Daido Steel plans to increase production of free forging products by double from peak level before Lehman’s fall a few years later, and to increase production ratio of high quality steel in Shibukawa factory which produces forging steel products. The firm will increase items of forging steel products, star products which is only or no.1 products, for heavy electric machinery, air carrier, marine vessel or excavation. Mr. Hajime Amano, factory director of Shibukawa factory, said the firm aims to increase share of forging products in the international market, and is drawing up vision.
The factory operates full of vacuum melting furnace and 7,000 tonnes forging press which was installed in 2008. The firm expands selection of products with high quality and competitive power, and embraces the demand for high performance special steel products which is expanding in the world. Shibukawa factory controls over 30% of international market share for long shaft for air carrier. The factory’s engine shaft is expected to be adopted for the Boeing 787 which is scheduled for first flight in autumn. The factory increased shipping volume of engine shaft in fiscal 2010 to near peak level in fiscal 2008, which shipped at total 19,000 pieces after beginning of delivery in 1985 which is curtained at over 20,000 pieces within this year. The factory forecasts the demand for engine shaft swells when aircraft makers require high performance engine shaft for expansion of air plane demand and improvement of fuel consumption of air plane. The products for air carrier is required most strict control with test, examination and input of date in all material and products. Daido Steel acquired quality management system-requirements, JISQ 9100, and is conducting original high level heat treatment and nondestructive inspection. The firm is enhancing sales of forging products for non-magnetic drill color which is used for oil and gas drilling when the demand for the forging products is expected to expand for offshore oilfield or gas field. The material of forging products is particular stainless steel when the products is required high corrosion resistance and strength. Mr. Amano said the factory aims to increase production capacity by 3 times to 3 million pieces per month a few years later. The factory will expand the share in the international market by exchange of information with excavator makers.