Tokyo, Japan , Jan. 28, 2003- (JCN Newswire) - Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. (SEI) has developed a high-strength magnesium alloy pipe that is 20 percent stronger than extruded magnesium alloy bars.

The pipe`s strength and light weight make it suitable for use in a wide range of applications: automotive and electronic parts, medical and welfare apparatus such as wheelchairs and stretchers, and leisure and sporting goods such as bicycles and tennis rackets.

For the time being, SEI expects demand for the magnesium alloy pipe for use as a substitute for high value-added materials that use carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). SEI will continue to reduce costs and improve corrosion resistance and seek new applications.

Magnesium is the lightest of all structural metal materials: one-quarter the density of iron and about two-thirds the density of aluminum. The alloy`s flexibility, strength and other features mean it has a wide range of potential applications in electronic devices and automotive parts. For example, the alloy can shield against electromagnetic interference, has excellent damping properties, and be easily recycled, making it ideal for use in portable electronic equipment.

By exploiting its unique technologies of drawing and heat treatment, SEI already succeeded in developing a magnesium alloy wire. The development of the magnesium alloy pipe comes as a result of using the technologies obtained through the development of the magnesium alloy wire. The magnesium alloy pipe is stronger, more flexible and more accurate than extruded magnesium alloy bars.

The main features of the alloy are:

-Ductility is equivalent to that of conventional materials (extrusion materials), while tensile strength is 20 percent stronger than conventional materials. Tensile strength of typical AZ31 alloy is 280 MPa and of AZ61 alloy is 330 MPa. When strength is emphasized, tensile strength of AZ31 alloy is 360 MPa and AZ61 alloy is 380 MPa.

-Can be cold-bent. (Succeeded in achieving a minimum bend radius of R = 2.8 D with a pipe of diameter D = 21.5 mm and thickness t = 1 mm.)

-Higher dimensional accuracy than conventional extrusion materials. Accuracy is equivalent to that of aluminum drawing materials.

-Possible to select a pipe with diameters ranging from 10 mm to 40 mm, thickness ranging from 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

-Can be made in an oval, square and other non-round-shaped cross sections

The annual sales target of the high-strength magnesium alloy wires and pipes for 2005 is 2.5 billion yen.

About Sumitomo Electric Industries Limited

Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. ("SEI")(TSE: 5802)(US: SMTOY), is one of the worlds leading manufacturers of optical fibers and fiber optic components. Since its establishment a century ago, the SEI has engineered technological change by adopting an aggressive research and development strategy. By innovatively fostering home-grown technology and successfully diversifying its business into exciting fields, SEI has positioned itself as a key player in the today`s global information revolution.

Source: Sumitomo Electric Industries Limited

Contact:

Sumitomo Electric Industries Limited Saiki Yutaka saiki-yutaka@sei.co.jp +81 6 6220 4119