Kobe Steel to Expand Aluminium Vacuum Chamber Output

Kobe Steel expands output capacity for aluminium vacuum chamber, which is the parts for liquid crystal display (LCD) manufacturing equipment, by adding an additional portal machining center at Daian plant in Mie Prefecture, Japan. The firm starts operation of the 7th machining center in early June 2006, which can manufacture aluminium vacuum chamber available for equipment for eighth-generation sized LCD substrate with 2,460 x 2,160 millimeters. The firm will add another machining center to total 8 in the year. The firm has more than 80% of domestic market share for the aluminium vacuum chamber. The firm tries to increase the output and to shorten the lead time to delivery to meet growing demand. The firm plans to add a machining center for eighth-generation sized LCD substrate in December and considers expanding the plant building for potential expansion. The chamber is used for transport room of LCD making equipment. The chamber made from aluminium, which contains less hydrogen and has lower hydrogen permeability, is dominant now instead of traditional stainless chamber. The chamber for eighth-generation sized LCD substrate has maximum 9 tonnes of weight. The Daian plant produces monthly 150-200 units of shower plate for electrode material of semiconductor making equipment along with vacuum chamber sixth- and eighth-generation sized LCD.