Product-related Initiatives for the Environment  Back Number (2017)

By using motors to control the distance between the LED and the lens, SALIOT made it possible to adjust the light radiation area and distribution angle from 10 to 30 degrees. In addition, through the application of wireless technology in the development of our original software, this product allows users to easily control the vertical and horizontal orientation of lighting, the light distribution angle, and brightness with a smartphone or tablet.

The external appearance of SALIOT CUBE has been brought together in a minimal cubic style, simple and robust, and able to harmonize with the installation space.

The MinebeaMitsumi Group developed a new model of its Wavy Nozzle^® swing coolant¹ jetting device for removing machining dust and chips with the "Wavy Nozzle 2," launched in April 2017.

1. Cutting fluid and grinding fluid used to cool and lubricate parts being machined during machining

Further enhanced freedom of fixing location due to miniaturization

By thoroughly reviewing the internal structure, we succeeded in miniaturizing the size of the jet unit to 49.7% of its previous size, while maintaining the same nozzle performance. The new model can be mounted to machine tools operating in small working areas where mounting of the previous model would have been difficult.

Powered up with double the maximum coolant supply pressure

The maximum coolant supply pressure was enhanced from the conventional 2MPa to 4MPa. This made it possible to directly supply coolant from almost any medium-pressure coolant pump device. We hope to achieve the next-level in machining dust and chip removal by combining a stronger coolant jet and nozzle swing, which will contribute to improved quality and processing efficiency in the machining of precision components.

The MinebeaMitsumi Group develops, manufacturers, and sells LED (light-emitting diode) backlight units which illuminate smartphone and tablet computer LCD displays from the rear.

The optical guide plate is critical to spreading LED light evenly over the display, as the LED backlight units are positioned on the edge of the device. We leveraged our superior plastic injection molding processes using our proprietary design development and our precision molds to successfully develop optical guide plates measuring 0.3 mm thick or less. The thinner optical guide plates not only help to make the end products thinner, but help to reduce power consumption, weight and size compared with previous models.

The MinebeaMitsumi Group has developed and begun manufacturing and selling a highly heat-resistant ball bearing unit for turbochargers (air supply device to force air into the engine) which prevents burning of the unit's components. The balls are made of ceramics and the casings used to hold the balls are made of high heat-resistant materials to prevent the shaft bearing from expanding and burning.

Currently, automakers around the world are striving to improve the fuel efficiency of engines to make them more environmentally conscious. As one measure, automakers have been adopting smaller displacement engines and fitting them with air supply devices to boost output and thereby raise fuel efficiency.

We expect these trends to gain further momentum in Japan and Europe, where fuel efficiency regulations are tightening, and in North America, where large-sized gasoline cars are common.

The MinebeaMitsumi Group has developed a high-performance VR resolver (rotation angle sensor), a critical component of drive motors used in next-generation eco cars, including electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The Group is producing and delivering the component to automakers in and outside Japan.

The VR resolver is a vital angle sensor for accurately controlling the rotation of the drive motor. It is a key component that significantly affects power consumption and driving performance of eco cars.