As a product-related approach, Shibarua Mechatronics Group is endeavoring to alleviate the burdens placed on the environment by offering environmentally conscious products (ECP). In creating ECP, we assume that environmental burdens will occur across the entire product lifecycle (the series of stages that products pass through, such as procurement of materials, production, distribution, use, and final disposal). The environmental loads imposed throughout a product's lifecycle are greatly influenced by the initiatives we take during the planning and design stages. In 2005, we introduced the concept of “factor” as an indicator for achieving a comprehensive assessment of the value and environmental impact of our products. The value and impact of each product are quantified as a “factor value” that gauges how eco-friendly the product is and how the factor is improved upon against a benchmark product.

Factor value is the eco-efficiency of the product being assessed divided by the eco-efficiency of that product in its base year. Eco-efficiency is a product's value divided by its environmental impacts – the bigger the factor value, the better the eco-efficiency of the product being assessed. Products with a factor value of 1.5 or higher and products with a factor value of 2.0 or higher are approved as ECP and Ex-ECP (Excellent ECP), respectively. Shibaura Mechatronics Group will continue to push ahead with the development of ECP and introduce many more to the market.

Vacuum bonding equipment for small-sized displays

Improving the environment: saving resources, saving energy
Smaller installation space use of turntable construction 21% reduction
Low power consumption motor rotation reduced 37% reduction

Higher value: improved reliability
Increased reliability cuts defects and boosts yields
Fewer stoppages, less trouble, increased operation

Vacuum bonding equipment for bonding the cover panel and LCD panel of small-sized displays for mobile phones and other portable equipment. In order to achieve a display that can be clearly seen outdoors, a specially developed adhesive sheet is inserted between both panels, and the two panels are bonded together in a vacuum. The number of components is reduced in order to simplify the equipment’s internal drive structure, achieving a compact overall structure that cuts down space requirements. Reduction of waste material that adheres to the equipment also reduces the output of defective products, and on top of this a decrease in the motor rotation brings down power consumption.