Axismateria Starts Production of Tool Steel Material

Sumitomo Electric Industries’ subsidiary hard metal maker, Axismateria started new product for special tool in March. The Hyogo based maker tries to expand the products line from current carbide rods for printed circuit board drill, general processing drill and endmills to other than round shaped materials including ultra hard cutting edge of chip saw. The firm produces 60-70 tonnes per month of hard metal for printed circuit board drill, general processing drill and endmills at the first floor of the plant. The firm introduces new equipments on the second floor to make other than round shaped materials starting the operation in March. The output capacity will increase to 100 tonnes per month after commissioning of production line for special tool materials. Sumitomo Electric Industries controlled 60% of Axismateria, which was established in August 2008 and started the production of carbide rods in the next month. Now Sumitomo Electric Hardmetal Corp. controls 60% of Axismateria with 40% share by A.L.M.T. Corp. Axismateria started to supply for Sumitomo Electric group in September 2000. Axismateria increased the sales to 1.5 times at 6 billion yen for the year to March 2006 due to higher market share mainly for materials of printed circuit board drill. The firm has world 60% share for carbide rods of printed circuit board drill.