EBSD image of intermediate material

●Theoretically proven rolling method

Pictured is an EBSD (Electron Back Scattered Diffraction Pattern) image of an intermediate material made from an ingot (10mm thickness) by warm rolling.
It was confirmed the red area(<0001>) as the basal slip, that is related for deformation at room temperature, have gathered on the rolling surface(Z). This result was theoretically substantiated.

Crystal structure of magnesium

●Magnesium foil manufacturing

It is known that Magnesium is difficult for deformation due to limitation of slip system by Hexagonal Close-Packed lattice, especially non-basal slip is difficult to occur at room temperature.
With the guidance of Professor Miura, Hokkaido University, RIKAZAI has established a process for producing 0.002 mm foil by refining a cold-rollable intermediate material from ingots.
Currently, RIKAZAI is verifying the production of a 0.001 mm foil as a next step.

Rolling scene

●Rolling load suitable for requirements

There are many requests to RIKAZAI for R&D applications, and the rolling requirements for materials and foil thicknesses vary. At the company, skilled workers use their experience and knowledge to adjust the rolling load for each pass to suit the requirements, taking into consideration the characteristics of the material. The two-person team, a sender and a receiver, performs the manual operation using a two-stage rolling mill.

Small-lot foil rolling is possible due to the manual process. For the tolerance, RIKAZAI can accommodate ±10% as the standard thickness, and can adapt less requirements.

Automatic cut-off machine

●Precise foil cutting and secondary processing on request

The thinner the rolled foil is, the more difficult it is to handle, as it can tear or wrinkle at the slightest touch. The foil is cut by hand, one sheet at a time, using a cutting machine. Previously, cutting operations were performed with a foot-pedal machine, but the introduction of an automatic machine has enabled more precise and quicker operations.

For secondary processing, RIKAZAI has established an elaborate network with partner companies that enables etching and laser processing, etc.