Special Feature : KOBELCO in Everyday Life

Global Network for Automotive Lightweighting

Kobe Steel is strengthening its production systems in China and the United States, aiming to meet the demand for aluminum in automotive lightweighting at an early stage. We're widening applications in panels, bumpers, suspensions and other parts. By pursuing automotive lightweighting on a global scale, we will contribute toward reducing CO₂ emissions.

Aluminum and Magnesium Castings Contribute to Quieter, Stronger Planes

Using superior casting technology and analysis, we produce aluminum and magnesium castings for aircraft parts, which require both lightness and extreme durability. Lighter weight fuselages help reduce CO₂ emissions, ensuring more comfortable and environmentally-friendly flights.

Developing Lightweight Aluminum Shapes

Kobe Steel holds Japan's top market share in aluminum shapes for use in the Shinkansen and other trains. Our proprietary low-noise Damp-Shape^® extruded shape, used in aluminum railway cars, was specially developed to be lightweight and to dampen noise and vibration while in operation.

Promoting Lightweight High-Strength Steel Sheet

Used primarily in automotive structural parts, our high-strength steel is stronger than ordinary steel sheet and contributes to lighter vehicles.

Kobe Steel also leads the world in development and production of even stronger, ultra high-strength steel.

40% World Market Share in Ship Crankshafts

The crankshaft is an essential ship part, transmitting force from the engine to the propellers. Highly rated for our micro-level dimensional control technologies, Kobe Steel holds 40% of the world market share in built-up and solid-type ship crankshafts.

Highly Recyclable Aluminum Cans Go Mainstream

Kobe Steel holds approximately 30% of the Japan market share for aluminum beverage can stock, a highly recyclable material. We also hold 70% of the Japan market share for aluminum bottle can stock, which requires more complex processing. We strongly promote aluminum can recycling.

Energy-Saving Technology Offering Several Times the Thermal Energy as Electricity Consumed

Heat pumps are an increasingly common feature in buildings and factories, as they provide several times the amount of thermal energy for heating and cooling as energy (electricity) consumed. Kobe Steel's HEM (High Efficiency Mini) Series of heat pumps offer the highest energy efficiency in the industry.

High Thermal Conductivity Greatly Reduceds CO₂

High-performance inner-grooved copper tube from Kobelco & Materials Copper Tube, Ltd. was developed for use in air-conditioner heat exchangers. The tube's high thermal conductivity improves COP^* by twofold in comparison to 1990 models. As a frontrunner in the field of energy-saving air-conditioning, our copper tube reduces CO₂ emissions by approximately 4.6 million tons annually.

^*Coefficient of Performance. COP is the ratio of electricity consumed to heating/cooling provided and is a method of measuring air conditioner efficiency.

Ensuring Clean Water for Households and Industries

Kobelco Eco-Solutions Co., Ltd. provides a full lineup of water treatment technologies and facilities, covering everything from municipal and sewage water treatment to industrial water, sludge treatment, and pure and ultrapure water production. Kobelco Eco-Solutions meets the diverse water needs of both industry and daily life.

Japan's Largest Wholesale Supplier of Electricity

The Kobe Steel Group is also involved in supplying electricity for use in everyday life. Shinko Kobe Power Station, located adjacent to Kobe Works, is Japan's largest independent power producer, with a capacity of 1.4 million kW. The plant covers approximately 70% of Kobe City's peak-time demand for electricity. The Group has plans to expand similar schemes to other locations in Japan.

Energy Generation from Hot Springs and Waste Heat

Kobe Steel has developed microbinary generators to produce electricity from previously unused hot spring and factory waste heat sources, and is promoting their use in hot spring areas and industrial sectors. The generators are capable of producing electricity from heat sources ranging from 70-95°C, making them ideal for a wide range of applications.

Direct Reduced Iron Production Utilizing Natural Gas with Reduced CO₂ Emissions Building

The MIDREX Process produces direct reduced iron. As natural gas is used as the reduction agent, CO₂ emissions are greatly reduced. The MIDREX Process is utilized at about 70 plants worldwide, most notably in the Middle East. Due to the shale gas revolution, new demand for the technology is expected.

Cutting-Edge Energy Technology Adopted by Abeno Harukas Building

Kobelco Eco-Solutions Co., Ltd. is pursuing business using the biogas from sludge and other sources to generate energy. Abeno Harukas, a new landmark building in Osaka, has adopted this technology, utilizing the garbage produced within the building to generate biogas for heating and power generation.

Dams for Mountainous Regions Prevent Debris Flow while Protecting Natural Ecosystems

These dams are installed in rivers and streams in mountainous regions to prevent debris flow and avalanches. Kobe Steel's dams are created by combining steel pipes and are passable by fish and other aquatic species. Water travels between the pipes, meaning that natural fishways are preserved.

Seawall Prevents Overtopping Waves while Harmonizing with the Scenery

The flare-shaped seawall's recurved parapet directs waves back to sea, preventing "overtopping" waves while also reducing the momentum from storm surges and tsunamis. The flare-shaped seawall also eliminates the need for wave-dissipating concrete blocks, thus preserving the natural scenery. Development of the seawall was made possible through Kobe Steel's combined experience in coastal engineering.

Safe and Reliable Netting Stops Falling Rocks in Mountainous Regions

High Joule Nets from Shinko Kenzai, Ltd. are designed to absorb the overwhelming energy from falling rocks and limit injury and damage as far as possible. Installation can be tailored to specific terrain and geological features, allowing the nets to help keep mountainous areas throughout Japan safe.

Japan's First "Drivable Power Plant" Contributes to Disaster Relief of all Kinds

Japan's first mobile power source truck, developed by Shinko Engineering Co., Ltd., has been used as a backup power source for NTT telecommunication stations, power companies, and other entities. It has been vital in restoring infrastructure during natural disasters such as the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. The vehicle is a virtual "drivable power plant," with a truck and diesel power generator integrated into one.