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Japan’s Ceramics and Glass Industries

1. Ceramics and Glass Industries in Japan

Applications of structural ceramics in Japan summarized in this review include vacuum process chambers for manufacturing semiconductor and liquid crystal devices, wear-resistant ceramics used for steel-making, optical lens forming and cutting tools, refractory tubes for casting aluminum alloys, and automotive applications.

Ceramic advances in Japan: By Alex Talavera and Randy B. Hecht Achieving new breakthroughs, meeting new challenges

1.1 Applications and New Breakthroughs – Advances in Ceramics and Glass Industries in Japan

Latest Breakthroughs

• Asahi Glass reported that it had developed the world’s thinnest sheet float glass and the world’s thinnest soda-lime glass substrate for touch screens.
• Kyocera unveiled the industry’s first mobile handset “crystal unit” with a precision thermistor.
• Murata became the first manufacturer in the industry to commercialize ceramic capacitors that are designed for automotive uses and certified under the safety standards established to prevent accidents caused by finished products or electronic components.
• The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) announced that for the first time in the world, it had demonstrated electricity generation by directly reformed fuel at low temperature (450°C).

Ceramic advances in Japan

• Optical technology products, such as 3D optical circuit devices for future optical computers;
• Products for ultrathin plasma televisions, computer screens, reusable cups and bottles;
• Substrates for ultra-high performance DNA analysis chips.

 

Company	Industry		Website :
AGC: Asahi Glass	Automotive; Electronics; Display and Imaging; Life Sciences; Lighting and Optics.	Lab use ware (beakers and flasks); Glass with high purity for high functionality for semiconductor manufacturing process; Ultra thin slides for microscopes; Glass substrate for display screens of televisions, computers or car navigation systems.	http://www.agc.com/english/portal/electronics.html
Ariake Materials Co.	Semiconductor and Electric device	Large size chucking plate for LCD manufacturing process	http://www.ariake-materials.co.jp/index_e.html
Central Glass Co.	Electronics and Automotive	Flat Glass for LCD; Semiconductor;	http://www.cgc-jp.com
Ibiden Co.	Electronics and Automotive	Ceramic Fiber; Automotive exhaust components,	http://www.ibiden.com
INAX	Bldg Materials;	Windows, Bathroom doors, Sanitary wares, Faucets	http://global.inax.lixil.co.jp/
Kyocera	Cameras, copiers, printers, mobile phones, electronic and semiconductor components, and optoelectronic products.	Ceramic capacitors; Ceramic substrates for probe cards, Ceramic for image sensors; Light Emitting Diodes, MEMS Sensors; Timing Devices	http://global.kyocera.com/
Konoshima Chemical	Ceramic based building materials and ceramics.	Nonflammable exterior wall materials; nonflammable interior wall materials for walls in kitchens, toilets, etc.; and fireproofing protection plates and fireproof panels for buildings. And ceramics, such as YAG, TGG, and transparent yttria ceramics.	http://www.konoshima.co.jp/en/index.html
NEG: Nippon Electric Glass	Electronic Devices; Building materials and Heat resistant glass; Glass Fiber	Substrate glass for LCD; Glass Tubing for Cold Cathode Fluorescence Lamps; Powder Glass for hermetic seals and insulating films, coating electronic components; Cover Glass for Image Sensors; Glass for Diodes	http://www.neg.co.jp/EN
Murata Manufacturing Company, Ltd.	Electronic Devices	Monolithic Ceramic PTC Thermisor	http://www.murata.com/index.html

 SOURCE

http://www.ceramicindustry.com/articles/print/kyocera-and-japan-medical-materials-open-u-s-design-center

http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=8188601

  SOURCE

http://www.substech.com/dokuwiki/doku.php

Leading Business Players

AGC: Asahi Glass – targets product lines include flat glass; automotive glass; display, electronics and energy devices; and chemicals. Expertise in

• glass
• fluorine chemistry and
• ceramics technologies
• Refractory lining materials for glass melting furnaces that we develop not only tolerate high temperatures but also ensure a high degree of uniformity and composition suited for glass processing, extended the service life of glass melting furnaces
• new materials and products such as semiconductor materials, heat-resistant protective materials and sputtering targets
• thin-glass production technology for displays and info-communication devices, alkalifree glass and measuring just 0.1 mm, the paper-thin sheet float glass was for  touch screens and high-tech applications such as medical devices,  the substrate is 15 percent lighter and would lend itself to manufacture of smaller, lighter smart phones and tablets.
• AGC glass substrate used in backgrinding processes to reduce the thickness of semiconductor chips

Kyocera, Kyoto

• Its business segments include fine ceramic components, applied ceramic products, semiconductor components, electronic devices, and telecommunications and document imaging equipment. Kyocera has a presence in markets as diverse as solar power generating systems for residential use, medical and dental products, cutting tools, lenses, automotive components, telecommunications equipment and semiconductor equipment.
• Its wafer-processing, lithography,etching, deposition and inspectionsystems have extensive applicationsin semiconductor and LCD processingequipment. Research and developmenton single-crystal-sapphire applications encompass crystal growth for sapphire wafers, plasma etching for sapphire tubes and the fabrication of sapphire windows.
• company unveiled the first cell phone crystal unit package that also contains a thermistor—a temperature sensing component.
• the company announced its selection by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) for participation—along with Toshiba, Hitachi, Sharp, NGK Insulators, Itochu Techno-Solutions, NEC and Shimuzu—in a smart-grid demonstration project in New Mexico that will be a collaboration among NEDO, the New Mexico state government, Los Alamos’ Department of Public Utilities and Los Alamos Lab.
• Kyocera also uses alumina and aluminum nitride ceramics to produce multilayer packages and single-layer submounts for high-power, high-brightness LEDs, improving the environment with our components for LED lighting that saves more energy than incandescent lights, has a longer life than fluorescent lighting and uses no toxic substances such as mercury.”

 Murata Manufacturing Co.

Murata’s core electronics products have application across diverse industries, including mobile phones, computers, audio-visual equipment, automotive electronics, environment, energy and healthcare. The company’s radiofrequency technology furthers advances in built-in inductors and capacitors for communication applications that allow for the development of more compact communication modules.

•  Among their successes are an antilock brake system and electronic stability controls. In 2011, Murata introduced its KCM series of chip monolithic ceramic capacitors. These are equipped with metal pins and designed for automotive electronic devices.
• Murata says it became the first manufacturer to commercialize ceramic capacitors that are designed for these automotive uses and certified under manufacturer to commercialize ceramic safety standards established to prevent accidents caused by finished products or electronic components.
• it is conducting research into nonglass areas such as composite materials and applied thin-film products.
• the company delivered to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency ultra-thin lightweight mirrors for use in space-based solar power systems that collect and transmit space harvested solar energy to a receiving facility on Earth. The mirrors were created using NEG’s ultra-thin glass sheet manufacturing and coating technologies.
• the company developed lead-free glass tubes for encapsulating diodes and other chips. NEG says the new glass is also free of halogen-based substances and antimony, and is capable of low-temperature sealing at a level it says is comparable with conventional lead glass.

NEG: Nippon Electric Glass

Nippon Electric Glass develops high tech glass used in flat panel displays, cellular phones, digital cameras and in emerging products within such areas as kitchen appliances, automobiles, and building materials

Research Institutes in Japan

AIST: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology

Established as an autonomous entity in 2001, it is the successor to organizations whose work in advanced technology dates to 1882. Its approximately 2,400 researchers.

• mesoporous ceramics research group developed a novel ceramic catalyst capable of killing Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus. This ceramic material also is regarded as potentially useful for water decontamination.
• research by the ceramic mechanical parts processing group led to the development of a silicon nitride material that maintains its strength even under large thermal changes. Researchers found that dispersion of fine particles of boron nitride results in dramatic improvement in thermal shock resistance. Published results revealed, “The material does not break and its strength does not decline even when repeatedly dropped into room-temperature water after heating to 1,400°C.
• that research into tough silicon nitride with very high thermal conductivity is among AIST’s most recent achievements
• AIST announced its development of “a technology for direct reforming of a methane-steam fuel at low temperatures by forming a nanometer-scale ceria-based layer as the reforming catalyst on the inner surface of a tubular micro-SOFC with a nickel-based fuel electrode (anode). In addition, for the first time in the world, we have demonstrated the electricity generation by directly reforming the fuel at a low temperature of 450°C.”

Japan Fine Ceramics Center

• “In modern nanotechnology, it is necessary to control atomic structures and electromagnetic properties in nanoscale regions for purposes of creating new materials and devices with a high level of performance,”
• Some examples of its focuses are:

– Electron microscopy and its application to nanotechnology;

– High-efficiency ceramic membranes for high-temperature separation of hydrogen;

– Preparation of specimens of microporous ceramic membranes for highresolution electron microscopy;

– Precise measurement of electric field-induced distortion in piezoceramics; and

– Development of machining techniques for ceramics.

NIMS: National Institute for Materials Science

NIMS is Japan’s only independent administrative institution dedicated to materials science.

• In 2009, NIMS announced successful atomic-level three-dimensional tomography of a stabilized zirconia-spinel nanocomposite.
• This work will trigger applications of the 3DAP technique in nanoscale analyses of a wider variety of inorganic materials.”
• NIMS’ Nano Ceramic Center is dedicated to research into “functional and/ or multifunctional ceramics with novel optical, electric, dielectric, magnetic, thermal, chemical and/or mechanical properties.NIMS are investigating novel techniques of evaluation and design of grain-boundary nanostructures.” NIMS projects include work on- Fabrication of highly structured controlled ceramics through nanoparticle processing in the liquid phase;- Processing for functional ceramics by nanomolecular mixing;- Synthesis of fine nitride particles for optical applications;- Development of multifunctional oxide ceramics by designing grainboundary nanostructures;- Synthesis of functional ceramic nanoparticles through controlled reactive thermal plasma processing; and
• Development of nanostructures through design and modification of nanopores on anodic oxide films.
•  Nanotechnology Glass Project says its work can be “classified as belonging to following four fields:- Optical technology products, such as 3D optical circuit devices for future optical computers;- Products for ultrathin plasma televisions, computer screens, reuseable cups and bottles;- Biomedical products to trap endocrine disruption chemicals and separate out harmful gases; and- Substrates for ultra-high performance DNA analysis chips.

SOURCE

http://ceramics.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/bulletin-10-11.pdf

1.2 Japan Ceramics & Glass Industry Directory

AGC: Asahi Glass

Www.agc.com/english/index.html

1-5-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo,

100-8405

Kazuhiko Ishimura, president & CEO

AGC’s English-language “Contact Us” page includes links for email inquiries specific to each of its lines of business:

http://www.agc.com/english/mail_box/

 

Ariake Materials Co.

http://www.ariake-materials.co.jp/index_e.html

3-3-3 Toyosu, Koto-ku,

Tokyo, 135-6006

Phone: 81-3-5560-2113

Fax: 81-3-5560-2192

 

Central Glass Co.

http://www.cgc-jp.com/

 

Denki Kagaku Kogyo KK

http://www.denka.co.jp/eng/top.htm

Shinsuke Yoshitaka, president

 

FDK Corp.

http://www.fdk.com/

Hamagomu Bldg., 5-36-11

Shimbashi, Minato-ku,

Tokyo, 105-8677

Phone: 81-3-3434-1271

Fax: 81-3-3434-1375

  

Hitachi

Global Www.hitachi.com/

 

Ibiden Co.

http://www.ibiden.com

2-1, Kanda-cho, Ogaki,

Gifu 503-8604

Phone: 81-584-81-3111

Ibiden says its primary businesses are electronics- and ceramics-related. Its ceramic products include speciality carbon products and diesel particulate filters.

 

IHI Aerspace Co.

http://www.ihi.co.jp/ia/en/index.html

Phone: 81-3-6204-7232

Fax: 81-3-6204-8689

 

INAX

http://global.inax.lixil.co.jp/

INAX is a keystone of LIXIL Corporation, one of Japan’s leading manufacturers of tiling, building materials and sanitary fixtures for residential, commercial and public buildings and facilities. The company says it “looks to create ambience through a distinct vision, texture and form that is based on the company’s origins and historical craft aesthetics.

This essence is not simply a design that suggests or uses Japanese motifs; it is a contemporary expression of a time-honed and honored artisan vision that is borderless, which we call Beaux Japonica.”

 

Kanto Chemical Co.

http://www.kanto.co.jp/english/

2-1, Nihonbashi Muromachi 2-Chome, Chuo-ku,

Tokyo,103-0022

Phone: 81-3-6214-1050

Fax: 81-3-3241-1007

 

Konoshima Chemical Co.

http://www.konoshima.co.jp/en/index.html

80 Koda, Takuma-cho, Mitoyo-city,

Kagawa, 769-1103

Phone: 81-875-83-3155

Fax: 81-875-83-8188

 

Koyo-Sha Co.

http://www.koyo-sha.co.jp/e/index.html

Koyo-Sha Bldg. 9th Floor, No.48-5,

Higashi Nippori 5-Chome, Arakawa-ku,

Tokyo, 116-0014

Phone: 81-3-3805-8375 (International Business Div.)

Fax : 81-3-3805-8369

 

Krosaki Harima Corp.

http://www.krosaki.co.jp/english/

1-1, Higashihamamachi, Yahatanishiku,

Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka 806-8586

Phone: 81-93-622-7224

Fax: 81-93-622-7200

 

Kyocera

http://global.kyocera.com/

6 Takeda Tobadono-cho, Fushimi-ku,

Kyoto, 612-8501

Phone: 81-75-604-3416

Fax: 81-75-604-3516

Tetsuo Kuba, president

 

Mino Yogyo Ceramic Co.

http://www.mino-ceramic.co.jp/english/index.html

 

Murata Manufacturing Company, Ltd.

http://www.murata.com/index.html

10-1, Higashikotari 1-Chome,

Nagaokakyo-shi,

Kyoto, 617-8555

Phone: 81-75-951-9111

Tsuneo Murata, president

 

NEG: Nippon Electric Glass

http://www.neg.co.jp/EN/

7-1, Seiran 2-Chome, Otsu,

Shiga, 520-8639

Phone: 81-77-537-1700

Fax: 81-77-534-4967

Masayuki Arioka, president

 

Nippon Crucible Co.

http://www.rutsubo.com/

1-1, Higashihamamachi, Yahatanishiku,

Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka 806-8586

Phone: 81-3-3443-5551

Fax: 81-3-3443-5191

Nippon Rotary Nozzle Co.

http://www.rotarynozzle.jp/

2-2-1, Otemachi, Chiyodai-ku,

Tokyo 100-0004

 

NGK Spark Plug

http://www.ngkntk.co.jp/english/index.html

4-18, Takatsuji-cho, Mizuho-ku,

Nagoya, 467-8525

Phone: 81-52-872-5915

Fax: 81-52-872-5999

Shinichi Odo, president and CEO

NGK’s products include sensors, electronic components, industrial components, spark and glow plugs, semiconductor components, medical products and cutting tools. In the latter category, its ceramic grade product(s) are described as “a thermally and chemically stable tool material with a high level of hardness, and it has a compact and fine organization that consists mainly of high-purity alumina.” It is used to cut tube scarfings; for lathe-turning of normal cast iron and materials with a high level of hardness; and for finish-cutting of normal cast iron and ductile cast iron.

 

Nihon Yamaura Glass Co.

http://www.yamamura.co.jp/english/index.html

 

Nippon Light Metal Co.

http://www.nlmetal.com/

Tennozu Yusen Bldg., 2-2-20 Higashi-

Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku,

Tokyo, 140-8628

Phone: 81-3-5461-9211

 

Nippon Steel

http://www.nsc.co.jp/en/

6-1, Marunouchi 2-Chome, Chiyoda-ku,

Tokyo, 100-8071

Phone: 81-3-6867-4111

Fax: 81-3-6867-5607

 

Noritake Co.

http://www.noritake-elec.com/

 

Shinagawa Refractories Co.

http://www.shinagawa.co.jp/English/index.html

2-1 Otemachi 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku,

Tokyo 100-0004

Phone: 81-3-6265-1606

Fax: 81-3-6265-1616

Yoshihiko Shimizu, president

 

Shoei Chemical Inc.

http://www.shoeichem.co.jp/english/company/index.html

Shinjuku Mitsui Bldg., 1-1 Nishi

Shinjuku 2-Chome, Shinjuku-ku,

Tokyo, 163-0443

Phone: 81-3-3344-6662

Fax: 81-3-3344-6657

Eiichi Asada, president

Shoei Chemical’s work in the development and manufacture of electronic materials focuses chiefly on conductive pastes, resistive pastes, dielective pastes, and powders for use in electronic devices and components. Founded in 1956, the company’s first product was conductive paste made from fine silver powder for use in ceramic disk capacitors. Since then, its new product development has generated more than 100 patents in Japan and abroad. Today, its research efforts are responding to the growing cross-industry demand for electronic components whose sub-micron and nano dimensions deliver miniaturization and higher performance.

 

Taiko Refractories Co.

http://www.taiko-ref.com/index-e.html

Phone: 81-93-871-1631

Fax: 81-93-883-2151

Hiroshi Kobayashi, president

 

TDK Corp

http://www.global.tdk.com

1-13-1, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

103-8272

Phone: 81-3-3278-5111

TDK says it is basically a ceramics company and a process technology company that uses expertise in ceramics. It notes that it was the first company in the world to commercialize ferrites and that it is a core technology. “TDK’s strength is in using its entire manufacturing capacity to turn the ferrite material into electronic components.”

 

Toyota Central R&D Labs

http://www.tytlabs.co.jp/eindex.html

41-1, Aza Yokomichi, Oaza Nagakute,

Nagakute-cho, Aichi-gun, Aichi-ken,

480-1192

Shoichiro Toyoda and Masatami Takimoto, CEOs

Established in 1960, Toyota Central R&D Labs Inc. are engaged in basic research in a variety of fields, including resource conservation, energy conservation, environmental preservation and safety so that, in the words of company president Takashi Saito, “we may create a sustainable society.” The enterprise’s research activities fall under four categories: environment, energy, and power train; materials and processing technology; information, safety and comfort, and electronics; and research fundamental technologies.

 

Toyota Technical Institute

http://www.toyota-ti.ac.jp/english/index-e.htm

2-12-1 Hisakata, Tempaku-ku, Nagoya,

468-8511

Phone: 81-52-802-1111

 

World Lab Inc.

http://www.tokushinkai.or.jp/english/wl/

3-2-25 Miyuki-cho, Akiha-ku, Niigatacity,

Niigata, 956-0023

Phone: 81-250-23-2009

Fax: 81-250-25-2444

 

Yageo Corp.

http://www.yageo.com/portal/index.jsp

16th Namiki Building, 3F, 4-116-1,

Miya-cho Omiya-ku, Saitama, 330-0802

Phone: 81-48-795-8953

Fax: 81-48-795-8954

SOURCE

http://ceramics.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/bulletin-10-11.pdf