Recent development examples
2008Thrust washer
We are focusing on functional automotive parts. For the replacement of needle bearing ring for automotive driving units, our S-Bear thrust washer contributes to the weight and noise reduction. S-Bear is a group of injection molding materials which has low friction and low wear. In addition, it also has high mechanical properties. S-Bear can be applyed even in the circumstances in which conventional plastic products are no longer unavailable.
2007PA/PTFE composite materials
PA and PTFE are already well-known materials, but these are manufactured using ordinary physical blends. At Starlite, by using chemistry blend technology, we have made it possible to achieve surface smoothness, non-adhesiveness and other outstanding characteristics that are not found in conventional physical blends. Currently, we are developing applications that make use of these special characteristics.
2007MAESTO (LED helmets)
We have added LED illumination to helmets to realize helmets that are both stylish and highly functional. We have designed them to assure safety and reliability so that users can work with peace of mind at night and in dark places. They are capable of beam lighting, flat lighting, downward-angled lighting and other illumination functions for various purposes. Furthermore, illumination patterns and brightness can be controlled by a built-in CPU and consideration has been given to energy conservation by using rechargeable batteries. Through these functions, we are seeking to create new markets for helmets.
2006Wave drive units
Wave drive units are rapid deceleration units made of resin that make use of wave theory. In addition to having a small number of main parts, other features include input and output on the same shaft and a great deceleration ratio even though the design is compact. At Starlite, we have successfully realized component parts for these units with our original plastic low-friction materials and molding technologies for small precision parts. They have already been used in the elbow joint parts of lifestyle support robots, for example, and we expect they will be used in other applications to promote space conservation, weight reduction, noise reduction and precision operation.
2005T-seals
These lip seal members that unify PTFE seal lips with the brackets that hold them using plastic by injection molding have been used frequently in recent years for shaft seal members for toner cartridges used in photocopying machines, printers and other devices. PTFE is used for various types of bearings and seal materials for its elasticity, shape memory, and self-lubrication features. At Starlite, we have developed original PTFE with various fillers through long years of tribological tests and experiments, and we are developing integrated resin lip seals for various applications using our molding technologies.
2005Microchips
We have developed a process of injection molding manufacturing for disposable plastic micro-devices that have tens or even hundreds of minute formations on their surfaces, meeting demands of the biotechnology and medical field markets. Furthermore, we are developing products with even greater value by combining surface processing and joining technologies. We also expect applications in DNA chips and plates for health diagnoses, as well as plates for environmental measurements.
