2007
Selected as Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)'s research & development program for the development of new processing methods for high strength and pressure resistant aluminum parts
September 25, 2007
On August 3, 2007, a development project in new processing methods for high strength and pressure resistant aluminum parts by M&D Techno Research Cooperative (*),
a research cooperative established by Sanden Corporation and other Group companies,
has been selected as one of the projects under the METI's program for assisting strategic basic technology advancement.
The aim of the METI program is to raise the level of basic manufacturing technologies of small and medium enterprises by strengthening international competitive power and fostering the development of new businesses.
The goal of developing new processing methods for high strength and pressure resistant aluminum parts is in the development
and practical application of manufacturing technologies applying the semi-solid method in molding aluminum processed materials.
In detail, the development will allow the production of thinner compressor components by making them lighter.
The casting of high pressure resistant thin-walled components was difficult using existing aluminum die casts.
By creating a semi-solid state using a method proposed by Professor Mogi of Chiba Institute of Technology to control crystallization based on the theory of free equiaxed crystals,
we are trying to reduce "blow holes" which are the main cause for low pressure resistance of die casts and to improve the strength of die casts through the spheroidizing of crystal formations,
while maintaining the same level of productivity as conventional die casts.
The automotive industry views that measures to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel efficiency for preventing global warming is a significant issue,
and have been making efforts to reduce the weight of car bodies. The same applies for automotive air conditioners,
an important system in improving the comfortability of a car's interior space;
and we believe that reducing the weight of compressor parts will have a significant effect in improving fuel efficiency and will greatly contribute to preserving the earth's environment amidst a trend of favoring larger
and increasingly high-capability cars. This R&D project plans to achieve the practical application of fundamental technologies.
In addition to application in existing compressors, this includes the application in compressors using CO2 refrigerants,
for which we expect future demand in Europe. The R&D period for the project will be three years from 2007 to 2009.
Development of mass-production facilities will follow the R&D period, with plans for commercialization by 2013.
This selection by METI will allow Sanden Corporation to accelerate the practical application of research results and to promote the manufacturing of environmentally friendly,
high-quality products. We will also continue to support R&D activities of local small and medium enterprises,
and contribute to the vitalization of local industries.
(*): M&D Techno-Research Cooperative
A cooperative established in 2003 from capital provided by Sanden Corporation and six Sanden Group companies.
With an aim to strengthen the unique technologies of member companies,
the cooperative works to contribute in creating corporate value for Gunma's local industries by supporting the manufacturing industry's technological development capabilities and international competitive power
as well as the vitalization of local industries through promotion and support of a business-academia-government collaboration directed to small and medium enterprises that often lack the personnel for R&D and production technology.
·Applicant: M&D Techno Research Cooperative
·Joint research members: Sanwa Altech Co., Ltd., Asahi Sangyo Co., Ltd., Kuramae Sangyo Co., Ltd., Fujita Solution Partners KK, Sanden Corporation, Gunma Industrial Technology Center, Chiba Institute of Technology
·Project: Development of new processing methods for high strength and pressure resistant aluminum parts
