EB innovation center opens in Japan

The facility is fully equipped with an EBLab, a standalone, compact, simple-to-use system that allows innovation teams to test the parameters of EB, explore frontiers opened by easy access to electron beam processing, and develop and optimize new products and processes. Its sealed ebeam lamps allow for a maximum beam energy of 200 keV and transport speeds of 3-30m/min, allowing doses of up to 450 kGy in a single pass. Samples may be as large as an A4 letter (216 x 279 mm) and up to 50mm thick. With nitrogen inerting, the oxygen concentration can be as low as 50ppm allowing researchers the freedom to work with oxygen-sensitive chemistries. A team of experts are on hand to aid in the exploration of new possibilities in the field of print and packaging, among other industries.

ebeam Technologies said this allows Japan-based developers of print and packaging technology, and the food industry, to benefit from a workshop environment designed by specialists for specialists.

Known as an atelier, the innovation center is the latest in a growing list of ebeam Technologies’ ateliers and pilot lines around the world, which are part of the company’s ‘Access ebeam’ program. The Japan atelier joins those located in Flamatt, Switzerland; Shelton, US; and Shanghai, China, as well as Davenport, Iowa, US that also hosts a large pilot line for continuous trials on webs.

The grand opening ceremony of the atelier in Yokohama on February 9 was attended by Charles Flükiger, president of ebeam Technologies, and Detlef Steck, the president of Yxlon. Yxlon is a supplier of industrial X-ray and computed tomography systems for non-destructive material testing. Along with ebeam Technologies, it is part of The Comet Group.

‘Our goal is to open up electron beam technology for everyone,’ explained Dr Michael Bielmann, director of Access ebeam. ‘Access ebeam is all about helping solution developers to accelerate their innovation journey by providing them with a location where they can explore possibilities, develop new materials and test product quality. Our existing centres in Flamatt, Davenport and Shanghai have hosted hundreds of trials since their various inaugurations, and the atelier in Japan will help bring our vision of ‘ebeam idea today, test it tomorrow’ one step closer.’

Pictured (from left): Kaspar Zimmerli, ebeam Technologies director of sales in the EMEA region and Japan; Kamihara Shinichi, ebeam Technologies business development manager, Japan; Charles Flükiger, ebeam Technologies president; Detlef Steck, Yxlon president; Mineto Nakajo, general manager of Yxlon Japan