Copper prices have been rising recently over the past few years due to the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), it has risen since around April 2020 to nearly double the previous average in May 2021.
▲ Copper price graph (JPY1,000/ton)
Because of this situation background, there is a growing trend to replace copper with aluminum for parts used in air conditioning equipment. neis Thailand also handles products using copper, but recently over the past few years, we have been consulted by many customers who are worried about the soaring copper prices.
Therefore, we decided to introduce production facilities in Thailand to enable integrated production of “aluminum flux cored wire”, for which demand is expected to increase in the future. The relocation is expected to be completed within the next five years. These are mainly used for joining heat exchangers for air conditioners, with which we have an excellent track record. Ideal as joining materials when shifting from copper to aluminum.
Creating an environment in Thailand where the upper and lower processes can be performed in an integrated manner
Up to now, the upper process was performed in Japan and was then imported to Thailand for the lower processes such as ring machining and spool winding. By introducing the equipment of the upper process in Thailand in the future, we will be able to respond more flexibly to the requests from our customers.
▲ Upper process machining equipment at our factory in Japan
There is probably no other factory in Thailand that has this level of manufacturing facilities. Even in Japan, there are only a few factories with such a production capacity. The production capacity of our Thai factory is comparable to those in Japan, and the secondary processing facilities are more complete. In the future, we may transfer our main manufacturing bases to Thailand.
▲ Lower process machining equipment at our factory in Thailand
Customized orders can be met utilizing our unique joining technology and know-how
neis' strength lies not only in product sales but also in solution proposals that utilize our unique joining technologies.
✓Flux can be uniquely formulated according to the customer's requirements.
✓Precision customization is possible based on a large number of order records and a wealth of trial-and-error experience.
✓Arrange the size and shape considering the ease of machining work.
✓Providing not only product sales but also services including joining technology
know-how
Headquarters, Neis Co., Ltd. also develops in-house joining equipment such as for brazing. Therefore, we have abundant technical knowledge and know-how. Products ordered for customization are subjected to a joining test and carefully checked before the delivery, to determine if there are any problems in the actual machining work or if there are any areas that can be improved.
▲ From the left: images of automatic brazing equipment and high frequency brazing equipment (semi-automatic)
The production and sales of aluminum flux cored wire is scheduled to start after 2023. Switching from copper to aluminum should contribute to total manufacturing cost reduction. If you have any issues with joining air conditioning equipment, please feel free to contact us.
