Sumitomo Metal Mining sells MIM operation to Nippon Piston Ring

News
May 15, 2014

May 15, 2014

Two of Japan’s leading MIM producers, Sumitomo Metal Mining Ltd (SMM) and Nippon Piston Ring Ltd (NPR), recently signed an agreement for NPR to acquire SMM’s MIM operation based in Sagami, Yamato City. The transfer of SMM’s MIM operation to NPR will formally take effect on May 31, 2014, with the full transfer of MIM production to NPR expected to be completed no later than September 30, 2015.

Sumitomo Metal Mining sells MIM operation to Nippon Piston Ring - sumitomo-parts

Low alloy steel power tool parts manufactured by Sumitomo Metal Mining (Fe-Ni-C, Fe-Cr-C)

SMM’s Materials Division began its Metamold MIM operation in the late 1980s with a number of significant successes for MIM parts produced for the automotive, industrial machinery and lock sectors. However, unlike its core business of Mineral Resources or Smelting & Refining, the Materials business is characterised by short product cycles and dramatic fluctuations, and under its current three year business plan SMM decided on structural reforms and to focus on its core competencies. The company had total group sales of Yen 808,540 million ($7.885 billion) in its financial year ending March 31, 2013.

NPR for its part is focused on the manufacture of components for the automotive sector including some MIM components used in engines such as rocker arms. The company decided to acquire the MIM business from SMM in a quest to expand its product portfolio for MIM parts in non-automotive applications. During the year ended March of 2013, group sales at Nippon Piston Ring Co Ltd were ¥47.02 billion (US$459.84 million).

www.smm.co.jp    |     www.npr.co.jp

 

News
May 15, 2014

In the latest issue of PIM International…

Download PDF

Extensive MIM, CIM industry and sinter-based AM industry news, plus the following exclusive deep-dive articles and reports:

  • INMATEC Technologies: Celebrating 25 years as a driving force behind Ceramic Injection Moulding
  • A year of change: Turbulence in China’s MIM industry as markets evolve
  • Ceramic Injection Moulding: The impact of variotherm and conformal cooling technology on part quality and process capability
  • The Additive Manufacturing of multi-material and multi-functional ceramic components

The latest news from the MIM, CIM and sinter-based AM industries

Don't miss any new issue of PIM International, and stay up to date with the latest industry news. Sign up to our fortnightly newsletter.

Sign up

Join our community

Discover our magazine archive…

The free-to-access PIM International magazine archive offers unparalleled insight into the world of MIM, CIM and sinter-based AM from a commercial and technological perspective through:

  • Reports on visits to leading part manufacturers and industry suppliers
  • Articles on technology and application trends
  • Information on materials developments
  • Reviews of key technical presentations from the international conference circuit
  • International industry news

All past issues are available to download as free PDFs or view in your browser.

 

Browse the archive

 

Looking for suppliers of materials, production equipment and finished MIM, CIM or sinter-based AM parts?

Discover suppliers of these and more in our advertisers’ index and buyer’s guide, available in the back of PIM International.

  • Metal powders
  • MIM, CIM & AM parts producers
  • Binders & feedstocks
  • Feedstock mixers
  • Furnaces & furnace supplies
  • Atmospheres & gas generation
  • HIP systems & services
  • Injection moulding machines
  • AM technology
  • Debinding systems
View online
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap