#Japan #Toyota #Tokyo #Fuel Cells #Nippon Kinzoku

Nippon Kinzoku and Toyota's Groundbreaking Patent

Nippon Kinzoku Co., Ltd., headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, and led by President Yasushi Shimokawa, announced a significant collaboration with Toyota Motor Corporation, based in Toyota City, Aichi, under President Koji Sato. Together, they have filed a joint patent application for a new innovation titled "Separator and Its Manufacturing Method." This development marks an important step forward in the realm of fuel cell technology.

Focus on Fuel Cell Technology

The partnership between Nippon Kinzoku and Toyota is centered on the critical area of surface treatment technology. Their joint efforts concentrate on fuel cell components, specifically the separator used in fuel cells. Fuel cells are vital devices that generate electricity through the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, resulting in water replenishment. These devices consist of multiple layers of cells that are structured with electrolyte membranes sandwiched between gas diffusion layers and separators. The separator plays a crucial role in collecting and conducting electricity, thereby necessitating low contact resistance, which is at the core of the surface treatment technology development.

The Vision Behind the Innovation

This innovation stems from Nippon Kinzoku's 11th Management Plan titled "NIPPON KINZOKU 2030." Under this plan, the company embraces the vision of achieving "Near Net Performance," which aims to meet the performance demands of end products at the material and component levels. By focusing on co-creation, Nippon Kinzoku is set to promote various environmentally friendly products, including fuel cell separators, under its unique certification standards known as "Eco Products." This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering new values that are ecologically considerate.

Patent Overview

• - Invention Name: Separator and Its Manufacturing Method
• - Publication Number: JP2025-147500
• - Publication Date: October 7, 2025

The Product Offering: Cold-Rolled Stainless Steel

Nippon Kinzoku’s cold-rolled stainless steel strip products are produced exclusively via a made-to-order system. This approach allows the company to select the most suitable raw materials based on customer requirements regarding applications, processing methods, and quality standards, thereby enabling the delivery of high-quality products that meet customer expectations.

For more information, visit our website: Nippon Kinzoku Stainless Steel.

Itabashi Plant Overview

As a pioneer in stainless steel strip and polished special strip steel manufacturing, we contribute to advanced ‘monozukuri’ (manufacturing). Our primary product offerings include cold-rolled stainless steel strips, polished special strips, ultra-thin electromagnetic steel strips, and magnesium alloy strips.

Explore more at: Itabashi Plant.

Research Institute Overview

Taking advantage of our location in urban Tokyo, our institute serves as an accessible facility for clients, acting as an 'open research lab.' Here, we utilize a variety of experimental and investigative equipment to address customer needs and the development of new technologies.

Learn more about our labs: Technical Research Institute.

Vision for the Future: NIPPON KINZOKU 2030

Nippon Kinzoku is committed to becoming a Multi & Hybrid Material company that co-creates new values that are kind to both people and the planet. By incorporating a diverse range of materials processed through unique rolling and composite molding technologies, we aim to achieve the performance requirements at the material level, contributing to the future of humanity and the Earth. The terms "Multi & Hybrid Material," "Near Net Shape," and "Near Net Performance" are central to our strategy, guiding us in product development aimed at future needs. With an emphasis on new technologies and products, we aim to transform our business structure to adapt to emerging demands.

For more details on our strategies, visit: Investors Relations.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding this release, please contact: Nippon Kinzoku Co., Ltd. General Affairs Department
TEL: 03-5765-8100
Or visit our contact page: Contact Us.

For product and technology inquiries: Nippon Kinzoku Co., Ltd. Production Process Support Department
TEL: 03-5765-8113
Learn more at: Product Contact.