MIRDC developing precision forging parts for auto, 3C lines

Taipei, June 16, 2005 (CENS)--Taiwan's Metal Industries Research & Development Center (MIRDC) has set up an alliance to develop precision forging parts for local 3C (computer, communication, and consumer electronics) and auto-parts makers and help them enter major international supply chains.

MIRDC established the precision forging-parts R&D alliance with six local private makers, including Ying Ming Industry Co., Ltd. Jau Yeou. Industry Co. Ltd., Lien Sheng Mechanical & Electrical Co., Ltd., Fu Wei Machinery Co., Ltd., etc. The alliance is expected to generate an annual production value of over NT$1 billion (US$32.05 million at US$1: NT$31.2). In addition, the commercialized precision fastener products are expected to replace many imported items.

MIRDC is a non-profit organization established in 1963 to research and develop leading metal-processing technologies for various relevant industries in Taiwan. The main service fields of MIRDC include basic metal industry, metal products, machinery, electrical appliances, transportation equipment, and precision-instrument industries, etc. The goal of MIRDC is to upgrade the metal-related industries in Taiwan so that local manufacturers can be more competitive in the international market. To achieve this goal, the center frequently carries out R&D projects and transfers technologies to private manufacturers.

MIRDC recently held the 4th Asia-Pacific Forum on Precision Surface Finishing and Deburring Technology in Taichung, central Taiwan, inviting over 20 industry experts from nine nations to participate. The forum focused on providing practical quality-upgrading and cost-cutting solutions for better deburring and surface-processing results with forging auto-parts products.

MIRDC division chief Tsui Hai-ping said that the precision-processing technologies can be widely applied to manufacturing automobile engine-parts (automotive precision gears, cylinder heads, engine valves), semiconductor line's piping accessories, clean valves (used in food-processing line), high-precision machines and instrument etc.

According to Tsui, makers used to utilize hand tools to polish or deburr, which involves more processing time and leads to instable quality. The division chief claimed that MIRDC has achieved several breakthroughs in precision processing technologies, including laser, high-pressure water, explosion and deburring. The center has transferred those advanced techniques to local machinery makers.

MIRDC is also cooperating with several private manufacturers in developing micro-processing technologies, especially for polishing and deburring operations.