Major Japanese belt manufacturer Bando Chemical has developed an optimal seal blade for sliding parts in machine tools using a special polyurethane. The blade has improved coolant resistance, durability under fast wiping and wear resistance. The development is based on technology the company has built up over many years related to polyurethane cleaning blades for office automation equipment.
Kinsei Rubber has developed perfluoroelastomer extrusion-molded tubes and molding parts with superior resistance to chemicals, oil, and solvents. The products have a wide range of uses including O-rings and boards. The tubes are particularly suited to use with semiconductors and pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment.
Rubber consumption will see its first annual increase in five years, according to a forecast by the Japan Rubber Manufacturers Association (JRMA). The combined total consumption volume of natural and synthetic rubber in 2016 is expected to amount to 1.3414 million tons, up 0.8 percent from the previous year. See a breakdown of the figures by major product category below.
Sumitomo Riko Co. Ltd. has concluded an exclusive distributor agreement with Hydroscand AB, a Swedish seller of high-pressure hoses based in Stockholm. The move will enable Sumitomo Riko to expand sales of high-pressure hoses in 43 countries in Europe and elsewhere. This marks the company's first full entry into the industrial hose business's European market.
Nitta Corp. has launched sales of Linemate LB70, a new series of ultra-flexible resin hose products with applications in hydraulic piping for machine tools and machining work. The new hoses are 15-25 percent more flexible than existing products and also have a major weight advantage.
The automobile market in Japan is going through a difficult period, said Yujiro Kanahara, president of Nippon Goodyear Ltd., speaking recently to Japan Rubber Weekly. This is particularly true in the tire sector, where Nippon Goodyear faces a number of strong rivals and where market growth is limited, Kanahara said. Still, he believes there are opportunities for growth.
