Epson and Epson Atmix recognised with Tohoku Regional Commendation for Invention
November 12, 2024
Seiko Epson Corporation, Suwa, Japan, and its Aomori-based subsidiary Epson Atmix Corporation, have been recognised for the invention of its amorphous soft magnetic alloy powder at the Tohoku Regional Commendation for Invention event, sponsored by the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation. The Prize of the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology award is the first received by the Epson Group in the Tohoku Regional Commendation for Invention.
The Regional Commendation for Invention, which began in 1921, divides the nation into eight regions (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu) and honours engineers and research developers who have created outstanding inventions, utility models, or designs in their respective regions.
The Prize of the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology was won by Hiroyoshi Otaka from Epson Atmix’s Metal Powder Production Engineering Section.
Prize-winning powders
The Epson invention that was awarded the prize is related to an amorphous soft magnetic alloy powder with iron as the main component. The powder’s coercivity, average particle size, and tap density were optimised to achieve both high saturation magnetic flux density and low iron loss (low hysteresis loss and eddy current loss) in magnetic components with a core formed from this alloy powder.
Epson states that magnetic components using its powder have become indispensable for reducing power consumption and making electrical circuits smaller and thinner in high-performance electronic devices such as mobile phones and electric vehicles that require high-frequency and/or high-current control. In doing so, the powders help to reduce environmental impact.
At the November 6 award ceremony, Epson Group employees (Yasunori Ogawa — Epson President and Representative Director, CEO and Isamu Otsuka — Epson Atmix President and Representative Director) also received Prizes for Invention Implementation.
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