The Strengths of Uchida

Contents

Introduction
Overview
Over Half a Century of Achievements in Prototyping
Accommodating Diverse Molding Methods
Environment and Facilities
One-stop Processing from Design Analysis to Final Coating and Quality Assurance
Flexible and Challenge-driven Corporate Culture
Summary
- We love creating a “world’s first” and one-of-a-kind solution.

Introduction

These days, technical jargon such as FRP, CFRP, composite material, and weight efficiency have become buzzwords for a range of applications. However, such media depictions don’t tell us much about the product manufacturing companies and their attributes. In this article, we’re introducing ourselves, Uchida Carbon Composite Technology, and our key strengths.

Overview

Starting in 1968 under our former name, Uchida Kougei, we have since carved a relatively long history of manufacturing. October 2022 marked 55 years of operations. So, what sets us apart from other manufacturers, and what are our strengths? Read ahead to hear our story.

Over Half a Century of Achievements in Prototyping

We started out making glass fibers reinforced plastic (GFRP) mannequins with hand-layup manufacturing processes. In the 55 years that followed we continued to expand, focusing on CFRP-based productions from prototype development to high-mix low-volume manufacturing in two and four-wheel racing car components, next-generational automobile development, aviation, aerospace, defense, medical, welfare, and visual art fields.

Accommodating Diverse Molding Methods

In prototype development, providing optimal molding methods with foresight for future mass production is crucial for success. An environment that limits the number of molding methods available is not conducive to developing proposals that optimally match consumer needs. At Uchida, we believe that prototype development should be conducted in alignment with our consumers’ vision and demands for mass production. From autoclave molding (max. 3m × 6m), the new standard for CFRP prototyping, to press molding, RTM, HP-RTM, Va-RTM, and 3D printers capable of carbon fiber laminated molding, we carry an extensive line-up of molding and fabrication options to accommodate diverse market needs.

Environment and Facilities

Over the years, we have proactively invested in a range of facilities, creating an optimized environment to accommodate diverse needs and industries.

UCHIDA EQUIPMENT

In 2007, we acquired JIS Q9100 certification for entering the aerospace market. We introduced a clean room, a large machining center, and high-precision inspection equipment as a part of our factory expansions, creating a comprehensive environment that can cater to high precision, high heat resistance, and high-quality manufacturing.

One-stop Processing from Design Analysis to Final Coating and Quality Assurance

We ensure one-stop processing of CFRP products from initial structural design analysis, mold fabrication, laminate molding, secondary machining, assembly, coating, inspection, and testing, even for customers in the conceptual stage without drawings. One-stop completion enhances QCD by eliminating the need for intermediate transfers and enabling us to meet tight delivery times typical of prototype development.

Flexible and Challenge-driven Corporate Culture

So far, we have detailed our strengths and long-term experience in diverse fields, one-stop processing, fabrication methods, environment, and facilities. These areas can be covered, to some extent, with capital. But what sets us apart from our competitors?

“There’s no such thing as impossible.”

At Uchida, we believe that there is no such thing as “we can’t do it.” Devising a solution for difficult prototyping requests is a matter of investigation and proactively leveraging our accumulated experiences and knowledge. There is always a solution, we just need to find it. The interests of our consumers come first, and we will readily introduce you to our competitors if we feel it will be of benefit.

Unique Flexibility as an Independent Owner Enterprise

We are an independent owner-operated company with no outside capital, allowing us fast and flexible decision-making. The absence of limitations on material and fabrication methods affords us the flexibility to prioritize the interests of our consumers irrespective of the costs, focusing on what we love the most—A “world’s first” and one-of-a-kind solution for our consumers.

In the CFRP prototype development as well as mass production, the industry is somewhat reluctant to disclose details of the structure and manufacturing process. Such limited transparency makes it difficult for consumers to see and be involved in the production. At Uchida, we proactively encourage consumers to visit the factory, working together to identify issues unique to prototyping and propose initiatives for next-generational product development. Open communication between consumers and our processing technicians is one of our key strengths and appeal. Moreover, the additional footwork of our management has attracted a growing number of venture enterprises who endorse our vision and seek to participate in our projects.

Technical Development Incorporating New Technologies and Materials

With our main business being prototype development to high-mix low-volume production, we always keep an eye on new technologies and new materials. Aggressive investment in technological development remains our key strength. We are leveraging these technologies in technical and product development to confront CFRP challenges for low-cost production and de-plasticization, improve added value in an environment-friendly manner, and create new value.

Summary

This article discusses the key strengths of Uchida Carbon Composite Technology, but let’s take a quick review of the key points.

We love creating a “world’s first” and one-of-a-kind solution.

・ During 55 years of operation, we have established a proven track in diverse fields and industries.

・ We cover a wide range of molding methods and can propose optimal processes for the job.

・ We are JIS Q 9100 certified and house a comprehensive environment and facilities.

・One-stop manufacturing process.

・ A flexible and challenge-driven corporate culture.

・ Aggressive investment in innovative technologies, new materials, and technical development.

・ I want to create a CFRP prototype, but I don’t know where to inquire about it.

・ I’m not sure what type of fabrication is the best.

・ I want to find out if it is possible to make a particular product.

・ I want to gauge the cost.

・ I would like to view the manufacturing facility.

If you have questions or are facing similar issues, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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.

See Details

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

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

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