SDK Doubles Production Capacity of Single Morundum - Fused Alumina Abrasives for Precision Processing of Auto Parts.

Tokyo, Japan, Oct 19, 2005 - (JCN Newswire) - Showa Denko  K.K. (SDK) has doubled its production capacity of Single Morundum - titania-doped fused alumina abrasives used in grinding stones for hard materials - from 2,000 tons to 4,000 tons per year.

SDK has succeeded in doubling the capacity by adopting a continuous production system with a tilting furnace, instead of the conventional batch system, and modifying the technology. The furnace is an electromelting furnace that supplies melt into a ladle by tilting and then continues production as feedstock is refilled.

Test runs started in August this year, demonstrating improvement in the grinding performance and production efficiency. Samples have been distributed to customers for evaluation in end-use.

Addition of a small amount of titania to alumina improves tenacity compared with commodity White Morundum abrasives. Due to the improved tenacity, Single-Morundum abrasives are used mainly in precision processing of automotive parts.

Following the success in the doubling of production capacity, SDK will aim to obtain the leading share in the world's Single Morundum market.

SDK will also start using a tilting furnace for continuous production of Pink Morundum - fused alumina abrasives doped with titanium and chromium for longer grinding life - in order to improve its quality and production efficiency.

SDK is producing abrasive grains at its Shiojiri Plant in Nagano Prefecture, Japan and at its consolidated subsidiary Lianyungang Zaoling Abrasives Co., Ltd. in Jiangsu Province, China, supplying the Japanese and Chinese markets. SDK will continue to develop new products and strengthen its presence based on its long experience in the abrasives business.

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