Hirofumi Watanabe

Title: Innovations of Hirofumi Watanabe

Introduction

Hirofumi Watanabe is a notable inventor based in Ibaraki, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of additive manufacturing, particularly through his innovative work with copper alloy powders. With a total of three patents to his name, Watanabe's inventions focus on enhancing the properties and production methods of metal powders used in advanced manufacturing techniques.

Latest Patents

Watanabe's latest patents include a copper alloy powder having a silicon coating film and a method for producing the same. This invention provides a copper alloy powder designed for additive manufacturing using a laser beam system. It achieves a higher laser absorption rate while suppressing heat transfer through necking. The copper alloy powder contains one or more elements selected from chromium, zirconium, and niobium, totaling 15 wt % or less, with the balance being copper and unavoidable impurities. The coating film formed on the copper alloy powder contains silicon atoms, with a concentration ranging from 5 wt ppm to 700 wt ppm.

Another significant patent is the production method of an additive manufactured object using pure copper powder with a silicon coating. This method involves an electron beam-based additive manufacturing process. It includes spreading pure copper powder, preheating it, and partially melting it with an electron beam to form layers. The preheating temperature is set between 400° C. and less than 800° C., ensuring optimal conditions for layer formation.

Career Highlights

Hirofumi Watanabe has worked with prominent companies in the industry, including JX Metals Corporation and JX Nippon Mining & Metals Corporation. His experience in these organizations has contributed to his expertise in metal powder technology and additive manufacturing processes.

Collaborations

Watanabe has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Yoshitaka Shibuya and Hiroyoshi Yamamoto. Their combined efforts have further advanced the field of additive manufacturing and metal powder innovations.

Conclusion

Hirofumi Watanabe's contributions to the field of additive manufacturing through his innovative patents and collaborations highlight his significant role as an inventor. His work continues to influence advancements in metal powder technology and manufacturing processes.