Both figures were calculated for the third quarter of 2020. South Korea is considered one of the most important and innovative industrial nations in the world. Many products imported into South Korea must be tested and certified in advance.

If you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs or KCs for explosion safety products, feel free to contact us any time.

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Hyundai Motor exports first fuel cell system to Europe

South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor maintains its leading role in the field of hydrogen technology by exporting fuel cells. The delivery to a Swiss company is the first export of fuel cells instead of complete hydrogen-powered vehicles. Hyundai’s 95 kilowatt fuel cell system, which typically powers the Nexo SUV, will soon be delivered to the Swiss company GRZ Technologies as well as to another European start-up in the emergency power supply sector. According to the Korean Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy, Hyundai’s deliveries are expected to increase in 2022, after European companies have completed a one-year test phase of the system.

 

 

GRZ Technologies has its own metal-hybrid technology for hydrogen storage and is currently developing compressors and sensors for the serial production of its systems. The systems can store five to ten times the amount of hydrogen than conventional tanks at a low pressure of less than 10 bar. Hyundai Motor and GRZ Technologies have been working together on this technology since October 2019. Decisive for the export of the first units was the announcement of the European Commission of its strategy with hydrogen as energy carrier of the future. With the help of clean energy from hydrogen, the EU wants to reduce its CO2 emissions and become climate neutral by 2050.

Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor has built the world’s first production line for hydrogen-powered trucks and delivered 10 vehicles to Switzerland. It is hoped that this will further strengthen its leading role in the hydrogen sector in Europe. In addition, the company is in talks with 20 other interested companies from the USA and China. Hyundai CEO Chung Euisun confirmed in July the importance of hydrogen for the global energy economy. In his opinion fuel cells will be used in the future to generate energy in airplanes, ships, trains and houses. Last month Hyundai already signed an agreement with Australia’s national science agency CSIRO and the Fortescue Metals Group to research new hydrogen technologies. MPR International GmbH offers certification services in South Korea for all product areas, including KC certification for consumer products and especially electronics, KC EMC certification for electronic produts, and KC’s certification for machinery and explosion-proof products. We are at your disposal for any questions about Korea certifications.c

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Chemical companies work on environmentally friendly “green” plastics

Under the circumstances of this predicted enormous growth, South Korean chemical companies are increasing their efforts in research and development and in the expansion of production facilities. LG Chem has recently developed a fully biodegradable plastic with properties identical to those of conventional plastics. In addition, LG Chem has entered into a strategic partnership with Neste, the world’s largest biodiesel company, to develop environmentally friendly materials for the industry from renewable, biologically produced raw materials.

 

 

Within the SK Group, the SKC and SK Chemicals divisions focus on the development of environmentally friendly materials. SKC already brought biodegradable plastic films made of polylactides to market maturity in 2009. These are successfully used for the packaging of food, packaging labels, plastic bags and other products. SK Chemicals introduced Ecotria, a raw material for packaging of cosmetic products, which consists of a mixture of copolyester with recycled PET. Hanwha Solutions, on the other hand, is working on a compound of polyethylene and biodegradable plastic to overcome the limitations of using PLA and PBAT.

The Samyang Group was able to successfully synthesize the substance isosorbide as early as 2014 and produce it in an industrial process. The material, which is made from natural raw materials derived from plant starch, can replace chemical substances in paints and adhesives. The chemical company CJ CheilJedang is expanding its business to the development of biodegradable or renewable raw materials. To this end, it will build a new production line for the manufacture of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) in Pasuruan, Indonesia, next year. The plant will have a capacity of 5,000 tons of the biodegradable and also ocean-degradable material. Many products imported into South Korea must be tested and certified in advance. KC certification, or Korea Certification, is all about identifying and mitigating a potential risk to safety, health and the environment. The KC Mark or KC Certificate is similar to the European CE mark and applies to 730 different products. MPR International GmbH – Korea Certification is represented by its own subsidiaries at five locations and thus completely covers the demand for certification services for the South Korean market. Our experts are available to you at any time and without obligation to answer your questions regarding a Korea certification.

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