Scientists develop Korea's own 'K-CNC' system for machine tools

The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), affiliated with the National Research Council of Science and Technology (NST, Chairperson Yeung-Shik Kim), has successfully developed a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) system entirely with Korean technology.

This milestone achievement marks a significant step toward localizing machine tool control systems, reducing dependence on imported CNC systems and contributing significantly to the digital transformation and global competitiveness of Korea's manufacturing sector.

A research team led by Principal Researcher Dr. Chang Kyu Song at KIMM's Department of Ultra-precision Machines & Systems has developed Korea's own smart CNC system, named "K-CNC," along with 33 types of drive systems and spindles.

Targeting general-purpose machine tools, which constitute the majority of the domestic market, the K-CNC was validated through joint field trials conducted in collaboration with machine tool manufacturers.

The KIMM research team has successfully developed core technologies essential for intelligent and advanced CNC systems, including high-speed precision control, machine tool error compensation, real-time condition monitoring, and AI-based fault diagnostics.

The resulting K-CNC system incorporates advanced CNC and servo technologies, such as multi-axis control, high-speed precision machining, precise servo control, standards-based digital communication, and touch-based human-machine interfaces (HMI).

Drive systems for machine tools require high precision and reliability, historically leading Korea's manufacturers to rely entirely on imports. KIMM's successful development of 33 types of tailored drive systems addresses this issue directly. In particular, the breakthrough in spindle motors and drives—previously identified as weaknesses in domestic technology—is especially noteworthy as it fills critical technology gaps.

The K-CNC system features a versatile data exchange and processing platform, as well as a customizable Human-Machine Interface (HMI) development platform. This flexibility enables tailored interfaces suitable for various machine tool applications.

In collaboration with four leading Korean machine tool manufacturers, KIMM developed intuitive, user-friendly smart HMIs that enhance the intelligence of manufacturing equipment, meeting the demands of digital manufacturing. These intuitive, user-centric interfaces, developed through close collaboration with four major Korean manufacturers, significantly improve equipment intelligence and operational efficiency.

To verify its practical applicability, the KIMM research team collaborated with six domestic machine tool manufacturers to install and test the K-CNC system on eight different machine models. The trials successfully demonstrated machining quality and processing times comparable to existing imported systems, thus proving its readiness for commercial deployment and mass production.

A demonstration and briefing event highlighting the achievements of the K-CNC system was held on Wednesday, June 18, at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) headquarters.

In the morning session, representatives from approximately 50 domestic machine tool manufacturers were invited to observe live demonstrations showcasing the capability of the K-CNC system in performing complex surface machining.

In the afternoon session, representatives from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology (KEIT), R&D partners, and industry stakeholders gathered to review the project's progress and hear feedback from demonstration participants.

Dr. Chang Kyu Song, a principal researcher at KIMM, stated, "The successful development of the K-CNC system fulfills a long-standing aspiration of Korea's machine tool industry, marking a major step toward technological independence. It sets a solid foundation to enhance Korea's manufacturing competitiveness. We will continue striving in our R&D efforts to ensure Korea's manufacturing industry leads globally."

Provided by National Research Council of Science and Technology