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Amorphous soft magnetic alloy powder improves energy efficiency
Epson and its subsidiary Epson Atmix Corporation have been awarded the Prize of the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology at the Tohoku Regional Commendation for Invention.
The award recognises the invention of an amorphous soft magnetic alloy powder (Patent No. 6123336), designed to enhance magnetic components by making them smaller and thinner while reducing power consumption.
The Tohoku Regional Commendation for Invention has been running since 1921. It honours engineers and researchers who develop innovative products, utility models or designs within their respective regions.
Energy-efficient innovation
Epson’s award-winning invention is a powder composed primarily of iron. The material’s coercivity, particle size, and tap density were refined to achieve both high saturation magnetic flux density and low iron loss. These properties make it useful for magnetic components used in high-performance electronic devices.
According to Epson, components made with the alloy powder are playing a role in reducing the power consumption of electrical circuits in mobile phones, electric vehicles and other technologies requiring high-frequency or high-current control.
Hiroyoshi Otaka of Epson Atmix, one of the key contributors to the project, said the invention is already proving valuable in several applications.
“Energy efficiency is a growing concern across industries, and this technology is helping to meet that challenge by improving the performance of magnetic components,” he said.
Industry recognition
This marks the first time the Epson Group has won an award at the Tohoku Regional Commendation for Invention. It is the fifth time the company has been recognised at a Regional Commendation for Invention event.
Isamu Otsuka, President and Representative Director of Epson Atmix, said the recognition highlights the company’s continued efforts in materials innovation.
“Magnetic materials play a crucial role in many modern applications. We will continue working to enhance their performance and contribute to energy efficiency improvements,” he said.
Seiko Epson Corporation’s President and Chief Executive Yasunori Ogawa also received a Prize for Invention Implementation Achievement, acknowledging the company’s role in bringing the technology to market.
Award recipients
Prize of the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Hiroyoshi Otaka, Metal Powder Production Engineering Section, Metal Powder Production Department #1, Epson Atmix Corporation
Prize for Invention Implementation Achievement
Yasunori Ogawa, President and Representative Director, Chief Executive Officer, Seiko Epson Corporation
Isamu Otsuka, President and Representative Director, Epson Atmix Corporation
Last Updated on January 30, 2025 by Nick Ross
