Introduction
Saitama Prefecture is known as a region with a thriving manufacturing and industrial sector, and the use of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) in particular has been increasing in recent years. CFRP is lightweight yet has high strength characteristics and is used in a wide variety of fields including automobiles, aircraft and sporting goods. CFRP is used in a wide variety of fields such as automobiles, aircraft, and sporting goods. The CFRP industry in Saitama Prefecture is also making a significant contribution to the local economy through its technological innovations and manufacturing capabilities. In this column, we will introduce the characteristics of CFRP, its utilization in Saitama Prefecture, and its future prospects.
What is CFRP?
CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) is a composite material that combines carbon fiber and resin, and its characteristics include light weight, high strength, and excellent corrosion resistance. Due to these characteristics, CFRP is attracting attention in the aerospace and automotive industries, where more efficient and higher-performing products are required. CFRP is also lightweight despite its extremely high strength, which contributes to improved fuel efficiency and maneuverability.
Current Status of CFRP Industry in Saitama Prefecture
Saitama Prefecture has been attracting attention as a CFRP production base because of its convenient transportation access and the concentration of many manufacturing industries in the prefecture, which is adjacent to Tokyo. In particular, manufacturing industries in Saitama Prefecture have strengths in precision machinery, parts manufacturing, and materials development. More and more companies in Saitama Prefecture are supplying CFRP parts and materials as partners in the aerospace and automotive industries.
Contribution to the Automotive Industry
Saitama Prefecture is home to many automotive-related companies, and the use of CFRP is expanding in response to the demand for lighter weight automobiles. In particular, car body parts and structural parts made of CFRP contribute to improved fuel efficiency and driving performance through weight reduction. Companies in Saitama are cooperating with automakers to provide manufacturing technologies for CFRP components.
Collaboration with the Aerospace Industry
Many aircraft manufacturers and their suppliers are located in Saitama Prefecture. CFRP is also a very important material used in aircraft fuselages. CFRP, with its lightweight yet strong and corrosion-resistant properties, contributes to improved fuel efficiency and flight performance of aircraft. Companies in Saitama Prefecture also play an important role in the aerospace industry and are increasingly supplying parts that utilize CFRP.
Sporting goods and industrial applications
CFRP is also widely used in sporting goods and industrial equipment. Some companies in Saitama Prefecture manufacture bicycle frames, golf clubs, and even medical equipment using CFRP. These products require light weight, durability, and high performance, so the characteristics of CFRP are greatly utilized.
CFRP Manufacturing Process and Technology
Manufacturing CFRP requires a complex process that combines carbon fiber and resin. Many companies in Saitama Prefecture use the latest manufacturing technologies to produce high-quality CFRP products.
Prepreg Technology
Prepreg (preheated resin-impregnated fabric) is a material in which carbon fibers are preimpregnated with resin to make the manufacturing process more efficient. The use of prepreg makes it possible to manufacture uniform, high-quality CFRP products with little variation in strength. Companies in Saitama Prefecture provide CFRP parts using prepreg technology.
Autoclave Molding
Autoclave molding is a technology to cure CFRP under high temperature and pressure, and is used in the aerospace and automotive industries. Saitama companies also use this high-precision molding technology to produce high-strength and precise CFRP parts.
RTM (Resin Transfer Molding)
RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) is a molding technology in which resin is injected into carbon fiber, and is suitable for manufacturing large parts. Automobile parts and large machinery parts are manufactured in Saitama Prefecture using this RTM technology.
Future Prospects of CFRP Saitama
With the technological innovation of CFRP, it is expected to be used in more fields in the future. Companies in Saitama Prefecture are expected to further advance CFRP technology to reduce environmental impact and manufacturing costs. The local government is also making efforts to promote the industry and is developing measures to support CFRP-related R&D and promote the introduction of new technologies.
Contribution to the Environment
CFRP is lightweight and contributes to improved fuel efficiency and reduced carbon dioxide emissions, so it is expected to be increasingly in demand in the current era of reduced environmental impact. Companies in Saitama Prefecture are actively working to introduce environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and develop recycling technologies.
Development of New Materials
New materials are being developed to further reduce weight and improve durability as reinforcing materials for CFRP. In Saitama Prefecture, the development of new materials based on CFRP is also active, and significant progress is expected in the manufacturing of vehicles and aircraft in the future.
Conclusion
Saitama Prefecture is an area that is increasingly attracting attention as a base for the automotive and aerospace industries that utilize CFRP technology. In response to the demand for products that take advantage of CFRP’s characteristics, such as lightweight, high strength, and reduced environmental impact, companies in Saitama Prefecture are developing their technological capabilities and contributing to the development of next-generation products. It is expected that new technologies utilizing CFRP will continue to emerge and contribute to the growth of local industries.
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ABOUT UCHIDA - 55 years since our founding
We leverage a wealth of technical expertise as a CFRP molding and processing manufacturer using FRP, GFRP, and CFRP materials. We offer a one-stop solution, encompassing design, analysis, manufacturing, secondary processing, assembly, painting, quality assurance, and testing.
UCHIDA's equipment
We have cutting-edge equipment to ensure that we can address even the most advanced challenges of our customers.
DMG森精機 - VS1000/40/2050
X軸：2,050mm（ストローク） ／ Y軸：1,000mm ／ Z軸：600mm ／ テーブル作業面：2,250×1,000mm
ASHIDA MFG Co., Ltd.
Autoclave Oven 2
Size : Ø1,150x1,000mm / Operating temperature : at normal temperature - 400℃ / Design pressure : 2.0Mpa (maximum working pressure) / Vacuum system : back suction system / Vacuum units : 5
ASHIDA MFG Co., Ltd.
Autoclave Oven 3
Size : Ø3,000x6,000mm / Operating temperature : at normal temperature - 200℃ / Distribution accuracy : ±2.5℃less / Heating rate : 4.0℃/min. (empty furnace) / Cooling rate : 4.0℃/min. (empty furnace) / Design pressure : 0.99Mpa (maximum working pressure) / Working pressure : 0.7Mpa less (if no specification from the manufacuturer 0.3Mpa around) / Pressure accuracy : ±0.02Mpa（for pressure setting of ０ - 0.99Mpa/cm²） / Boost pressure accuracy : 0 - 0.03Mpa/min / Pressure source : compressed air (regular use) / Vacuum system : back suction system / Vacuum units : 10
Oven
Size : W1,000xH1,000xD1,000mm / Temperature range : Environmental Temperature +20 - 300℃ / Temperature elevation capability : Environmental Temperature (20 - 40℃) - 300℃ / 45min less / Vacuum system : back suction system / Vacuum units : 10
ESPEC CORP.
Temperature & Humidity Chamber
INSTRON
Static Universal Testing Machine 5985
Oven
Size : W7,000xH3,000xD2,000mm / Temperature range : Environmental Temperature +20 - 300℃ (Max) / Temperature elevation capability : Environmental Temperature (20 - 40℃) - 300℃ / 60min less / Vacuum system : back suction system / Vacuum units : 10
NEO
X axis : 4,000mm (stroke) / Y axis : 2,000mm / Z axis : 1,200mm / C axis : 0° - ±270° / B axis : 0° - ±110° / Table working place : 4,000x2,000mm
【開発】
3Dプリンター | Markforged
Painting booth
Various painting, and clear finish is done in dedicated painting booth
Adhesion, Finishing, Coating Room
Finishing process, such as trimming, drilling, and bonding, surface treatment of the molded product type and is done in a private booth
Toshiba Matrixeye EX (Ultrasonic flaw detector)
Matrix-Arrey : 32
AMETEK CREAFORM Metra
SCAN750 Elite (3D scan)
Olympus Corp.
Inverted Microscopes
Oven
Size : W450xH450xD450mm / Temperature range : Environmental Temperature +20 - 650℃ / Temperature elevation capability : Environmental Temperature+50 - 650℃/120min less
Cutting Plotter Table working place : W1,500xL3,500mm
SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD
Cutting Plotter
KUKA
Robot
Krauss Maffei
Epoxy resin injection machine Resin 60L ／ Hardener 25L
Krauss Maffei
630t Press machine Height total 5,200mm ／ Length max 1,500mm ／ Width max 1,200mm ／ Whole cycle time per component part 240sec
DMG森精機 - NV5000B/40
X軸：1,020mm（ストローク） ／ Y軸：510mm ／ Z軸：510mm ／ テーブル作業面：1,320×600mm
Big sized clean room
JIS B 9920 cleanliness class maximum concentration (Pcs/m³） / Class 5 : 100,000m³ / Capacity : m² (16,000x16,000mm) 760m² (16,000x16,000x3,000mm) / Temperature and humidity condition : Temperature : 23℃±3℃, Humidity 65% less / Ambient conditions : Temperature 35℃ during summer, Humidity 70% less / Ambient conditions : Temperature 35℃ during summer, Humidity 70% less / Temperature -5℃ during winter, Humidity 40% less
CAD / CAM
CATIA V5 : 2 / THINK DESIGN : 1 / MASTER CAM : 4 / Other 3D/CAD : 3 / Other 2D/CAD : 5
Markforged - 3D Printer
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