Carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic manufacturers determined to carve out a niche

carbon fiber iPhone 5 manufacturers determined to carve out a distinct segment

In early 2011, there was a runrún in the IT industry that An innovative might hire Kestrel Bicycles BOSS Kevin Kenney. The Philadelphia-based operation} was known for developing world's the first thing all-carbon frame in 1986. The runrún turned out to be true. Apple hired Kenney in April 2011 as a older person composites engineer. There was wide based upon of the imminent debut of a iPhone 5 carbon fiber iPhone. Although that hasn't position yet, Apple acquired a offizierspatent for a carbon fiber molding process. Typically the Apple case is one example of our growing attention to carbon fiber. Because it is an absolute fourth the weight of steel additionally 10 times stronger, carbon fiber has been highly seen as a material of the future. With Japan's Toray recently signing a 1 trillion yen ($8. 23 billion) endure Boeing to supply carbon fiber, questions come to the forefront about where Korean companies situation in the carbon fiber market. Bang Yoon-hyuk, who heads Hyosung's plant within Jeonju, North Jeolla, where a number of, 000 tons of carbon fiber are published a year, says Korean companies have to have to compete in the market. "Hyosung plans to pay 1 . 2 trillion won [$1 billion] by 2020 additionally expand the capacity to 14, 500 tons, " said Bang. "We can fully compete with Japanese additionally American companies. " Although Korean language companies have paid attention to carbon materials since the 1980s, the 50-year-old, owning a doctorate from Pusan Domestic University, laments the impact of the Asian kitchenware financial crisis in late 1990s. In the case of Hyosung, Bang said the item 2007 when he was given the in an attempt to form a team and gain high-strength carbon fibers. After 3 years of research, Hyosung became among the first Korean company with its own advancement for high quality carbon fibers. Via cooperation from the provincial government, the manufacturer is building a carbon fiber industry group. Lee In-ho, who leads Taekwang Industrial's new business department, agrees because Korean companies can succeed in carbon fiber market. Taekwang Industrial was the the first thing local company to commercially manifest carbon fiber starting in March spring 2012. The company now produces 1, 200 tons a year. There are various types of as well as fibers, the most common being made from acrylonitrile that is extracted from propylene, an absolute petrochemical product. The acrylonitrile happens to be carbonized through 1, 000-degree warming up process that produces an advanced beginner material called "pre-preg. " Carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic is made from this "pre-preg" after forming and heating. Experts say Korean language companies' competitiveness is at a high level on the subject of making intermediate materials to produce carbon fiber. SK Chemical, the affiliate in SK Group, entered this advanced beginner material market in the 1980s includes worked with Japan's Mitsubishi Rayon from the time 2012. "We produce intermediate textiles in Ulsan and Qingdao, Asia, " said a company spokesman. "In particular, we have a 20 percent present of the sporting-leisure goods market within Asia. " According to data on Jeonbuk Technopark, an industrial société in Jeonju, North Jeolla, the worldwide carbon fiber market is expected to grow to five. 3 trillion won by 2020. But the big three Japanese associations accounted for nearly 90 percent through the world's carbon fiber supply as of 2013. Japan's Toray produces 18, nine hundred tons, followed by Toho Tenax (13, 900 tons) and Mitsubishi Artificial (10, 850 tons). Korea's Hyosung and Taekwang combined to produce 3 . 0, 500 tons of carbon fiber a year. Dem wind abgewandte seite said that since carbon fiber in around the aviation market is supplied by Toray, there isn't much space for local associations to enter, but that the automobile marketplace is still worth a try. He claimed which carbon fiber used in aircraft is of the best grade, but the carbon fiber for automobiles would be produced using local technology. As a result of Hyundai Motor and Kia Electronic motors are based in Korea, carbon fiber stated in collaboration with these automakers could outstanding the market and improve technology. Numerous already successful signs. In 03, Hyundai introduced its Intrado general idea vehicle with a frame that creates carbon fiber produced by Hyosung. "There is yet enough room for local carbon fiber to the shipbuilding industry, as Korea is the No . 1 country in the country in shipbuilding, " said Hyosung's Bang. While Korean carbon fiber sellers are eager to work with other companies, recent market leader Toray is moving very quickly. In addition to securing the megadeal that has Boeing, the Japanese company is seeking North America. The company is trying to supply carbon fiber for construction of shale gas-related facilities. In automobiles, Toray partnered with Germany's Daimler and in 2009 its products were used in some Mercedes-Benz styles. Industry insiders said that for Korean language companies, the Chinese market christmas gifts a huge opportunity with the two international locations recently agreeing to a free exchange agreement. "If we can get no contract deals on sporting-leisure goods in high demand within China, I think Korean companies will likely secure enough competitiveness to vie. " BY KIM HYUN-YE [kjoo@joongang.co.kr]