December 3, 2024
Enhancing Lightweight and Cost Efficiency of Defense Components with Conductive Metal Inks
Establishing a foothold in the U.S. market, strengthening global competitiveness through open innovation
LIG Nex1 has entered into a joint research and development agreement with advanced materials company Electroninks (Austin, Texas) to develop next-generation component materials based on conductive inks.
On December 3, LIG Nex1 and Electroninks signed a strategic cooperation memorandum of understanding (MOU) at LIG Nex1’s Pangyo House in Seongnam, South Korea, with key officials from both companies present. This agreement marks the first step in combining LIG Nex1’s cutting-edge defense industry technology with Electroninks’ metal complex particle-free conductive ink technology to innovate electronic materials for the defense sector. The collaboration will focus on jointly developing next-generation component materials based on conductive inks, aimed at reducing the weight and cost of weapon systems.
Electroninks is a global leader in the field of metal complex (particle-free) conductive inks using Metal Organic Decomposition (MOD) technology. The company first developed particle-free silver (Ag) composite conductive ink, and now is the only global supplier of a combined portfolio including silver, gold, platinum, nickel and copper MOD products. The company has grown into a key player in the semiconductor, display, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding markets. The next-generation ink, which uses significantly less material compared to traditional particle-based or paste-type inks with enhanced performance and required reliability properties, is expected to contribute to lightweighting and cost reduction when applied to key components, such as LIG Nex1’s antennas.
Meanwhile, LIG Nex1 acquired approximately 60% of the shares in Ghost Robotics, a leading quadruped robot company in the U.S., in July. In addition, they have been accelerating their entry into the U.S. market by passing the 5th FCT (Foreign Comparative Testing) of the 2.75-inch guided rocket ‘Bigung’ with the U.S. Department of Defense
Shin Ik-hyun, CEO of LIG Nex1, stated, “This collaboration presents a significant opportunity for innovation, not just in the defense industry but also in the advanced electronic materials sector. It marks a pivotal moment for a leading Korean defense company and a next-generation U.S. technology startup to achieve breakthrough innovation.”
Melbs LeMieux, Co-founder and President of Electroninks, commented, “Our partnership with LIG Nex1 will accelerate the commercialization of our conductive ink technology,serve as a key stepping stone for entering the Korean market, and further strengthen the Korea – US Defense cooperation.”
Looking ahead, LIG Nex1 plans to continue its open innovation efforts with global high-tech startups, focusing on acquiring cutting-edge technologies in key future industries, including defense, and positioning itself as a game-changer in these fields.
You can read the full release here: https://n.news.naver.com/article/001/0015081871?sid=104