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Furnaces are essential for manufacturing ceramics for electronic components which have been in increasingly high demand in recent years. Mitsui Kinzoku manufactures the refractory bricks used to line these furnaces, as well as kiln tools and bricks used for nonferrous metal melting furnaces. We also manufacture Metalofilter®, a world-class filter known for its highly efficient removal of impurities in molten aluminum. This filter contributes to the manufacture of aluminum beverage cans throughout the world. Additionally, we are also working with high performance ceramics to make new developments and applications, and to exploit their use.
1954 Establishment
In 1954, Tokyo Kokyu Rozai (TKR) CO., Ltd. (Original company of TKR Division) was established.
1957 Affiliation with Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd (Mitsui Kinzoku) had imported SiC refractories for zinc distillation furnaces from U.S.A Mitsui Kinzoku succeeded in developing SiC refractories, and had planned to launch the refractories.
1957 Development of kiln furniture for ceramics
TKR has been developing kiln furniture for ceramics (china, sanitary ware, tiles etc.) besed on technologies of super refractories (SiC and fused alumina refractories) since its establishment.
1961 Technical Cooperration with Carborundum Co., Ltd.
In 1961, TKR entered into technical cooperation with Carborundum Co., Ltd. who was a leader in the refractory industry. Since that, TKR and Carborundum had strong cooperation in development and technical and sales aspects.
1970 Establishment of Omuta Plant
In 1970, Mitsui Kinzoku, Miike refractory plant was renamed TKR Omuta Plant. TKR has been enhancing the manufacturing capacity in response to increasing demand.
1971 Development of METALOFILTER®
In 1971, TKR developed a outstanding filtration system "Metalofilter" for molten aluminum. TKR has taken out a patent on Metalofilter in 9 countries. Metalofilter has contributed to obtain high quality aluminum products. Recently TKR also launched a high performance hydrogen degassing system "Metaloclean TS" .
1971 Development of kiln furniture for electric parts
TKR started developing kiln furniture for advanced ceramics (dielectric, piezoelectric ceramics, insulator and ferrite). As a result, TKR has had unique technologies and large market share in these fields.
1976 Development of wear resistant products
In 1976, TKR was awarded the Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun prize for the development of wear resistant materials.
1990 Merger with Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
In 1990, Mitsui Kinzoku took over TKR to branch out into the ceramic business as one of diversification of the business. TKR was renamed Mitsui Kinzoku, TKR Division.
1993 Technical Prize in the first Japan Light Metal Association Award
In 1933, "Metalofilter" was awarded the technical prize in the first Japan Light Metal Association Award.
1993 Launching HC series products
TKR has marketed silicon nitride advanced ceramics "HC-SN"and titanian diboride advanced ceramics "HC-TB" for molten aluminum applications as a result of TKR's original development. HC-SN series products such as heater tubes and protection tubes have satisfied customers with the exceptional corrosion resistance, heat shock resistance and other properties.
2001 Change of Division Name
In conjunction with the further expansion of its business, the TKR Division will be renamed the Ceramics Division.
2012 Establishment of China Plant
Mitsui Kinzoku Advanced Ceramics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. was established in China.
2018 Started production of CeraMesh®
We have developed and started mass production of next-generation mesh setters. These next-generation setters are contributing to the reduction of environmental impact through their energy-saving effects.
2022 Manufacture ceramic products made with 3D printer
We have started to manufacture ceramic products by utilizing our many years of know-how in handling various ceramic materials, sintering technology, as well as 3D molding technology that enables high-precision and complex shapes.
