A metal-lamination factory, which opened north of Tokyo in April last year, is using its 3-D metal printers to create new products. It also collaborates with small and midsize businesses from the area to promote innovation.
Nihon Michelin Tire Co. operates the facility Michelin AM Atelier in Ota Gunma Prefecture. They also conduct research and development there.
Undated photo of company officials attending a Michelin AM Atelier in Ota Gunma Prefecture. (Photo by Gunma AM Platform).
The Japanese division of the renowned French tire manufacturer hopes to contribute to technological advances in manufacturing, which in turn will lead to the creation of a new network of complementary businesses.
AM Atelier enables Nihon Michelin’s Gen Sudo to “make tough solo journeys in new fields, while hedging his risks” at a mid-May company briefing at the Gunma office.
The number of participants in R&D programs at AM Atelier has expanded to 22 companies and organizations from eight at the launch. Nihon Michelin is moving its headquarters from Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward, to Ota this August to expand partnerships with local companies.
Nihon Michelin’s proprietary AM-technology allows it to create complex 3D items from metallic powders or resins that are then solidified by laser. This technology has been used in the production of molds for auto tires.
Gen Sudo, President of Nihon Michelin Tire Co. speaks at an results briefing in Gunma Prefectural Office, May 2023. (Kyodo)
AM Atelier is a 3D printing workshop that allows participants to use 3D printers as a tool for engineering training or product development.
More than 60 participants from Gunma and other prefectures, such as Hyogo or Shimane, participated in the trainings and seminars that preceded the official launch.
Kyowa Industrial Co. of Takasaki in Gunma was a participant. Hiroko Suzuki, president of Kyowa Industrial Co. in Takasaki, Gunma was one participant.
She said: “I did not expect it at all.” “I am shocked that 3D printing is widely used in other countries.”
We are a small and midsize company that cannot afford to purchase a 3D printer and have no knowledge. AM Atelier’s innovative ideas were appealing to us for this very reason.
Many small and midsize businesses, like Suzuki’s, believe that digital technology is essential to improving the quality of their products and the efficiency in which they operate.
Subaru Corp., a leading automaker, has its domestic plant in Ota. In the nearby area are factories that produce auto parts and interiors components. In order to remain competitive, the automakers must adapt to changes in demand brought about by a shift towards electric vehicles. Toa Industries Co. of Ota, a supplier to Subaru and a maker of auto parts, is also a participant in the program.
A participant in the training at AM Atelier has created molds that have complex structures, which are impossible to produce by conventional cutting. A method was developed to reduce warping and deformation by cooling the resin quickly and evenly.
AM Atelier is also a “salon”, where companies participating in the project can share their knowledge and do joint research. They see themselves sharing experimental data and validating it, producing legacy parts for out-of production vehicles and developing products outside of company boundaries.
Toa president Shinichi Iizuka commented, “Cooperation among local companies will increase as knowledge increases.” This region could become a leader of 3D printing technology.
Photo taken in Ota by the Michelin AM Atelier. (Photo by Gunma AM Platform, Kyodo)