Effects of cooperation between a small and medium enterprise and AIST: Impacts of the idea of “Monotukuri” on technicians

Case studies and problem-solving steps are more important than new-technology transfer when collaborative studies are conducted between a small and medium enterprise and AIST. Detecting causes and issues takes considerable time, however, experiences obtained during collaborative research can decrease barriers and speedup progress. This report presents a case study on a collaborative project between Komatsuseiki Kosakusho Co.,Ltd. and AIST to find a way to increase the life span of micro piercing tools. The solution, indirectly obtained by overcoming another problem is cost effective and easily applicable to factories, though it was not the surface coating technique considered at the beginning of the study. Through such experiences, it is possible to continue collaborative R&D on this as well as other projects, e.g., within the “Projects to support the advancement of strategic core technologies” framework of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.