Shimadzu Technologies Shape the Future

Shimadzu Technologies
Shape the Future
During the 130 years of our history, Shimadzu Corporation has been bolstered by three
main pillars of business: the Medical Systems Division, the Analytical & Measuring
Instruments Division, and the Aircraft Equipment Division.
Today, Shimadzu also focuses on life science, environmental solutions, and semiconductors/flat panel detectors (FPDs) as new fields of business.
We continue to add exciting new chapters to our history.
I n n o v a t i o n No. 37 12
Shaping
the
Future
Medical Systems Division
Advancing in Step with
Diagnostic X-Ray
Systems
Medical diagnosis using the
"Diana" system (circa 1921)
High-Resolution Digital X-ray Images
and Easy Operation
Direct Conversion FPD X-ray Systems
X-ray systems are one of
Shimadzu's specialties. In the
history of X-ray imaging equipment, spanning more than 100
years, Shimadzu has developed an impressive number of
new products. Many of these
were industry firsts, both for
Japan and the world, and supported important medical
advances. Today, Shimadzu is
combining the latest digital and
X-ray technologies to create a
new generation of innovations.
13 I n n o v a t i o n No. 37
Tomographic Images
that Stunned the World
groundbreaking that they stunned many
of the doctors who had come to the
conference from around the world.
The Radiological Society of North
Another surprising fact is that the sys-
America hosted a conference in Chicago
tem needs to take only one exposure to
in November 2004. The venue drew
obtain these images. This advanced
almost 50,000 visitors, and the Shimadzu
imaging operation was made possible
booth was constantly crowded. The dis-
by the direct conversion flat panel
play showed slice images of a human
detector (FPD) developed by Shimadzu.
body captured by a new X-ray system.
The system obtains high-resolution
Unlike conventional cross-sectional
images of the inside of the body, and
images obtained with a CT scanner,
uses its unique ability to digitally recon-
they were continuous longitudinal cross-
struct images to focus on any desired
sectional images. In fact, they were so
depth. The system then saves the
Shaping the Future
many years of dependable operation.
Many radiologists and doctors have
told me that they hope to have a
Shimadzu system someday."
This level of user confidence was created thanks to Shimadzu's long history of
involvement in X-ray system development.
In 1895, soon after Dr. Roentgen discovered the X-ray, Shimadzu was
asked to cooperate in an X-ray experiment.
The request came from
Professor Hanichi Muraoka at Daisan
Senior High School. (Daisan Senior
High School later merged with Kyoto
Hidefumi Suzuki,
Senior R&D Manager, Research and Development
Department, Medical Systems Division
University.) Earlier, when Professor
Muraoka was in Germany, he studied
directly under Dr. Roentgen. When
Professor Muraoka heard that Dr.
resulting image data.
Roentgen had discovered the X-ray, he
"This system performs tasks that no
immediately began his own research.
other machine in the world can. The
However, Disan Senior High School did
new applications made possible by the
not have an adequate power supply at
system are bringing about break-
the time to perform full-fledged experi-
throughs in medicine," explained
ments. This led Professor Muraoka to
Hidefumi Suzuki, Senior R&D Manager.
look to Shimadzu, which was delivering
Tremendous Brand
Image
Outline of the
Shimadzu Medical
Systems Division
Main products:
Diagnostic X-ray systems
PET systems
CT scanners
Diagnostic ultrasound systems
Systems related to medical treatment and surgical operations
Near-infrared imaging equipment
Medical information systems
Overview:
In 1896, the Division succeeded in
taking radiographs for the first
time in Japan. In 1911, it introduced a medical X-ray imaging
system. Since then, the Division
has continued to develop a
steady stream of advanced diagnostic imaging systems, including
X-ray systems, PET systems and
peripheral devices, each of which
contributes to the early discovery
of abnormalities and improves
recovery rates.
physics and chemistry instruments to
ic collaboration.
the school and had power supply
Genzo Shimadzu Jr., who was in
equipment. Using today's jargon, this
charge of the family company at the
was an early form of industrial-academ-
time, was very enthusiastic about the
Shimadzu supplies X-ray systems for a
offer and immediately began develop-
variety of medical applications, togeth-
ment. Ultimately, Shimadzu succeeded
er with cutting-edge diagnostic and
in taking radiographs only eleven
examination systems, including PET
months after Dr. Roentgen discovered
and CT scanners. Medical system sales
the X-ray. Since then, Shimadzu has
account for roughly 20% of Shimadzu's
continued to develop state-of-the-art X-
business. Shimadzu medical systems
ray systems and peripheral equipment,
provide essential functions for the early
carving out a leading role in the market.
discovery of medical problems and the
In 1909, Shimadzu developed Japan's
prompt administration of precise treat-
first medical X-ray system and deliv-
ments.
ered it to the Chiba Kokufudai Eisei
Among these medical products, X-ray
Hospital. The second system was deliv-
systems are special for Shimadzu.
ered in 1911 to Ohtsu Hospital, operat-
Mr. Suzuki recalls, "When I entered the
ed by the Japan Red Cross. Then, in
company, Shimadzu X-ray systems
1918 the company developed the
already had a solid brand image. They
"Diana" X-ray system, which used an
were known for their high-precision,
high-quality imaging performance and
superb reliability, which was reflected in
Keiichi Fujii,
R&D Manager, Research and Development Department,
Medical Systems Division
AC transformer in place of the conventional induction coil. This product
enjoyed phenomenal sales and was
I n n o v a t i o n No. 37 14
also exported overseas.
cessing is simpler, it provides much
Later, in 1961, Shimadzu commercial-
clearer images than the indirect conver-
ized the world's first remote-controlled
sion system. It also makes it possible to
X-ray TV system. This system con-
reduce the radiation dose. Although the
tributed to the early discovery of stom-
direct conversion system was widely
ach cancer. Recently, Shimadzu devel-
believed to be theoretically possible, it
oped a mobile X-ray system that is able
was not easy to develop the amor-
to take radiographic images at a
phous selenium screen, which was an
patient's bedside. This product has
essential part of the system.
also earned widespread acclaim over-
Shimadzu was confident of its ability to
seas. These groundbreaking products
develop digital X-ray systems using an
have established Shimadzu as a lead-
indirect conversion FPD that would
ing manufacturer of X-ray systems.
offer a level of quality as high as that of
any other manufacturer. However, while
Recovering Lost Ground
In the 1990s, however, Shimadzu's Xray business slowed. The dip was
other companies were introducing
Goro Hirata,
Assistant Manager, Research & Development
Department, Medical Systems Division
caused by a growing number of cases
products one after another based on
the indirect conversion method,
Shimadzu was examining carefully what
was truly needed by medical profes-
in which products that the company
working to develop the FPD in order to
sionals. As a result, it embarked on the
thought would meet clinical needs were
gain a leading position in the emerging
challenge of developing a direct con-
not exactly what doctors and other
digital X-ray market.
version system.
medical specialists wanted.
Shimadzu began developing the FPD
"The history of Shimadzu Corporation
"Although people working in medical
for digital X-ray applications in 1995.
and its founder Genzo Shimadzu is one
services were seeking X-ray systems
Currently, there are two distinct FPD
of innovative technology. Through
that were easy to use and compact, we
systems: direct conversion and indirect
relentless effort, Shimadzu has
focused our development efforts on
conversion. The indirect conversion
achieved what had been thought to be
improving image sharpness and making
system uses a fluorescent screen (scin-
impossible. This kind of don't-give-up
equipment more solid. We were proba-
tillator) to receive X-rays that have pen-
attitude has made Shimadzu what it is
bly a bit overconfident about the prod-
etrated a patient's body, converts them
today," explains Mr. Suzuki.
ucts we produced," Mr. Suzuki reflect-
to light, and then changes the light to
Needless to say, it was no easy task.
ed.
an electric signal using photodiodes.
"We were able to display images, but
Shimadzu also faced another challenge
Because this system was created by
they had so much noise we didn't know
in developing new X-ray system
combining conventional technologies, it
where to start. It was brain racking,"
devices. The radiological imaging mar-
is relatively easy to develop an indirect
says Keiichi Fujii, R&D Manager.
ket started to shift towards "full digital-
conversion X-ray system. Many of our
A prototype was finally produced, then
ization" by replacing the conventional
competitors have opted to develop this
discarded, a process that was repeated
film and image intensifier tube (similar
type of system.
over and over. Meanwhile, other com-
to a classic vacuum tube) with newly
developed devices. Digital images are
not only easier to manage, but also
they can be instantly viewed for quick
panies who chose the indirect conver-
Meeting the
Challenge for New
Technology
diagnosis, and transferred over a data
sion system released FPD-equipped Xray systems, and those systems gradually spread throughout the market. In
2002, when Shimadzu began feeling
network, helping to eliminate differ-
Shimadzu, on the other hand, adopted
the pressure mount, the development
ences in the level of services available
the direct conversion system, which
staff reported that a satisfactory panel
to outlying communities. The newly
converts X-ray signals directly to elec-
had at last been developed. The preci-
developed flat panel detector (FPD)
tric signals and uses an amorphous
sion of the images taken by the newly-
maximizes these digital advantages. X-
selenium (a-Se) screen, which reacts
developed panel was not only better
ray system manufacturers are now
with X-rays. Since digital image pro-
than that of the indirect conversion
15 I n n o v a t i o n No. 37
Shaping the Future
method, it was actually superior to that
market. In autumn 2004, Shimadzu
of conventional silver halide film in both
released a new version with an expand-
still images and in each frame of mov-
ed imaging range of 17 inches (17 x 17
ing images. At the time, silver halide
inches). This expanded the field of view
film was considered to provide the best
beyond that offered by film. As soon as
possible quality.
the product hit the market, inquiries
"Exceeding the sharpness and sensitiv-
poured in from all over Japan, and soon
ity of film with a digital system has been
production could not keep pace with
a long-cherished dream for many engi-
demand.
neers," said Mr. Suzuki. Mr. Fujii added,
Next, Shimadzu introduced the
"There were countless difficulties to
Sonialvision Safire digital table system,
overcome before completing the sys-
a product that has the potential to
tem, but our development has expand-
change the style of conventional diag-
ed the possibilities of diagnostic imag-
nosis, since it enables observation of
ing systems."
the entire esophagus, without moving
the viewing area. This system's wide
Aiming to be the World's
No. 1 X-ray System
Manufacturer
半切サイズ縦
17" x 14",
17"×14"
portrait
半切サイズ横
14" x 17",
14"×17"
landscape
［大視野Ｆ
17"島津
x 17"
field ofＰＤ］
viewのof the
視野サイズ 17"×17"
Shimadzu
large-field FPD
The 17-inch FPD is large enough to cover any region that
can be captured on a maximum-size film. While maintaining extremely high 150-μm resolution, Shimadzu's X-ray
system achieves a large viewing field of 17 x 17 inches. It
provides distortion-free, ultrahigh-resolution images of
large body areas for abdomen observation and orthopedic examination.
field of view can also be used for effec-
offers superb image quality and
tive functional diagnosis, and its large
reduced radiation dosages, but also is
17 x 17-inch imaging area can be
equipped with an X-ray tube that
applied to ordinary abdomen and DIP
moves in coordination with the stand,
In the spring of 2003, Shimadzu
(drip infusion pyelography) radiography.
an LCD touch panel that is easy to
launched the DIGITEX Safire cardiac
Shimadzu's product line also includes
operate and see, and many other con-
and vascular X-ray system featuring a
the RADIOTEX Safire general radi-
venient features and functions.
9-inch (9 x 9-inch) direct conversion
ographic vertical X-ray system,
"There was a time when we didn't con-
FPD. This system provided higher reso-
designed for general radiographic
duct sufficient market surveys, and
lution images than anyone had ever
applications such as bone fracture
delivered products to customers with-
seen and had a major impact on the
examinations. This system not only
out closely checking whether they
offered the easiest possible operation.
17-inch Direct Conversion FPD X-Ray System
New Digital Table System
Sonialvision Safire
Sonialvision Safire allows the observation of an entire esophagus without moving the viewing area. This wide field of view
can be effectively used in functional diagnosis. The
17 x 17-inch field of view allows ordinary
abdomen radiography and DIP imaging. As
such, Sonialvision Safire has the potential to
change the style of conventional medical diagnosis.
Naturally, customers weren't satisfied
with products that were still rough
around the edges. Realizing this, we
began to conduct extensive studies
and tests to create easy-to-use products," reflects Goro Hirata, Assistant
Manager.
Shimadzu is now striving to become
the world's top X-ray system manufacturer.
"We've achieved the world's highest
level of quality. Now, we plan to
General Radiographic
X-Ray System
RADIOTEX Safire
RADIOTEX Safire combines superb image quality and reduced radiation dosages with a variety of easy-to-use and convenient features and
functions, such as an X-ray tube that moves in
coordination with the stand and an LCD touchpanel that is easy to operate and see.
improve our applications and strengthen our support system to gain the top
market share worldwide. And there's
nothing better than knowing that our
products are helping to improve people's health around the world," explains
Mr. Suzuki.
Who knows? The day Shimadzu
becomes No. 1 may not be so far away.
I n n o v a t i o n No. 37 16
Shaping the Future
Non-Destructive Inspection Machines
Using X-Rays to Keep an Eye on Quality
Industrial X-Ray Television System
SMX-160LT
The SMX-160LT Micro-Focus X-Ray TV System boasts
top-level precision and a 0.4-micron resolution
Capable of inspecting the internal structure of industrial products without damaging them, non-destructive inspection
machines are an essential part of the industrial product quality
improvement process. Shimadzu utilizes its X-ray technologies
to develop X-ray inspection systems for the industrial market.
the global non-destructive inspection
himadzu is Japan's top brand in
equipment market, which has grown to
industrial X-ray inspection
approximately US$450 million, comes
machines, with a market share of
from the semiconductor manufacturing
over 20%.
field.
"When I went to an electric equipment
Numerous soldering operations are permanufacturer to repair a machine we had
formed when manufacturing semicondelivered, the customer said, 'We count
ductors or when mounting
on you because your prodthem onto substrates. Minor
ucts support the reputation
soldering equipment problems
of our brand.' This comcan cause soldering defects.
ment made me realize the
More than 200 pins are tightly
importance of my work,"
arranged on an LSI that mearecalls Kenichi Maeda,
sures only 10 mm on a side and
Assistant Manager, Nonthe solder applied to the tip of
Destructive Inspection
one pin is only 60 microns in
Business Unit.
Akira
Hirakimoto
,
diameter. Since soldering must
The history of Shimadzu's
General Manager, NonX-ray inspection machines Destructive Inspection be performed with micron-level
dates back to 1930. When Business Unit, Analytical & accuracy, the "eye" that moniMeasuring Instruments
tors the operation must have the
metals are welded, the heat Division
same high level of resolution.
generated during the
Shimadzu
presently provides micro-focus
process can sometimes produce air bubX-ray TV systems with 0.4-micron resobles in the material. This can lower the
lution to semiconductor manufacturers.
strength of the material, even though
These systems provide excellent clarity
there is no change in its external appeareven when fluoroscopic images are taken
ance, which often causes problems in the
at a magnification rate of 2,700x, thus
steelmaking industry. Non-destructive
allowing accurate observation. MicroX-ray inspection machines are essential
focus X-ray TV systems are equipped
for preventing problems like this.
with control panels that allow pin-point
Shimadzu utilizes a wealth of X-ray techdisplay of enlarged images for target secnologies, accumulated since Japan's
tions, and precision mechanisms that
Meiji Era (1868–1912), to develop and
enable viewing of the same location from
produce a variety of X-ray inspection sysdifferent angles.
tems that meet the needs of the steelAs PCs and similar devices become
making industry.
increasingly smaller and faster, the sizes
While there is still a need for nonof the contacts used in those products
destructive inspection machines for steelalso shrink. Inspection equipment manumaking, the greatest demand today in
S
17 I n n o v a t i o n No. 37
facturers are compelled to meet stricter
requirements, as well as facing intense
competition. Unique, proprietary technologies and the ingenuous application
of engineering skills are the keys to surviving in this field.
"We created an application for producing 3-dimensional X-ray CT images of
cellular phones, and it was very well
received. Naturally, we plan to continue
developing and marketing unique applications that only Shimadzu can offer,"
explains Akira Hirakimoto, General
Manager.
Many semiconductor companies are now
establishing manufacturing bases in
China and in East Asian countries.
Shimadzu's next challenge is to earn the
same high evaluation in these regions as
it did in Japan, by making sure that its
products serve as essential tools for manufacturing plant quality control.
Kenichi Maeda,
Assistant Manager, Non-Destructive Inspection
Business Unit of the Analytical & Measuring
Instruments Division
Here, he explains the SMX-160LT, a system with
0.4-micron resolution.
Shaping the Future
Analytical and Measuring Instruments Division
Shaping
the
Future
Gas Chromatograph
Customer-Focused
Development
Exploring Advanced Sciences that Support Economic
Growth
Dr. Martin and Dr. Haruki
at Shimadzu's Sanjo Works
(1972 )
Gas and liquid chromatographs are vital analytical instruments
used in many fields, such as medicine, foods, fine chemicals, and
environmental analysis. Ranking first in Japan and among the top
corporations worldwide in market share, Shimadzu Corporation
has gained its reputation in the field of analysis on the strength of
these key products. Most importantly, Shimadzu has never lost
sight of the customer with each new chromatograph we develop,
from our very first unit to our latest model.
Liquid Chromatograph
Peering into an
Unseen World
This is why the scientific community did
Many more years passed before two
not immediately embrace his theory.
Englishmen, named Archer Martin and
Later, when Tswett passed chlorophyll
A.T. James, finally brought the term
At the turn of the 20th century, Russian
through a liquefied medium using a
chromatography to the attention of the
botanist Mikhail Tswett immersed him-
device he had been developing, amaz-
world when they published their paper
self in the study of chlorophyll and
ingly, clearly-defined layers appeared in
on gas-liquid chromatography in 1952.
came up with the at the time unthink-
the liquid, making Tswett the first per-
That same year Archer Martin shared
able theory that chlorophyll had more
son ever to separate a complex chemi-
the Nobel Prize with Richard Synge for
than one component.
cal mixture into its component com-
developing partition chromatography
Chlorophyll is a collection of com-
pounds.
based on their earlier collaboration in
pounds, as every scientist knows
This historic event single-handedly
1941. Many would argue that the 1952
today. The mixture is very complex,
overturned many long-held beliefs and
report marked the starting point of
however, and it would have been diffi-
altered the course of botany forever.
chromatograph equipment develop-
cult for scientists in Tswett's time to
The analytical technique that Tswett
ment.
separate the individual components.
used was named chromatography.
Precision measurement is a vital tool
I n n o v a t i o n No. 37 18
without which science could not
a liquid chromatograph that analyzed
advance.
higher boiling point liquid samples. This
Shimadzu is a leader in measuring and
trend has continued up to the present,
analytical instruments and first began
with the development of the mass
developing precision scales in the early
spectrometer that led to the Nobel
1990s. Then in 1934, Shimadzu built
Prize in Chemistry for Mr. Koichi
Japan's first spectrograph for analyzing
Tanaka.
and identifying elements in metals and
In a world-wide chromatograph market
other materials. Shimadzu subsequent-
that currently tops US$4.5 billion,
ly developed Japan's first gas chro-
Shimadzu is No. 1 in Japan and consis-
matograph, which bolstered Japan's
tently in the top 3 internationally with
fledgling domestic petrochemical
our flagship liquid and gas chromato-
industry. This industry soon grew to
graph models. Our products are used in
become the driving force behind
a wide range of fields, including prod-
Japan's strong economic growth fol-
uct development, quality control, food
lowing the Second World War.
product safety inspections, environ-
Shimadzu has always kept pace with
mental analysis and life sciences. The
the demands of industry and it was no
factor that has cemented Shimadzu's
Shimadzu's Scientific Instruments
different when the company developed
position in the market is the customer-
Plant, were busy traveling from coast to
oriented sprit of our engineers and
coast. Japanese industries had finally
salespeople.
recovered from the war and were just
Outline of the Analytical
and Measuring
Instrument Business
Main products:
Photometric analysis instruments
Chromatographs
Scanning probe microscopes
Electromagnetic analyzers
Laboratory automation systems
Bio-related analyzers
Total organic carbon (TOC) analyzers
Optical devices
Balances
Particle size analyzers
Air quality analyzers
Water quality analyzers
ISO-14001 standard support equipment and software
Material testing machines
Structure testing machines
Dynamic balancing machines
Nondestructive inspection machines
Overview:
Developed precision scales in the
early 1900's.
Developed Japan's first spectrograph in 1934.
Developed the first Japanese-built
gas chromatograph in 1956 to which
the petrochemical industry owes
much of its success.
Developed an array of products
used in wide ranging fields like
food safety, environment-related
issues, and life science.
19 I n n o v a t i o n No. 37
Masato Ueda Manager, MS/GC Business Unit
getting up to speed. Among these, the
Gas Chromatographs
petrochemical industry seemed to have
Getting Answers from
the Workplace
the brightest future, and many new
products were being developed specifically for that industry. To determine
As Masato Ueda, Manager of the
what products were required and what
MS/GC Business Unit gazed at the GC-
was needed in the field, Dr. Haruki and
2014, Shimadzu's newest gas chro-
other staff members spent many days
matograph, he insisted that "Customer
on fact-finding missions at universities,
workplaces are full of hints. Only loca-
public research facilities, petrochemical
tions where the products will eventually
company research laboratories and
be used can tell us what we need to
refineries. In those days, extremely high
know for development."
separation ability and short analytical
The world's first gas chromatograph
times were needed to help the petro-
was sold in the United States in 1955. A
chemical field advance. The answer
year later in 1956 Shimadzu produced
that Dr.Haruki and other staff members
Japan's first gas chromatograph. This
came up with was a gas chromato-
product offering symbolically marked
graph with the highest resolution possi-
the start of brisk economic growth for
ble at the time.
Japan and was a key element in the
This new method heated a sample to
rapid expansion of the nation's petro-
vaporize it and then passed the sample
chemical industry.
through a separating tube called a column, where the components were sep-
Scrambling to Meet
Market Needs
arated out and detected. This revolutionary instrument offered separation
accuracy 100 times greater than previ-
In spring of 1955, Shimadzu staff mem-
ous separation analysis methods and,
bers, including Tatsuro Haruki of
equally important, completed its analy-
Shaping the Future
will be able to take
Principle of Gas Chromatography
In paper chromatography, ink is dropped on a piece of
paper and one end of the paper is then dipped in
water. As the water rises up through the paper, the ink
is carried with it and naturally separates into bands of
colors, including yellow, green and red. This is the
basic principle of the chromatograph. With gas chromatography, a tube called a column contains packing
(partitioning agent or adsorbent) that replaces the
paper. Liquid or gas is injected into one end of the column under pressure and, as they separate out, they
reach the opposite end at different times. The separated components can be measured with a detector to
identify them, along with their concentrations.
Controls the
column flow rate.
precision measurements, with repro-
Introduces a
fixed amount of
sample.
ducibility rivaling our
top-of-the-line GC-
Flow rate
regulator
Thermostatic
chamber
Gas cylinder
Detectors
2010.
Masato Ueda, in charge
of product design,
Sample
injection unit
Column
Introduces the
sample (liquid/gas).
Inert gas (N2 or He)
used in the mobile
phase.
went to our parts
Detects sample
components using
various detectors.
Separates sample
components.
manufacturing plant
to review each and
every part in an allout effort to reduce
costs. Plant workers
were impressed, since
sis in 1/100th of the time.
line. Second is because the company
no one of Mr. Ueda's stature had ever
Dr.Haruki and his team immediately set to
has constantly thought of new ways to
visited a production plant. It proved to
work developing the instrument and
make its products easier for researchers
be well worthwhile, however, as it
worked all year round. One special-order
to use. One such innovation came early
allowed the price of the GC-2014 to be
unit was developed and delivered to a
in 1980, when a microcomputer was
lower than the GC-2010, without sacri-
petroleum company in February 1956.
added that allowed measurements to
ficing performance. This achievement
Then, in April 1957, the prototype of
be stored as digital data. This was fol-
was a great source of pride for Mr.
Japan’s first general-purpose gas chro-
lowed soon after by full digitalization,
Ueda and his team.
matograph, the GC-1A, was exhibited
which was introduced in the early
It is now nearly 50 years since the first
at the Chemical Society of Japan where
1990s.
gas chromatograph was manufactured.
it created quite a sensation among
This same philosophy has been applied
Demand for this product has steadily
the academics and researchers in at-
once again to enhance Shimadzu's lat-
grown over the years from its humble
tendance. The story is still told today
est model, the GC-2014. Here, a large
beginnings in the petrochemical indus-
of how waves of spectators filled
display has been added to make data
try to present-day applications in envi-
the aisles, trying to catch a glimpse
easier to read and flow rates can now
ronmental analysis, trace level impurity
of Shimadzu's new instrument.
be digitally controlled. This means that
analysis for fuel cell development, and
after reading a simple manual, anyone
in food product analysis to satisfy con-
Tirelessly Listening to
Customers
sumers concerned about food safety.
This increased product demand is driving efforts to provide greater ease of
Strong gas chromatograph sales have
use, as well as improved accuracy and
not stopped Shimadzu from constantly
versatility.
updating its products and incorporating
Kyoichi Komori is Product Manager in
customer requirements and feedback
charge of the GC for the MS/GC
as it is received. Other companies have
Business Unit. He put it most succinctly
entered the market by developing their
when he said, "The needs of customers
own gas chromatographs, however,
boil down to basically three things:
over time Shimadzu has steadfastly
higher precision, faster analysis, and
remained the undisputed leader. This is
easier operation. With market demands
due, first and foremost, to the fact that
like these, we still have a long way to
Shimadzu products have been highly
go with gas chromatographs, regard-
regarded for the accuracy of their
Kyoichi Komori
less of the argument that the gas chro-
analysis and stable baselines ever since
Senior Product Manager, MS/GC Business Unit,
matograph is a mature product."
the first model came off the production
Analytical and Measuring Instruments Division
I n n o v a t i o n No. 37 20
Liquid Chromatographs
products and pharmaceuticals, and a
Affordable, Compact, and
Easy to Operate
growing interest in environmental protection. These developments led
Shimadzu to release the full-featured
Shimadzu began selling liquid chro-
Prominence Series LC-20A liquid chro-
matographs 15 years after releasing its
matograph last year.
first gas chromatograph.
Today's liquid chromatographs feature
A liquid chromatograph, as its name
significantly lower "carryover", which is
implies, uses liquid instead of gas as
contamination due to residue from a
the carrier. While the gas chromato-
previous sample left in the sample
graph uses a gas to separate a sample
injection unit. Since a liquid carries the
into constituent components, the liquid
sample along in the liquid chromato-
chromatograph does the same thing
Shuzo Maruyama General Manager,
graph, a minute amount of each sample
with a liquid. A column that separates
LC Business Unit of the Analytical and Measuring
will inevitably be left in the injection
components efficiently and liquid trans-
Instruments Division
unit. When another sample is subse-
port technology that can move the liq-
to analyze samples without vaporizing
quently analyzed, it will be contaminat-
uid at a constant speed are critical for
them with heat. Characteristics like
ed by trace amounts left over from the
accurate separation analysis.This
these have prompted a shift in user
previous sample.
turned out to be difficult and product
clientele to pharmaceutical and bio-
Obviously any residue left on the tip of
development took longer than expect-
related industries. Now that they have
the syringe from the previous sample
ed. However, thanks to its strong prod-
become essential analytical tools for
will be mixed in with the next sample,
uct development ability, Shimadzu
both structural analysis and quantitative
making the resulting data highly sus-
surged back and in 1978 released the
analysis of trace components, demand
pect. This is why, in the past, the
LC-3A that propelled the company into
for these machines has kept pace with
syringe was cleaned after every injec-
the position of being Japan's leading
industry expansion. This now includes
tion. However, times are changing
liquid chromatograph manufacturer.
the field of life science, rising concerns
quickly.
The company enhanced usability with a
about the safety and potency of food
Recent advances in liquid chromato-
series of improvements, including
able, compact, and easy to operate."
These words clearly described the
product's advantages to customers
and represent the history of Shimadzu's
liquid chromatograph.
Shimadzu products have been consistently ranked among the best in areas
such as separation ability and soon
gained an excellent reputation around
the world.
LC
2005
■ 2000: GC-2010
High-end, high-throughput gas
chromatograph
■ 1992: GC-17A
Gas chromatograph with fully digital
gas controller for easier use
■ 1988: GC-14B
Best-selling gas chromatograph that
is compact and high performance
■ 1981: GC-8A
Best-selling gas chromatograph that
is compact and high performance
■ 1974: Chromatopac C-1A
Gas chromatograph featuring the firstever microcomputer
■ 1957: GC-1A
Japan’s first general-purpose gas
chromatograph
■ 1956: First special-order
gas chromatograph
Liquid Chromatographs
1980s:
First biobusiness
boom
1950s:
Moving to the
environmental
age
1940s:
High economic
growth
Steel becomes main industry
tor. The mantra at the time was "afford-
GC
Gas Chromatographs
Flourishing petrochemical industry
the pump, injector, column, and detec-
History of Chromatograph Development at Shimadzu
Worsening water, air, and soil pollution
that allowed the flexible arrangement of
Raised from the research
level to the business level for
food and pharmaceuticals
development of a new modular model
■ 2004: LC-20A
Network-compatible liquid
chromatograph featuring significant
improvements in carryover and other
basic functions
■ 1997: LC-10AVP
Liquid chromatograph with built-in
validation support function for simpler
instrument control
■ 1991: LC-10A
Fully digitalized liquid chromatograph
capable of extensive data
management
■ 1984: LC-6A
Modular liquid chromatograph. First
modular type produced in Japan.
Became a best seller since it offered
reliable standard functions and
excellent cost performance.
■ 1978: LC-3A
Top-selling liquid chromatograph
■ 1972: LC-1
First liquid chromatograph sold under
license
Significantly Improved
Reliability
Today's liquid chromatographs have
become formidable tools, offering
extremely high resolution and the ability
21 I n n o v a t i o n No. 37
1900s:
First heavy
industries appear
Shaping the Future
graph mass spectrometers have meant
tested for cleaning the syringe and the
tomers. This series was optimized to
that mass spectrometers are now
thought arose of even developing a
produce substantially better results
replacing conventional absorbance
completely new cleaning method, none
when a mass spectrometer is used as
detectors in areas such as pharmaceu-
of the results were satisfactory.
the detector. In the meantime, informa-
tical metabolism analysis. Highly sensi-
Nobuyuki Tatsumi, Asst. Manager of
tion technology (IT) began to spread
tive mass spectrometers that are
the LC Business Unit, stated, "If the
around the world and demand skyrock-
increasingly being used as detectors for
syringe cannot be washed, then the
eted for analytical instruments that
compounds in even smaller quantities
best solution would be to avoid conta-
could operate on a computer network.
have brought light to issues like carry-
mination of the nozzle in the first place.
To satisfy this demand, web server
over that could previously be ignored.
This approaches the problem from the
functions were built into the LC unit's
Shimadzu's development team has
completely opposite direction."
controller and a new function was
often heard from major pharmaceutical
A special coating was applied to the
added to enable the status of all analyt-
makers that liquid chromatographs
syringe needle and a new adsorption-
ical equipment to be monitored over
cannot be used in their current state for
resistant material was used for the flow
the Internet.
pharmaceutical metabolism analysis.
lines. The results measured up perfectly
Mr. Maruyama put it this way, "The
Even though a number of agents were
with expectations. Carryover was
goals set for liquid chromatographs,
reduced to 1/10th the standard level at
from their very inception up to the pre-
the time and customers were elated.
sent day, have always been to improve
functionality and make the equipment
Partnering with
Customers
smaller, faster, and more advanced.
Now system connectivity has become
the newest priority on this list."
Shuzo Maruyama, General Manager of
Mr. Tatsumi expressed the renewed
the LC Business Unit, described it this
corporate enthusiasm when he said,
way, "While this development started
"We have to do all we can to satisfy our
out as a product complaint, it provided
customers. At the same time, we have
an opportunity for us to take a step or
to make analytical instruments that are
two forward, and the result was a newly
not only easy to operate, but actually
developed product. We are sincerely
enjoyable to use."
Nobuyuki Tatsumi Assistant Manager,
grateful to our customers."
To that end, Shimadzu remains 100%
LC Business Unit of the Analytical and Measuring
The Prominence Series is an example
committed to producing the right tools
Instruments Division
of our partnering efforts with cus-
for the job.
GC-2014
High-Performance, General-Purpose
Gas Chromatograph
The GC-2014 is the newest addition to Shimadzu's lineup
of gas chromatographs. It succeeds the very popular GC14B and covers a wide range of applications from capillary
column to packed column analysis. The large
monitor screen can even display chromatograms, while easy-to-understand button
operation greatly reduces the chance of operation errors. Moreover, expandability for up to
three injector units
and four detectors
increases analysis
productivity.
LC-20A Prominence
Modular-type High-Speed
High-Throughput Liquid Chromatograph
The LC-20A is the newest addition to Shimadzu's liquid chromatograph lineup. The modular format is ideal for expandability, giving the
user the freedom to select the components best suited to their application. Network compatibility means that the LC-20A can be connected
to a network and collect data from remote locations using Internet
Explorer. The LC-20A's standard functions make it an international
frontrunner with the fastest sample injection, minimum carryover, and
best detection sensitivity in the world.
Specially coated needle
Minimum
contact
area design
Low-carryover sample injector
I n n o v a t i o n No. 37 22
Aircraft Equipment Division
Shaping
the
Future
Entering Global Markets
Backed with Reliability and
Proven Track Records
Shimadzu utilizes state-of-the-art technology to improve aircraft
operation safety and cabin comfort and to reduce pilot load.
Building on a long and distinguished track record, Shimadzu is
now taking its first steps as a true system integrator.
Shimadzu started to produce aircraft
equipment in 1936 and established its
Aircraft Equipment Division in 1957.
Facing New Challenges as
a System Integrator
Three Central Areas of
Shimadzu’s Aircraft
Equipment Business
Since then, it has continued to develop
year track record and a domestic market share of over 90%.
Designed for highly mobile aircraft flying at high speeds, Shimadzu's cockpit
superior products for ensuring aircraft
First are air management systems,
display systems are equipped with
flight safety and onboard comfort. In
designed to control the cabin environ-
advanced optical indicators that allow
2001, it began to focus resources on
ment and ensure passenger comfort.
pilots to easily ascertain both flight and
three fields: air management systems,
Second are cockpit display systems
cockpit display systems, and flight con-
that help reduce pilot load during
trol systems. Shimadzu is infusing
flights. Third are flight control systems
increasing amounts of energy into the
that ensure and maintain flight safety.
development and manufacture of highly
These three systems are central to
reliable equipment, and its technical
Shimadzu’s aircraft equipment busi-
expertise and skills enjoy a favorable
ness. Let's have a look at Shimadzu’s
reputation both in Japan and overseas.
history and track record in each of
Building on a base of technology culti-
these fields.
vated through component design and
Air management systems are designed
manufacturing, Shimadzu is looking to
to ensure the overall control of aircraft
open up new markets as a system inte-
onboard systems, including air condi-
grator and expand the scope of its air-
tioning, cabin pressurization and air
craft business to a global level. With
bleed systems, and to provide the opti-
this business strategy clearly in mind,
mum onboard environment. In air con-
the division is currently working all-out
ditioning systems, for example,
on system development.
Shimadzu enjoys both a successful 50-
23 I n n o v a t i o n No. 37
Overview of Aircraft
Business
Main products
Air management systems
Cockpit display systems
Flight control systems
Engine starting & power system
Electronic control equipment
Magnetic detection systems
Hydraulic/electric/mechanical control
equipment
Space rocket valves and control
equipment
Division Outline
Established in 1957, Shimadzu's
Aircraft Equipment Division initially
produced air conditioning equipment
for the National Jet Development
Plan. Later, in the latter part of the
1970s, this division then began developing space equipment.
Shaping the Future
external condition information. One of
these systems is installed directly in
front of the pilot, where it projects altitude, speed, direction, and other vital
flight information.
Production of these displays began in
the late 1970s and Shimadzu now
Shimadzu Products Used to Enhance Aircraft
Flight Control Systems
Cockpit Display Systems
Shimadzu manufactures the gearboxes, valves,
and actuators that are used to control the motion
of aircraft flaps. Shimadzu's highly acclaimed
high-lift system provides integrated control over
the entire flap mechanism to enable low-speed
approaches during landing.
Shimadzu electro-optical systems display a variety of flight
information to improve navigation and aircraft safety.
These include three types of systems, one which is installed
directly in front of the pilot (HUD), one which is mounted in
the instrument panel (HDD), and one which is helmetmounted (HMD).
Our latest models even use holographic technology to display image information and Shimadzu currently holds 100%
of the Japanese market for HUDs and HMDs.
boasts 100% of the Japanese market.
Cockpit display systems are now being
installed in various type of commercial
aircraft, and Shimadzu is now striving
to expand its overseas share of these
products.
Even though initially air management
and cockpit display system development was performed through technical
collaboration with overseas manufacturers, Shimadzu has now grown to
Air Management System
In a jet engine, air drawn in from outside is compressed, mixed with fuel, and ignited to provide thrust. Some of
that air is also diverted to the cabin of the aircraft for air conditioning. Shimadzu manufactures a variety of aircraft
systems, such as the bleed air system that draws air from the engine, the cabin pressure control system that
maintains the cabin pressure at ground level, the air conditioning system that cools and circulates the air drawn
into the cabin, and the anti-icing system that prevents ice from forming on the wings. Shimadzu also holds 90%
of the market for the air management systems that provide integrated control over all of the air systems.
where it can develop and produce
these products independently.
past few years, however, huge manu-
the safe takeoff and landing of aircraft,
The role of flight control systems is to
facturers that can handle both aircraft
and its high-quality mechanical and
ensure the stable control of takeoff and
equipment and overall systems have
high-reliability electronic control tech-
landing, and of flight altitude and atti-
emerged. These manufacturers can
nology is a major contribution to flight
tude as well. This field involves the
produce all required components
safety.
manufacture of gearboxes, valves, and
through their own subsidiaries and sub-
“We can now independently develop all
actuators used to control wing flap
tier partners, which means that in the
of the primary aircraft equipment tech-
movement. For flight control system
future doing business purely as an
nology we need, and have a framework
mechanical, hydraulic and electric com-
equipment manufacturer will become
for combining this technology and
ponents, Shimadzu has delivered self-
increasingly difficult. In this new type of
delivering it in the form of systems.
designed products to aircraft manufac-
business environment, we too must
Recently, we have been conducting
turers both in Japan and overseas for
make the transition to system integra-
independent R&D and have now
nearly 30 years, with a consistent track
tor. For this reason, we are currently
reached the practical application stage
record of safety and reliability.
investing our resources into air man-
of hydraulic control valves that can be
agement systems, cockpit display sys-
used for 5,000-psi hydraulic systems
tems, and flight control systems. I feel
and also high-output actuators that use
Commitment as a
System Integrator
that we have sufficient
electric motors to operate
capacity as a system
flaps. Whatever our cus-
In air management systems, cockpit
integrator to play a
tomers’ needs are, we
display systems, and flight control sys-
central role in these
can start development
tems, Shimadzu is striving to transform
three fields.”
immediately using the
itself from a component manufacturer
Currently, the field
fruits of earlier R&D,” says
to a system developer.
where
Shimadzu
Kiyotaka Ihara, Product
Yutaka Nakamura, Deputy General
comes closest to the
Manager, Flight Control
Manager of the Aircraft Equipment
role of system integra-
Systems.
Division, describes this transition, say-
tor is in the area of
In the field of flight control
ing “In the past, we have produced a
flight control systems.
systems, Shimadzu now
wide variety of components for aircraft
Here,
equipment, a field that demands an
develops flap control
extremely high level of reliability. In the
Shimadzu
systems that ensure
Yutaka Nakamura
has the design know-how
Deputy General Manager, Aircraft
required to integrate a
Equipment Division
wide variety of previously-
I n n o v a t i o n No. 37 24
Shaping the Future
Dynamic Simulation
life, reliability is of
determine the optimal specifications for
paramount
individual components. This gives us a
importance. With
great advantage as a system integra-
civilian aircraft in
tor,” explains Mr. Ihara.
particular, busi-
1000
800
Total Commitment to
Software Development
ness performance
Simulation
Prototype
600
is also a major
400
element and we
200
0
intend to fully uti-
An important issue in system develop-
lize domestic and
ment is how to validate base technolo-
international part-
gy. For this reason, Shimadzu is now
nerships to create
working to develop highly reliable
an efficient sys-
analysis methods. This will be done by
-200
-400
-600
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
time (sec)
System Evaluation Test
created components into individual
tem,” says Mr. Nakamura.
customizing our computer-based
systems. Also, Shimadzu is currently
Mr. Ihara continues, “When operating
design/system performance analysis to
conducting dynamic simulations using
within a limited timeframe and budget,
conform to hardware parameters that
computers in order to improve the
even with equipment or systems that
truly reflect our manufacturing skills.
accuracy of design and of predictions
can be developed independently, we
“The most important part of a system is
during the development and design
have found it is more efficient to con-
the software that controls the aircraft
stages.
duct development in collaboration with
equipment itself. The amount of effort
other organizations. This approach also
you put into software development and
makes it easier to win the trust of aircraft
how you validate the software are key
manufacturers.”
issues. To ensure aircraft safety, vali-
While we value all collaborations with
dating the adequacy of the software
Business Performance and
Partners in Japan and
Overseas
specialized manufacturers, Shimadzu
with established methods is a hurdle
One of Shimadzu’s major strengths is
will, as the primary contractor of sys-
that, in applications for civilian aircraft,
the wealth of technology and indepen-
tems-related business, lead each pro-
cannot be avoided. I would therefore
dently developed components accumu-
ject and assume overall responsibility
like to focus our efforts in this area and
lated over the years. Another strength is
for system development.
establish a know-how base as quickly
Shimadzu's many manufacturing part-
“In the past, we concentrated on
as possible,” stresses Mr. Nakamura.
ners both in Japan and overseas who
designing and manufacturing compo-
Over the past 10 years, the number of
can, when required, form collaborations
nents that conformed as closely as
system integrators in the aircraft indus-
to respond to market needs.
possible to the given specifications and
try has increased to nearly 20. All of
“In the aircraft industry, which shoulders
were not really able to participate in the
these are giant manufacturers with
an enormous responsibility for human
creation of any optimized systems cre-
globally recognized names. Through its
ated from these components. Now,
aircraft equipment business, Shimadzu
equipped with a clear idea about the
is attempting to join their ranks.
overall system, we can independently
Building on a proven track record in the
Japanese market and on
Controller
CVM
Flap Lever
technical skills and ability
Sensor
Hydraulic Motor
Position
Sensor Unit
ACT
century, the day will soon
PDU
TS
spanning more than half a
arrive when Shimadzu can
To Right Wing
ACT
AGB
serve all three key fields and
participate as a fully-fledged
system integrator in global
CVM : CONTROL VALVE MODULE
PDU : POWER DRIVE UNIT
TS : TORQUE SHAFT
AGB : ANGLE GEARBOX
ACT : MECHANICAL ACTUATOR
Kiyotaka Ihara
Product Manager,Flight Control Systems,
R&D Dept., Aircraft Equipment Division
FLAP PANEL
Flight Control System
25 I n n o v a t i o n No. 37
markets.