[Synergy of Technology×Technique]
Providing the Tacit Knowledge of Manufacturing: Where Cutting-Edge Superalloys Are Born

• Analysis and Evaluation Techniques
• Engineers
• Research Network and Facility Services Division Platforms
• Shared Facilities

The Materials Melting and Manufacturing Unit provides metal processing technologies, including melting, plastic working, and heat treatment. This work demands advanced technical skills and a deep understanding of materials to handle elements that are difficult to quantify. My main role is producing heat-resistant materials, focusing on single-crystal nickel-based superalloys developed at NIMS. I manage the entire process, from crafting spiral-structured molds for crystal orientation control to casting in melting furnaces, followed by heat treatment and property evaluation. Few engineers specialize in all these processes, and my strength is rapidly prototyping alloys tailored to researchers’ needs. Recent advances in computer simulation have enhanced guidelines for element composition and heat treatment temperatures. However, factors such as heat distribution affected by mold thickness and the sequence and timing of adding over ten elements to the melting furnace still demand careful attention. This is where engineering expertise plays a crucial role. Most requests currently come from NIMS researchers, but we also accommodate external inquiries, aiming to strengthen Japan’s materials development.