Find out why and how presidents of MOBIO exhibitors started "INNOVATION and CHALLENGE" through the special interview. The latest "Meet the President" article is
Mr. Tanaka of ABE WORKS LTD.
- Machining of thermoplastic and thermoset plastics
L) Mr.Tanaka
R) New facility in Kyoto
Chocolate melts with heat, pancakes harden with heat. The strength of ABE WORKS is its ability to complete in-house machining of resins with such different material characteristics (thermoplastics and thermosets). Such transformation from single processing to multiple processing has been implemented in response to customer requests.
●Difficulties and benefits of in-house processing of both thermoplastics and thermosets
L) Thermoplastic products
R) Thermosetting plastic products
Few companies are able to process both "thermoplastic" and "thermoset" materials in their own facilities, because it requires more equipment, separate processes, labor and cost. The different raw materials of the products require two types of machining tools. The method of operation also changes each time due to the different speeds required by materials. Because thermoset materials contain glass fibers, they require careful cleaning and the installation of dust collection equipment to prevent dust from damaging other materials. In addition, due to the large amount of materials used, space must be provided.
Although it is difficult to perform both processing at the in-house plant, customers benefit from being able to rely on a single factory for all of their needs. Tanaka explained reasons for the two-material strategy, "Delivery time is short and costs can be kept low. I think there will be fewer problems because we will be making everything in our own factory."
●Promoting digitization and strengthening the production system
L) Digitally manage product design and machining processes
R) In-house machining of blades for two types of materials: thermoplastic and thermosetting
Tanaka's business policy is to "think in terms of how to make things easier." He said, "Just the difference in whether materials are placed on the right or left, on the bottom or on the top, changes the efficiency of the operation. If such improvements are accumulated, it will lead to an overall increase in speed." In-house machining of blades for two types of materials (thermoplastic and thermosetting) is one of solutions to make operation easier.
The new plant will have a mass production system for lathe turning: it will operate 24 hours a day, with automatic material feed, and will be able to produce 1,000 to 10,000 pieces at a time.
ABE has practiced "change and challenge" with the desire to respond to needs accurately and flexibly.
Aiming to become an all-rounder in resin processing, ABE WORKS is passionately considering its next step.
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Interviewed on October 3, 2024