Naotake Hirano

Title: Naotake Hirano: Innovator in Copper Alloy Technology

Introduction

Naotake Hirano is a distinguished inventor based in Aizuwakamatsu, Japan. He is known for his contributions to the field of materials science, particularly in the development of advanced copper alloys. His innovative work has led to significant advancements in the mechanical properties of copper materials.

Latest Patents

Hirano holds a patent for a Cu—Zr-based copper alloy plate and the process for manufacturing it. This invention provides a copper alloy plate that retains satisfactory mechanical strength while achieving a good balance of bending formability and bending elastic limit. The alloy contains 0.05% to 0.2% by mass of zirconium (Zr) and a remainder of copper (Cu) along with unavoidable impurities. The average KAM values measured by an EBSD method range from 1.5° to 1.8°, and the R/t ratio is between 0.1 and 0.6, where R represents the minimum bending radius that does not cause a crack, and t represents the thickness of the plate in a W bending test. The bending elastic limit of this alloy is between 420 N/mm to 520 N/mm.

Career Highlights

Hirano is currently employed at Mitsubishi Shindoh Co., Ltd., where he continues to innovate in the field of copper alloys. His work has been instrumental in enhancing the performance and applications of copper materials in various industries.

Collaborations

Hirano collaborates with notable colleagues, including Takeshi Sakurai and Yoshio Abe, who contribute to his research and development efforts. Their teamwork fosters a creative environment that drives innovation in their projects.

Conclusion

Naotake Hirano's contributions to the field of copper alloy technology exemplify the impact of innovative thinking in materials science. His patented work not only advances the understanding of copper alloys but also paves the way for future developments in this essential area.