FUJI Corporation will focus on proposing products that apply additive manufacturing (AM) technology, which involves layering and molding materials.

Particularly, AM technology is attracting attention as a new manufacturing method. However, its recognition and industrial use are still low in Japan compared to other markets. Therefore, FUJI will develop new markets and accelerate proposals to a wide range of industries.

In January this year, FUJI announced the FPM-Trinity electronics 3D printer. Unlike 3D printers that have already been put to practical use in various industries, this product can complete multiple processes in a single unit – from forming electronic circuits to mounting electronic components, in addition to molding resin outlines.

Particularly, last June, the company participated in AM EXPO NAGOYA, an exhibition specializing in 3D printer-related technologies, and presented this product in earnest. Also, during the same month, the company exhibited at RAPID+TCT, the largest AM technology exhibition in North America, held in Los Angeles, to promote the product globally.

Introduction of Prototype Services

Primarily, FUJI exhibited actual machines and manufacturing samples at RAPID+TCT. Also, it introduced its prototyping services using FPM Trinity. Many visitors were involved in the semiconductor and electronics industries as well as the aerospace industry. They discussed possible applications in various industries at the booth.

Ryojiro Tominaga, Project Leader, Trinity Project, Robotic Solutions Division, said, “Many visitors were interested in FPM Trinity because it was the first time for them to see a machine like FPM Trinity that can handle everything from electronic board manufacturing to mounting. There are a variety of possible applications. We would like to create a market by listening to the needs of our customers without stereotypes.”

Mainly, the FPM Trinity manufacturing process involves printing resin ink, UV curing the resin, and printing silver nano ink to form circuits. By repeating this process, multiple layers are formed and components are mounted. First, the company is proposing two possible applications: (1) prototyping of printed wiring boards, and (2) 3D printer (to manufacture devices of unconventional shapes). Currently, the company is providing prototyping services using FPM Trinity. Further, it plans to start shipping mass production of the device by the end of FY2025.

Direct Proposals

Tominaga said, “In the future, we will visit companies to hold individual exhibitions. We will make proposals to public research institutions to explore a wide range of needs. We will also provide opportunities for customers to experience the equipment, for example, setting up actual equipment in the showroom of our U.S. subsidiary in Chicago. Also, we will work with customers to develop application samples.”

Particularly, FUJI calls AM technology “additive manufacturing electronics (AME) technology,” which is optimized for the electronics field. The company is strengthening its efforts in this area. By combining the technology cultivated in electronic component mounting with new manufacturing technology, the company aims to open up new markets.

This is an English translation of an article published in Dempa Shimbun Daily on August 26, 2024.

-08 October 2024-