# Customized 3D-Printed Tire Molds Hankook Introduced EP-M300 With Eplus3D Printing Solution By Colin Smith | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-04-20 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ep-m300 References: [3dprint](https://3dprint.com/325157/eplus3d-hankook-precision-works-work-on-tire-sipes/)  [Hankook](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hankook-tire) Precision Works introduced a production 3D printing capability using [Eplus3D’s](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/esplus3d-prirevo) EP-M300 metal printer, deploying the system to make mold components for tire sipes, featuring dual-laser metal additive manufacturing for faster, more complex tooling. The rollout began with a first machine in September 2025 and expanded with a second unit in February 2026 as the partners moved the printer from pilot to factory floor. Eplus3D supported Hankook with on-site training, process parameter development and part testing to industrialize production of sipe mold inserts. The EP-M300 offers a 300x300x450mm build volume, smart production monitoring, reduced gas consumption and longer filter life, which aided implementation in a high-throughput tire-mold context. For tire makers and fleets, 3D-printed mold inserts enable quicker iteration of tread and sipe geometries for use-specific outcomes such as improved grip, lower noise or EV load optimization. The shift illustrates how [metal additive tooling](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Factory-scale-metal-printing) is unlocking bespoke tire designs and shorter time-to-market for specialty rubber parts. Image Credit: Eplus3D ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 45% | Activity: 52% | Freshness: 71% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **On-demand Metal Tooling:** A shift toward on-site production of mold inserts enables rapid customization of sipe geometries to support varied performance requirements across small production runs. - **Dual-laser Additive Manufacturing:** Simultaneous multi-laser metal printing increases throughput and geometric complexity for tooling components, enabling intricate cooling channels and lightweight lattice structures in mold parts. - **Bespoke Tread Iteration:** Faster iteration cycles for tread and sipe designs allow bespoke rubber profiles tuned for specific noise, grip, and EV-load characteristics within compressed development timelines. ### Where This Applies - **Tire Manufacturing:** Integration of factory-floor metal additive systems transforms tooling workflows, reducing lead times for specialty and seasonal tire designs. - **Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers:** OEMs see opportunities to optimize tire–vehicle integration through closer co-development of load-optimized treads and EV-specific durability profiles. - **Fleet and Mobility Services:** Fleets and mobility operators could benefit from tailored tire solutions that balance rolling resistance, lifespan, and cabin noise based on duty cycles and vehicle electrification levels. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [3D-Printed Packaging Molds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-packaging-mold.md) - [3D-Printed Football Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-football-boot.md) - [Custom 3D-Printed Basketball Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-rap-silhouette.md) - [Ergonomic 3D-Printed Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-flip-flops.md) - [Dual-Head UV Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/longer-eprint.md) - [3d-Printed Collab Flip Flops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-flipflops.md) - [High-Temperature Filament Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/industrial-filament.md) - [Large-Format Additive Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/large-format-printers.md) - [Electric Racing Championships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/formula-e.md)